Donation rules & rebate information

Who can donate

• Only individuals who are residents of Ontario can contribute to municipal candidates.
• Corporations and trade unions cannot contribute to candidates.
• Contributions must be from the contributor's own funds. (source)

Contribution limits (current framework)

Under the MEA as applied province-wide:

• Max total from one individual to a single candidate is $1,200. (Open Council)
• An individual cannot contribute more than $5,000 total to all candidates running for the same council/board. (Open Council)

Contribution Rebate Program (Toronto-specific)

Under Municipal Code Chapter 53-3 and Schedule A, City Council has authorized a Contribution Rebate Program for contributions to City Council candidates (mayor & councillors only). Key points: (City of Toronto)

• Only monetary contributions over $25 are eligible.
• Rebate amount is based on total eligible contributions a person makes to participating candidates (e.g., up to 75% on the first $300, then a sliding scale up to a maximum rebate of $1,000).
• Only individuals may receive rebates (no corporations / unions).
• Contributor must apply through the City's Rebate System within six months after the supplementary reporting deadline.

This summary is provided for general information only. For the authoritative rules, see the City of Toronto Contribution Rebates page and the Ontario Municipal Elections Act, 1996. If you have a question about whether a specific contribution is eligible, please contact our campaign at [email protected] or the City of Toronto Elections office directly.