Author: publisher

Innumerable charities are in a daily search for monetary and tangible donations. Often times, the first though of giving to others is a positive one. Then all too often the thought process turns to reasons not to give. Perhaps the fear of giving away money that might soon be needed at home is overwhelming, or maybe the notion that a smaller donation won’t make a big enough difference inhibits the action. No matter what excuses are imagined not to give, there are always several good reasons to help provide for others.
Other than the significant feeling of pride and accomplishment for having given to a greater cause, contributors always have the benefits of tax deduction, space clearing, and social promotion. Creating a better society, whether the one we live in, or one half way around the world, has an impact on all the people and cultures surrounding it. By giving time, money, or resources to any given charity, patrons can make a difference in the world. When others see the good that comes from any small amount of giving, they tend to want to give as well. The feeling of having contributed to the betterment of others is contagious and rewarding. As the desire to help spreads, the world continues to improve.
Tax deductions can be claimed for donating money or items of need. Tax deductions are based on the value of items donated. Cleaning out closets and attics will clear out clutter and benefit neighbors at the same time.

 

Article by Remodeling A Kitchen.org.

· Don’t waste time. Raising money for charity is not something that can be done overnight. So as soon as you register you charity, start asking people for donations. That way you will have a head start on attaining your objectives.

· Objectives should be high and but attainable. If you feel at any point that the objectives are being achieved easily, then raise the bar. There is nothing wrong in doing this and the more money you have for you charity the better it will be.

· Get you donor lists organized. Start off with all the email contact you can gather and then move on to normal mailing lists and phone numbers. Get everyone in your charity to pool in their contacts and work off a master list. If you are organized this way, it will be easy for you to get your message out.

· Tell your story well. The reason why your charity exists, why you are part of it, what it will achieve etc., are important features of your message. Make people feel compelled to donate to or participate in the charity.

· Have schedule for your emails. You need to send at least for emails to each person; each of them a reminder to donate and the final one taking the form of “last chance to donate”. Then you should also send out emails thanking those who did donate and also update everyone on how the money is being used.

These are just a few tips that will help you get organized and move quickly to raise money for your favorite charity. Show people that you are in command, are open and working for a worthy cause and there is no reason as to why you should not succeed.

Article submitted by Interior Design Houses.com.

A citizenship survey carried out by the Communities and Local Government Department in UK indicates a slight drop in the numbers of volunteers and charitable donations made for the year 2008/2009.

The survey indicates that the number of people who made charitable donations dropped to 74% in 2008/2009, when compared to the 76% recorded in 2007/2008 and 78% in 2005.

Covering close to 10,000 people in Wales and England, the survey also indicated a drop in the number of people who volunteered. The year 2008/2009 saw 26% volunteering, whereas 2007/2008 recorded 27% and 29% in 2005.

Formal volunteering refers to uncompensated help provided through organizations or charity groups which benefit the environment or people. Informal volunteering on the other hand refers to providing help to those not part of your family.

Informal volunteering numbers also witnessed a drop with 35% recorded in 2008/2009, compared to 37% in 2005.
Other results of the survey include:

1. £17.70 remained the average donation towards charity
2. Volunteers seemed more likely to make charitable donations
3. Females volunteered more than males. 28% of women engaged in formal volunteering, and only 23% of men did
4. Persons with degrees seemed more open to formal volunteering
5. The average time people engaged in formal volunteering went up to 12.6 hours, compared to the 2007/2008 figure of 11 hours
6. Informal volunteering averaged at 7.7 hours – which is the same as that recorded in 2007/2008. ‘Giving advice’ seemed to be the most frequent informal volunteering activity
7. Those not volunteering blamed work commitments (58%)

 

Article by Sweet Happening.com.

Planned giving or charitable gift annuities are common today with many non-profit organizations benefiting greatly from the tax exemption that comes through this avenue from both the state and federal governments. There are many advantages that are closely associated with the charitable gift annuities and many and any organization that is duly registered can benefit from this kind of an arrangement.

Advantages of charitable gift annuities
1. One of the greatest benefits of the planned giving includes tax deduction from a certain percentage of the gift given. The donor is also guaranteed of a certain amount of tax-free retirement income which can be enjoyed by the donor or his or her spouse. This income can either be deferred until they are needed or be given immediately.
2. The recipients of the gift are also guaranteed of a certain amount of funds which will become available to them upon the demise of the donor.
3. Of the many benefits of the gift annuities, the peace of knowing that there are lives helped and changed by the gifts given is one of the greatest benefits for many.
4. In case the gift annuity is funded using appreciated securities, there is no straight tax on capital gains. The tax is outspread over your allowance payments and only a small section of the investment gains is reportable.

It is important to bear in mind that the rate of your annuity is determined by your age. The older the donor, the higher the payments issued. The gift annuity can benefit both the donor as well as some other two people they might decide to name, giving them a fixed income throughout their lives. It is important to consult a financial adviser before buying the charitable gift annuities and understand how your financial situation could affect the payment of your payments as far as tax is concerned.