If you are looking for a worthy cause in which to give your time or charitable donations, non profit organizations are the place to look. Most not for profit organizations are created with the goal to make a significant positive impact in the community. Because of their benevolent nature and their great need, your help to these non profit organizations in any way is appreciated by not only the organizations but also by the communities they serve.
Non Profit Means No Profit
Non profit groups are exactly what they say they are in their title: not for profit. All of the money that comes into these charity organizations goes back out into the operating expenses of the organization and into programs the organizations provide for the community. In fact, most times, non profit charities end up “in the hole,” or in a budget shortfall at the end of the year because they try to provide quality, needed programs for the community, but do not have the funds to cover the cost.
Non Profits Need Donors
The workers for not for profit organizations spend numerous long, hard hours writing grants and crunching numbers in the budget so they can continue to provide the same quality services for their communities, but it seems each year money is harder to come by. Federal funding for non-profit groups continues to be cut each year, and grants are getting more competitive. As a result, private donors are becoming the backbone of these organizations.
Without private donors, non profits could not operate. Donations of any size make a difference, whether it is a few dollars, a few thousand dollars or even a gift in kind. You can take advantage of fundraisers as a perfect opportunity to make a donation to non profit charities, or you can simply make a donation at any time.
Donations Are Tax-Deductible
As long as you make donations to official non profit groups, your gifts are tax-deductible. Make sure the organization has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, making them one of many recognized not for profit organizations.
When you give your donation, you will need to have documentation of the amount you give; if it is a gift-in-kind, have the appraised value. Get the non profit’s tax ID number and save ALL of your paperwork. You will need it to make deductions on your taxes. The IRS Web site also has in-depth information and documents for easy downloading if you plan to make large donations.
Non Profits Need Volunteers
Non profits appreciate the contribution of your time as much as they appreciate your financial contributions. Volunteers save non profit groups innumerable budget dollars each year, because the non profit groups can get work done with volunteers, rather than paid staff. This frees up more money for serving the needs of the community.
Volunteers are valuable and beloved contributors to the inner workings of non profit organizations. They could not function without the selfless service of numerous volunteers who are willing to give hours of their personal time to help the organizations keep their programs running.
By D. Blair Thompson