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Putting your money where your heart is … making charitable donations count By Sharon Nataline Giving to charity is an excellent way to lend a hand to others while enjoying significant tax deductions in the process. Donations made to non-profit organizations [tax exempt organizations under IRS section 501(c)3] are tax deductible. You’ll find there are a host of non -profit organizations that can benefit from even the smallest of donations. From humanitarian organizations to animal groups and beyond, the choices and types of charity organizations are extensive, including Educational Charities; Charities for Diseases and Illnesses; Animal Charities or Disaster/Relief Charities. Because there are so many worthy causes, choosing organizations to receive your support can be an overwhelming d e c i s i o n . B y t h o r o u g h l y investigating each charity, you can be assured that you are selecting an organization that does work you admire in a fiscally responsible way. Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on donations to fund their work. To make certain your humanitarian efforts are going to a good cause, nonprofit organizations should be able to produce a copy of their 501(c)3 certificates and should make their financial records available to donors. You may ask to see Form 990, which is the organization's federal tax return, for the last several years. Carefully look at the amounts the non-profit spends on fund-raising, administrative costs and salaries. A wellrun organization will spend no more than 25 percent on administrative and fund-raising costs. While charities tackle some of society’s most complex and intractable issues, such as animal welfare, these are long-term objectives. To be successful, organizations must be high performers year after year. Charity Navigator is one available resource that provides information regarding the fund-raising practices of nonprofit charities. This watchdog organization also provides a description of U.S. non-profit organizations that have received a 501(c)3, or tax-exempt, designation from the government. Charity Navigator rates the charities by evaluating a ratio of program expenses to administrative and fund-raising expenses, the percentage of assets devoted to operating costs, organizational efficiency and the amount of assets and revenue. Charity Navigator considers charitable organizations to be high performers based on (1) finances; (2) accountability & transparency; and (3) effectiveness & results. The website for Charity Navigator is www.charitynavigator.org. High salaries should not signal a red light to not give, just as low salaries should not signal a green light to PAGE 4 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011 Point of View give. Salary levels paid to charity staff should be based on the skill, experience and education necessary to move forward the work of the organization. Charities compete with businesses and the government for employees and must therefore offer reasonable wages in order to attract, hire, and retain competent people. However, many charity employees are willing to sacrifice the higher pay in the private sector for the psychological rewards of working for a good cause. In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to manage money wisely and to do a little research on the nonprofit organizations that are of interest to you. Understanding the organizations’ structure and activities is important, especially National/ International organizations, to make sure the organizations are in alignment with your expectations and beliefs. The Salvation Army and the March of Dimes are examples of two nonprofit organizations that may be structured or include activities that are at odds with the potential benefactor. The Salvation Army, unlike most other major charities, is not required to file public information because it is considered by the IRS and state authorities to be a church, so there would not be the transparency and accountability expected with a 501(c)3 organization. Although the goal of the March of Dimes is to help fight birth defects, the March of Dimes also funds outdated, cruel animal experiments. Charity Navigator gave the March of Dimes a 1-star rating, compared to other similar organizations whose ratings were 3 or 4-star (4-star being the highest). These are just two examples of identifying potential reasons for conducting research before donating to charitable organizations. There is something satisfying about giving locally. Giving on the local level is an excellent way to help improve your local community, help your neighbors, improve your environment and save animals’ lives. No donation is too small. Your donation added to the donations of others can make a huge impact on your community. Choosing to give to local charities is a worthwhile way to see the benefits of your donation firsthand. When you choose to donate to local charity organizations, you can see where the money goes, view the programs, and more. During a time when there are fewer resources to go around, our local charities need support more than ever. Donate now and donate often, if you are able. Please consider selecting one or more of the animal welfare organizations included in Critter magazine; all organizations featured in Critter deserve to be, and could become, one of your favorite local animal charities. Sharon Nataline is a local animal rights activist advocating for the better treatment of all species.
Mark Waldorff, CLU Agent Allstate Insurance Company 4004 NW 13th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 24-Hour Customer Service Phone 352.371.2204 Fax 352.371.8208 Email a024347@allstate.com HELP US, HELP THEM Adopt · Foster · Donate · Volunteer 2029 NW 6th St, Gainesville (352) 373-5855 www.alachuahumane.org KOKINO is a sweet, shy girl who is super cuddly once she has spent a little time with you. VAIL is the ever curious, quintessential kitty. A great friend and fun companion. DOT is named for the large perfect dot in the center of her back. This girl is a bundle of fun. Hours: Mon.-Sat: 10-5:30 Sun: 1-5:30 JEN knows how special she is, but is ever so generous to allow herself to be loved by us mere mortals. Calusa Animal Inn Full-Service Pet Care Center Russ Milner is back! Stop by with your furry friend and say ‘Hello’ 6321 Millhopper Rd. Gainesville 352-377-2181 www.CalusaAnimalInn.com We Are NOT Disposable! Darla’s Bow Wow Boutique Complete Dog Grooming Service BATHTIME FOR DOGS 16193 NW 206 th Dr. High Springs, FL (between High Springs and Alachua) 352-514-9130 CRITTER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011 • PAGE 5
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