Disability Donations, Charities and Worthwhile Causes
Your charity dollars are an investment in your local community, nation, and the world.
A donation is defined as a gift given by persons, typically for charitable purposes and/or to benefit a cause. A donation may take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, toys, food, vehicles, it also may consist of emergency, relief or humanitarian aid items, and development aid support.
Charity is defined as the means of giving help to those in need who are not related to the giver. Charitable giving is the act of giving money, goods or time to the unfortunate, either directly or by means of a charitable trust or other worthy cause. Charitable giving as a religious act or duty is referred to as almsgiving or alms.
In the United States Charity Navigator works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of over 5,500 of America's largest charities. Last year alone, more than four million donors used the Charity Navigator website at www.charitynavigator.org
Tax Free Donations:
In many countries tax rules and laws stipulate donations to charity are tax deductible expenses. These donations can help reduce your taxable income and lower your end of year tax bill. Check with your local tax office for full information on tax deductible donations to charities and Foundations.
You must keep written records and receits of all your cash donations as supporting documentation. Your records must indicate the name of the charitable organization, the date of your contribution, and the amount donated.
Note:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says it’s wise to be cautious when making your donation decisions so you can avoid scam artists who try to make money by taking advantage of your generosity. Their website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel01.shtm offers a number of precautions to help ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help.
Articles
