The compromise tax package just passed by Congress brings back for 2010 and 2011 the ability to donate tax-free from an individual retirement account. And, reflecting the end-of-year nature of the Congressional action, the 2010 donation can be made as late as January 31, 2011. (See section 725 of H.R. 4853).
If you are 70½ or older you can donate from your IRA directly to the qualified organization of your choice – tax-free! The tax package rule applies to the 2010 and 2011 tax years, and allows you to give up to $100,000 each year. You could call this rule the “Grin and Give Rule.” Continue reading “Tax-free IRA donations revived”
Tampa Bay police apprehended two bogus solicitors using the name of a recognized police charity. The couple had also been active in Orlando, and when apprehended were headed to Louisiana.
While the report doesn’t mention it, I’m guessing they looked for cash donations. If a donor wrote a check to the police charity, the [...]
Are you a “regular” donor who wants to be more thoughtful and strategic in your giving? Why not learn from the work of the professional givers? There are some terrific learning resources out there, including publications created by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO). A few favorites from GEO Continue reading “Donors – Start thinking like grantmakers”
Interested in donating to a charity before year-end? Have money in your IRA that you can give? Until December 31, 2009, you can donate to that charity directly from your IRA totally tax-free!
Come January 1, this rule is gone.
Read the details.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that the Internal Revenue Service has started a new audit program that will try to stop very rich individuals from using “complex financial arrangements” — including private foundations — to avoid paying taxes.
Read The Chronicle of Philanthropy report.
To maximize your joy of giving:
Give to charities that focus their efforts on causes you care about. The causes each of us care about are uniquely personal, based on our life experiences and view of the world. Give to charities that are highly effective in their work. Many are well managed and produce [...]
Chances are you’d like each dollar you donate to do the greatest good it can. You want to avoid weak and poorly run charities that waste money. You want to find strong, well-run and effective charities, and support them.
If you become just 20% more effective in your investing, you’ll produce significant benefits for [...]
We’ve created a new and unique 25- to 60-minute class, great for service clubs and other community groups that have regular speakers. Here’s our brief description: Continue reading “Class: 13 Things to Know Before You Give to a Charity”
Use our free Charity Scout Report form to track your charity scouting work. A few tips about using the form:
Creating an inventory of your recent giving can be a great way to start focusing your giving. Who did you give to? How much? What triggered the donation? What’s their mission? Where do they do their work?
Create your inventory using our Inventory Form.