Category: Charities

The 94-year old former South African President Nelson Mandela is recovering at home after being released from the hospital for treatment for a lung infection and a surgery to remove gallstones.  The anti-apartheid hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner is the South Africa’s first black president.

Since his one term in office from 1994-1999, he formed the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund which advocates children causes and provides support to vulnerable, special needs and those children who lost their parents to AIDS.  The Fund focuses on children from birth to 22 years of age.  Nelson Mandela is the South Africa’s highest-profile ambassador for campaigning against HIV and AIDS.  In 2013, the European Tour will team up with Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund for six golf events in South Africa.  Scott Jamieson of Scotland won the first European Tour in early December 2012 and the proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.  In addition to South Africa, the Fund has offices in U.K., U.S., Canada, France, Australia, Netherlands and Spain.  In 2010, the Fund earned an estimated $9 million USD.  Critics say the fund is involved in South African arms deals and blood diamonds controversies.

The United States Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c) identify 29 types of non-profit organizations ranging from certain corporations to qualified non-profit health insurance organizations that are exempt from paying income tax.  Charitable organizations are listed under Section 501(c)(3) and therefore, many of us refers to non-profit charitable organizations as 501(c)(3).

The application process to establish a non-profit charitable organization could be tedious, complex, and time consuming.  There are many Web sites that charge a fee to help you with the process.  Advertised fee varies depend on the Web site and if you seek assistance from any of these sites do your homework first.

If you are interested in establishing a non-profit charitable organization, here are some steps to remember.  Once you decide what type of organization you are interested in, create a written mission statement for your new organization.  You need to elect a Board of Directors for the organization and file Articles of Incorporation and establish bylaws. Filing Articles of Incorporation may need submittal of an Employee Identification Number (EIN) obtained from the IRS.  Once you develop your organization you can submit Form 1023 to IRS to establish 501(c)(3) and apply for tax exempt status with the state and local agency.

BBBSA is the oldest and largest youth mentoring charity organization in the United States serving over 220,000 children age between six to 18-years.  Their mentors work one-on-one with children to help develop confidence, learning skills and habits, and working with adults.  Children in the program are less likely to use drugs, skip school, use alcohol, and get into trouble with the law.  As a result those kids who are in the program do better at studies and relate better to adults.

BBBSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed under the U.S. tax code.  Its mission is to help children achieve their potential through professionally supported one-on-one help from mentoring Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  A young New York City court clerk named Ernest Kent Coulter founded the organization in 1904 to help young kids whom he has seen going through the court system.  Even though it started in the City of New York, by 1916, it spread to over more than 96 cities.  In 1977, it joined forces with similar group helping girls and became the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.  It currently operates in all 50 states of the U.S. and 12 other countries around the world.

Kars4Kids is a nationwide vehicle donation charity that mainly dealing with Jewish children related issues. Established in 2000, the charity is headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey and operates in 49 states in the U.S. Their Web site claims that they have helped more than 5,130 kids to date this year and over 250,000 kids over a decade. Those kids had a 92 percent graduation rate. They also provide 11 unique programs for kids. They accept all forms of vehicles, boats, and RVs in any condition and with free local towing. It is easy to donate to Kars4Kids. You can fill out an online form which takes couple of minutes and the charity will call within 24 hours to arrange a pick up time, according to the Web site. At the time of the pickup you will be receiving a receipt for your donation which can be used to get a tax deduction for your donation when you file your tax return. Additionally, you will be receiving a voucher for a vacation, according to the Web site.

According to the Web site, Kars4Kids exclusively help Jewish kids who are in need of assistance. The charity provides education assistance, pair youth with mentors and intend to build future leaders.

With the Presidential Election is in full swing there are many organizations eyeing for your dollars.  Candidates, their political parties and Super PACs are constantly contacting prospective donors.

The Federal Election Commission recently approved a program to donate your airline miles from an airline or credit card to a preferred candidate.  The Federal authorities are also considering a request from charitable organizations including Repledge.com to cancel each other party donations and direct donation dollars to charity instead.  For an example let say that there are two people who want to contribute different amounts to Democrats and Republican candidate.  One wish to donate $50,000 and the other want to donate $75,000 to the opposing party.  If the charitable cause request approved, the charity will get $100,000 and the remaining $25,000 will go to the opposing candidate.  This will allow your donation to be better spent for the cause rather than comingled with other competing views.

If you like a candidates stand on an issue but concern about other aspects, instead of giving to the candidate or a Super PAC, consider donating to a charity that represent your cause.  As an example you can either donate to the Planned Parenthood or Pro-Life Alliance instead of giving to a Presidential candidate.