As 2015 winds down, it’s a great time to remember your year-end charitable giving options.
This is a great opportunity to give to some worthy charitable organizations at year’s end and perhaps reap a tax benefit as well. The holiday season inspires many of us to give to those less fortunate. In fact, a third of all giving occurs during the fourth quarter of the year, with roughly 18 percent occurring in December.
Here at Bricks R Us, an engraved brick company, we encourage and support charitable giving throughout the year. We work with schools, churches, museums, non-profits and others in helping them raise funds through engraved brick projects. We love helping our clients be successful with their fundraising projects.
As you consider holiday giving and year-end charitable donations, consider these tips.
Find Great Causes
Look for organizations that are doing work that you support. As is often the case, many people find more than one organization they’d like to help. Find an organization whose mission you can support and then learn how you can best help them. Find out which of its programs are most in need and how your funds will be used in supporting each effort.
Do Your Research
Make sure the charity or organization is registered as a non-profit. Those with a 501c3 license or designation means they have been recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt by virtue of its charitable programs. That’s important to know as you’re considering giving. Look out for charities that spend excessive amounts on overhead expenses and fundraising. At our BRU Foundation, for example, all funds raised go to support helping needy families that have emergency bills. None of the funds are used for office or salary expenses.
How About a Match?
Check to see if your company has a matching contribution plan for qualified charities. In some cases it will match your gift up to a certain point, which could end up doubling your donation. If you don’t have such a program at work, consider challenging friends or those in your neighborhood to give as a group to increase the total giving.
What about you? What are your favorite organizations to support? Comment below. We’d love to hear from you. And if you have any questions about year-end charitable giving or the BRU Foundation, contact us today.
