How to Donate

In Canada, monetary political donations are usually made by cheque, debit card, or credit card. Cash contributions are not allowed, except in very limited situations1.

You can donate through:

  • A party’s website by entering your credit or debit card information.
  • A donation form, using your credit or debit card information.
  • A donation form enclosed with a cheque.
  • By phone, by calling the political party and providing your credit or debit card information.

If you’re donating through a fundraising event, payment is typically made by debit or credit card using the event’s registration form.

Action

Make a Donation to the Party You Support

Here are the donation pages for each party. If you want to donate to a specific riding, see the article How to Donate for details.

Donating to Parties vs. Local Ridings

If you support a candidate from a political party, you can donate either to the party itself, to a specific riding, or both.

  • Donations to the party help fund activities across Canada.
  • Donations to a local riding go directly to the campaign in that riding.

Sometimes, a riding association may choose to transfer part of its funds to support another riding2, but that decision is entirely up to them.

If you want to support an independent candidate, you can only donate directly to that candidate3.

Action

Here are the pages for each party where you can donate to their riding associations (also known as Electoral District Associations or EDAs). Some parties offer a centralized website where you can select a riding and donate directly. Others require you to visit the riding association’s own website to make a contribution.

  • Liberal
  • Conservative: Donate through the local EDA’s website
  • Bloc Québécois
  • New Democratic: Donate through the local EDA’s website
  • Green

One-Time Donations and Monthly Donations

Most parties allow both one-time and recurring monthly donations. For example, let’s say you want to donate $360. You can either:

  • Donate $360 as a single payment by cheque, debit card, or credit card.
  • Or set up monthly donations of $30 over 12 months.

You can also split monthly donations between the party and a local riding. For instance, $20 each month to the party and $10 each month to a riding.

Since the tax credit is calculated annually, donating $360 once a year or donating $30 monthly for a year gives you the same tax benefit.

See also the article:

Why Planning Donations Matters

Political Fundraising Events

Fundraising events are a way to support a party or candidate while meeting people and enjoying refreshments.

These events are often held in event halls, restaurants or private homes.

The host usually gives a speech and invites special guests such as Members of Parliament or ministers. These special guests often mingle, give short speeches, and take photos with attendees.

Fundraising events can also be a great experience for fans of Canadian politics. For comparison:

  • A $400 concert ticket might only let you see your favourite musician from afar.
  • A $400 political fundraiser ticket usually gives you a chance to meet MPs or ministers in person and take photos.

Most of your donation qualifies for a federal tax credit4, minus the value of any food or beverages provided at the event.

See also the article:

Attending Fundraising Events

If Unsure, Start with Under $400

If you’re new to political donations, it’s often a good idea to start by attending a fundraising event with a ticket price under $400.

This lets you:

  • Meet the party’s supporters.
  • Get to know the MP or candidate hosting the event.
  • Meet ministers or other special guests, if present.

You’ll usually be informed in advance about which special guests will attend, so you can decide before donating.

A donation under $400 also qualifies for the highest tax credit rate:

  • You can claim 75% of the first $400 of donations as a federal tax credit.
  • If your donation exceeds $400, the tax credit rate decreases on the amount over $400.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

How can I make a political donation in Canada?

You can donate by credit card, debit card, or cheque through a party’s website, a donation form, by phone, or when registering for a fundraising event. Cash donations are generally not allowed.

What’s the difference between donating to a party and a riding?

Donating to a party supports national activities. Donating to a riding helps the local campaign. You can donate to both if you wish.

Can I donate to an independent candidate?

Yes, but only directly to that candidate, not through a party. The contribution limit for independent candidates in 2025 is $1,750 per donor, per candidate, per election.

Is it better to donate once or monthly?

You can do either. For example, donating $360 all at once or $30 per month gives you the same tax credit, since it’s calculated annually.

What are fundraising events like?

They often include speeches, refreshments, and photo opportunities with MPs or ministers. Ticket costs count as donations, minus the value of any food or drink provided.

Do political fundraisers offer good value?

Yes. For example, a $400 donation to attend an event could let you meet political leaders and earn a 75% tax credit, making it more affordable than it sounds.

What’s a good way to start donating if I’m unsure?

Try attending a fundraising event with a ticket under $400. It’s a great way to meet supporters, candidates, MPs, or even ministers, while qualifying for the highest federal tax credit rate.

Can I split monthly donations between a party and a riding?

Yes. For example, you could give $20 per month to the party and $10 to a riding. The combined total still counts toward your annual contribution limit.

References

  1. Anonymous Contributions, Elections Canada ↩

  2. Political Financing Handbook for Candidates and Official Agents (EC 20155) – February 2025, Elections Canada ↩

  3. Limits on Contributions – 2025, Elections Canada ↩

  4. Line 41000 – Federal political contribution tax credit, Government of Canada ↩

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