The City of Toronto is making an appeal to homeowners to consider making a donation to city programs when they pay their property taxes.

When Toronto homeowners receive their property tax bills this week, they will also receive a flyer inviting them to make a "voluntary contribution" on top of their taxes.

The city will accept donations up to $50,000 and homeowners can earmark their gift for specific programs or services, including the TTC and the Toronto Public Library Board.

Donors will receive an income tax receipt as long as their contribution is at least $20 in value.

This is the first time that Toronto has made an appeal for donations from taxpayers in this manner.

City councillors approved the initiative last November.

City staff say they are unsure how much homeowners are likely to donate.