Tips
for Giving
Call
before you donate
All
the information in Who Needs It? was true, or represented
to us as true, when the book was compiled.
But things change quickly in the nonprofit world.
So before you load your car, call.
Make sure the organization:
·
still exists
·
is still at the listed address
·
is still accepting donations
·
still wants what you have to give
·
still holds tax-exempt status
This last one is important. We have made every effort to supply you with
the most useful, up to date information available, so that you can
make the most of your charitable donations.
But offices move or change policies, and small organizations
sometimes become inactive, so we cannot guarantee that every organization
listed qualifies to take tax-exempt donations.
We encourage you to call the Internal Revenue Service at
877/529-5000, or ask the organization for a copy of its IRS letter
confirming tax-exempt status.
If an appointment is requested,
make one
It’s
not just a matter of courtesy. It’s
also to avoid the frustration of showing up with a carload of goods
at an office that is closed. Many
of these organizations are small, created out of the passion of
just one or two people. These
people can’t always be in their offices.
Don’t take
it personally if an organization refuses what you’re offering
Just because an organization says it will accept particular
goods doesn’t mean it will accept them at the time you choose to
give them. Needs change and
an organization might be squeezed for storage space. Call and ask what its needs are at that particular
time.
Don’t give
trash
Charitable entities are not town dumps. If
an item is broken or badly stained, they don’t want it either.
You’re responsible
for knowing the rules
We’re lawyers, but not tax lawyers, and not your lawyers. Nothing in this book is to be taken as legal
or tax advice. There are
rules governing the deductibility of charitable contributions.
Be sure to consult with your tax and/or legal advisor for
reporting and compliance information and guidance.
We
wish you the joy and satisfaction of making a difference in the
world. Be generous.
It counts.
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