Around the world, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of people who are experiencing poverty and issues regarding their manner of living. A lot would depend on where they are situated, the country and of course the manner of living that majority of the region is experiencing. Not all countries are blessed with a good economy to which people can find a way to survive with the available jobs to choose from. Some are just plain unlucky to be situated in them like Vietnam, Africa and so on.

The good thing about the world is that people from other countries do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the best of their abilities. Help in any form cannot be measured and people in need do not really have much choice. Hence beggars really cannot be choosers in this case.

Help in the form of food, clothing and other materials essential for living is being sent to most parts of the world. Some would even render volunteer work and services just to reach them. In a sense, they can call themselves lucky that there are people who still care for what the world has to deal with today.

Categories: Activities, Analysis, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Disaster Relief, Events, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Jobs, News, Organizations, Programs, Tips, Veterans | Tags: aid, charity, Jobs, Organizations, volunteer-work

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There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Categories: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: charitable-organizations, charity, donations, Wherever the Need

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Have you ever wanted to start your own foundation or charity? Perhaps there was already a charity close to your heart, an issue you’ve always felt strongly about, or even something which involves a family member or friend?

Well heres a great idea I stumpled upon – you can now start your own private and personal foundation, complete with website, with easy ways for people to donate online. And you need much money to do it. Read on:

At Independent Charities of America, you can now set up your own personal, private, online foundation.

Through a simple process, you will be able to:

* Deposit contributions to your own foundation by credit card, check, or securities transfer at any time. The deposits you make to your foundation are charitable gifts, fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law at the time you make the deposit.

* Nominate gift distributions from your foundation to charities, churches, or schools of your choice at any time. You are not limited to the charities found on this site.

* Accept email “proposals” from charities seeking funds, an option you can turn on or off at any time.

* To see an example of how this works, you can take the tour at the organization’s website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the required contribution to my donor advised fund?

A: Your initial contribution to open a donor advised fund is $250. There is no minimum requirement for subsequent contributions.

Q: How often may I contribute to my fund?

A: As often as you like.

Q: What is the minimum requirement for recommending grants from my fund?

A: $25.00 per recipient.

Q: How do I receive a receipt for my contribution to my fund?

A: A receipt is issued by email. The summary report of all transactions in your account is also printable.

Q: May I allow funds to accumulate in my account in order to grow into a substantial amount?

A: Yes, and many donors do so. You can wait up to five years between deposits and nominations, providing you nominate at least 5% of the balance every year.

Q: Can someone other than myself or my family make a contribution to be credited to my personal/family foundation?

A: Yes, they can.

Q: If our club creates a foundation, who will get the tax deduction?

A: The club itself, if the club is the entity that makes the gift to ICA. The members receive the tax deduction if it is the individual members who make the gift to ICA.

Q: Can I contribute non-cash or non-stock gifts, such as real estate?

A: No, ICA can only accept check, credit card, or securities contributions.

Q: Can someone other than myself make nominations for distributions from my fund?

A: Yes, anyone with whom you share your email address and Personal Giving Number.

Q: I’m an employer. Can I have an at-work fund drive using the ICA system and let my employees fund their accounts by payroll deduction?

A: Yes. The employer needs to make special arrangements with ICA to facilitate reporting. This is easily done. Inquire by email to info@givedirect.org.

Categories: Charities, Families, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Tips | Tags: charity, charity-tips, foundations

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Were you aware that not all contributions are “tax deductible”? Just so that you don’t get an unpleasant surprise after you donate larger sums of money, it pays to understand the mechanics of this.

For starters, know the difference between “Tax Exempt” and “Tax Deductable”

“Tax exempt” does not necessarily mean “tax deductible.” A tax exempt organization is one that does not have to pay income taxes. Contributions made to certain tax exempt organizations may be deductible on the donor’s federal income tax return. While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines more than twenty different categories of tax exempt organizations, contributions to groups in only a few of these categories are tax deductible.”

According to the Better Business Bureau, there are more tips to keep in mind when you contribute to a worthy cause. Here are some of them:

1. Contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually paid or delivered. Pledges are not deductible until the year in which they are paid.

2. The value of volunteer time or services to a charitable organization is not deductible. However, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to voluntary service are usually deductible.

3. Contributions for which the donor receives a gift or other kinds of benefits are deductible only to the extent that the donation exceeds the value of any benefit received by the donor.

4. Direct contributions to needy individuals are not deductible. Contributions must be made to qualified organizations in order to be tax deductible.

5. Contributions made directly to foreign organizations are not deductible, except in the case of some Canadian organizations as specified in an agreement with that country. Also, donations to charities located in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. possessions are deductible. Such organizations must meet the requirements for exemption under the income tax laws of the United States.

6. The “fair market value” of goods donated to a thrift store is deductible as long as the store is operated by a charity. To determine fair market value, visit a thrift store and check the “going rate” for comparable items. One cannot take a deduction if the goods are sold on a consignment basis whereby the original owner gets a percentage of the final sales price.

7. Donated property may generally be deducted at the fair market value of the property at the time of the contribution. However, there are special rules for the donation of cars and other vehicles. Also, in certain situations, additional details concerning the property’s worth may need to be filed with the IRS in order to make a deduction on your federal income tax forms. Also, gifts of appreciated property are subject to special rules. See a financial advisor for additional details.

Categories: Charities, Organizations, Tips | Tags: better-business-bureau, charity, contributions, donations, tax-deductable-donations

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What does the word CHARITY mean, exactly? The word has many connotations these days – from simply giving alms to the poor, to a more divine, selfless way of giving.

So just in case you were wondering, here are the word’s origins. The rest is up to you.

“….The word “charity” entered the English language through the French word “charite” which was derived from the Latin “caritas“.

In the twelfth century it indicated a state of benevolance towards the poor.

In the fifteenth century charity was used to indicate ‘the state of love or simple affection which one was in or out of regarding one’s fellows; an occasion or body of people seeking to embody that state; the love of god, in both directions.

The fraternity was the embodiment of this ideal. In 1700, it meant ‘an optimistic judgement about the good intentions of others; an act of benevolence towards the poor or needy; an institution erected as a result of such an act.”

In Christian theology:

“…Love, in this sense of an unlimited loving-kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. In its most extreme form such love can be self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word “love.”

The love that is caritas is distinguished by its origin, being Divinely infused into the soul, and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation, and with it no one can be lost.”

Categories: Charities, Ideas, Religious | Tags: charity-definition, charity-history, Charity-origins

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