FAQs
What’s the difference between a donation and a pledge?
A donation is money you give now and the Town receives right away.
A pledge is a signed commitment to give a specific amount later, under the terms of the pledge agreement (for example, payable if and when the project proceeds).
Why make a pledge?
A pledge lets you show your support without giving money today.
Because the Library project is not yet certain, a pledge may be a better fit if you prefer to wait. Under the pledge agreement, payment is due only if and when the project proceeds.
By contrast, an immediate donation is received right away and is not refundable. If the Library project does not proceed, donations will be used to support Old Town Hall renovations.
When would I be asked to pay a pledge?
You may choose to donate now if you want to support the Town’s work right away.
Donations are received immediately and are not refundable. If the Library project does not proceed, donations will be used to support Old Town Hall renovations.
A charitable donation receipt will be issued promptly after your donation is received.
Are pledges guaranteed?
No. A pledge is a signed commitment in a Deed of Gift to donate a stated amount by the project’s Commencement Date, but it is not cash already received.
The Town can rely on signed pledge agreements for future capital planning and budgeting, and the agreement is suitable for that purpose.
How are pledges used in planning?
Pledges help the Town understand how much community support has been committed and help with project planning and fundraising planning.
The Town tracks pledges separately from donations received. Because pledges are payable only if and when the project proceeds (under the pledge agreement), they are not treated the same as cash in hand—and the Town plans accordingly.
What if the project changes or doesn’t proceed?
Pledges are only payable under the terms of the pledge agreement. If the project does not proceed, the pledge is cancelled. If the project changes in a significant way, the Town will communicate updates and donors can confirm their intentions.
Why donate now?
You may choose to donate now if you want to support the Town’s work immediately. Donations are received right away and are not refundable. If the Library project does not proceed, donations will be used to support Old Town Hall renovations.
When do tax receipts happen?
A charitable donation receipt is issued promptly after a donation is received. (Receipts are issued for donations received, not for pledges that have not yet been paid.)
Does fundraising lock in the decision?
No. Fundraising does not make the final decision. Council will make decisions through the public Council process, and the project can only proceed through the required approvals and budgeting.
Follow the Town's Aylmer Library's Future decision making page for the most recent decision making updates