Charities Blog

Giving Something Back

How to Get More Donations for Your Fundraisers

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When done correctly, fundraisers will raise money so your nonprofit organization can increase awareness to your cause and help make the situation better in any way you can.

The challenge now is to get more people to donate to your fundraisers. Since money is a limited resource for these organizations, they rely on donations and sponsorships. Both come from fundraising activities in line with the organization’s mission and objectives.

If your organization is having trouble in generating donations for your fundraisers, here are tips that you should follow to get the most out of your events. [Read more…]

Donate Something Still Useful to Charity

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When we hear of solicitations, chances are our mindset would be to give away old clothes or canned goods just to say that we made a charitable act. But while this is something generous of us, it may be wise for us to use logic at times. Old clothes still have categories and this includes “still usable”. These days, people forget about this important necessity. We stock up old clothes and put them in sacks since we cannot use them. But before we placed them there, we already have an idea on whether they can still be used or not.

Old clothes are a big help to the needy. But apparently, we cannot discount the possibility of giving away clothes that are good as trash. Since we donate them, people receiving them do not have a choice of selecting and make do with what we can give. But personally, we should take out the clothing that are no longer usable.

Canned goods can be in any form. The normal ones we give out are the cheap ones such as sardines. For a couple of extra bucks, perhaps we can add something different like perhaps milk or something healthy. If all the poor people had to live on sardines, imagine at the level of help they can get.

All I am saying is that when you give to charity, mean it. It is not about taking something out of the closet or the kitchen cabinet to say you did a good deed. We are giving to people as well. Just imagine how you would feel if you were in their shoes.

Charities May Need Security As Well

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With the hard times upon us, no one is spared from the hardships of earning a living and surviving in this world. With that said, you have to wonder if religious organizations and charities need the aid of security protection as well as with their open “door policy”, practically anyone can come in.

The churches have had the benefit of being watched over and it would not be surprising if charities would follow suit. It would not be surprising if evil eyes would monitor charity organizations and their activities since we all know that money comes to them from the free will and voluntary acts of citizens aiming for a good cause. Has humanity lost its mind in targeting the religious and goodwill organizations as well? It really should not be surprising.

For one, there are people who are becoming desperate these days. They need money to survive and feed their families. Bad or good, the only important thing for them right now is providing. If they can get away with it, then it would be good for them. But in case they don’t, well at least they tried. They would live a better life in prison with full meals would they not?

The mentality seems to be deranged. But the fact is that unless something subtle comes up, people are always at the edge of their seats. They continue to hope and pray but apparently most of them are unanswered. So with that in mind, the only thing left right now is to protect the organizations operating for a good cause. Now that is something we never thought would be seen before.

Helping Disabled People in Kind

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People having disabilities are sights to which anyone’s heart will surely go out to. A lot of them can be seen all throughout the world, particularly in Africa, the Philippines and Vietnam. Being in their state was not made by choice but rather by fate. Fortunate people who care enough would give the necessary support and capable sponsorship to extend their helping hands towards them. People cannot simply claim that it is these victims who choose not to do something to rehabilitate their current stature.

Helping the Disabled People

True that it fattens the heart to be able to help people in need. This is why people who do charity work and worthy causes would rather do something good for the benefit of the lesser fortunate people. The rewards may not be measured in terms of financial or objects, but all the same, it is providing assistance and support that matters above all.

There are some things that are simply immeasurable and intangible that people would prefer and this is usually doing something wholeheartedly without anything tangible in exchange.

Wherever the Need

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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!.

Tax Deductible Contributions

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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.

Philippine Residents In Need Of Donations

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Remember what happened to Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit several years ago? The hurricane dumped more than an inch of rainfall for three hours, and then it dumped 0.5 inches of rain for the next 5 hours or so. We all know what happened.

Now think of a tropical storm dumping an average of 2.24 inches of rain per hour for six hours straight. Think of a metropolis crammed with millions and millions of people – many of them living near swollen rivers in makeshift shanties. You can just imagine the disaster!

This is exactly what happened to Metro Manila and outlying areas on Saturday, September 26. The center of the nation was left helpless under the wrath of nature. Even the business district was flooded, with cars being swept away by the flood waters.

Ordinary people were left stranded in the middle of the highways. Others were stuck on the roofs of their houses. The less fortunate ones were carried away by the raging waters.

One thing is clear: these people need help.

You will be amazed at how quickly the Filipino people are banding together to offer their help. Numerous institutions have opened their arms as hosts to those who have been displaced. Churches, schools, and community centers have risen to the occasion. Others have volunteered to pack relief goods. People have also been using technology non-stop to do their part – spreading information, asking for rescue, even sending donations to the Philippine Red Cross through their mobile phones. Nothing is too small, and nothing too big – the Filipino nation is showing their “bayanihan” spirit and is proud of it.

For those who want to donate or help in whatever way you can, here’s the relevant information.

• Red Cross donation via SMS: text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
• Relief goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308). Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).
• TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy.
• Generous souls in the US who wish to help in the rescue and relief operations, you may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-435-7669.

Red Cross Soliciting Donations

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No thanks to the series of hurricanes that have been hitting the various parts of the world, the Red Cross is seeking donations from anyone at the moment since helping most, if not all, of these areas in need may soon become a growing concern.

We have seen various hurricanes and typhoons like Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike and mind you, the aftermath of their visits leaves a lot for consideration. The Red Cross will be there but as far as providing aids towards these people who have become victims of such, a lot of problems as far as serving and making sure that they are able to extend that needed help may soon become a wish rather than a reality.

True enough, the Red Cross can only do so much. With the growing number of casualties brought about by these storms and floods, one has to wonder on the maximum capacity that this organization can provide as far as help is concerned.

For the people who have been spared from such wraths, perhaps adding a little something in the form of cash or in kind items can go a long way. The Red Cross is the last group you would think who would ask for help and once that happens, you know that they really need help in assisting our brothers and sisters who have become unfortunate victims of these unruly freaks of nature.

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Stater Bros. Helps Fights Hunger this Christmas

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Talk about the main concern of most people today in the light of the economic catastrophe besetting the world, it is trying to stay alive and fighting hunger. There are a lot of organizations today that are independently trying to do their thing but apparently they cannot do it alone. One can just imagine their setup at the moment, staving off problems by trying to infuse funds as much as they can. But the fact of the matter remains that even the best efforts of these groups cannot really address the problems of hunger this Christmas on their own.

Stater Bros. Charities aims to do just that and give it a go. Stater Bros. Charities has reportedly released checks in the amount of $6,918.31 or more to assist 31 organizations. The move can be seen as minimal but the fact of the matter here is that each penny counts.

“It’s our hope that every person living in our community will be cared for this holiday season,” said Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets. “Because of this, Stater Bros. Charities is honored to help in a larger way this year by making substantial contributions to the organizations that serve on the frontlines.”

So while people are worried of the outcome of the charity works this Christmas, perhaps it all starts from actual needs. For sure, other charity organization could do well to follow the lead of Stater Bros. Charity groups. It all depends on how they understand and assess the real needs of charities at least for the coming holidays.

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More “In Kind” Donations to Charities this Year

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While the finance side of most donors this year has been severely affected, there are other ways that they will be shelling out a good cause when the holidays start rushing in. Sure there will be not much cash donations this year but old clothes, food and perhaps some books will take the place of the usual generous donors just to keep the spirit of giving alive.

As far as the various institutions are concerned, the best they can do is say “Thank You”. It is apparent that most of the cash donations comprise the majority of their operations expenses such as light and water expenses but as far as this season of giving is concerned, it certainly doesn’t look bright. People are having a hard time and the next best thing is to try and help out the people in need with alternative basic necessities which are sure to be appreciated.

Big companies are doing the same thing. Although some of them have still pledged giving various contribution based on their actual sales made from operations, the hard times that they are also experiencing is expected to take its toll. The collections they may get from pledged donations to the needy may not be as large as before but for sure, there will still be inflows as far as cash needs are concerned.

This is only temporary. Who knows if next year will tell a different story? All of us just have to bear with the hard times we are facing and no one is spared, not even the charitable organizations in need today.