The Best Way to Give:
When you contribute to United Way of Whatcom County’s Community Safety Net, you make the most of your gift because:
- You are connected to a variety of essential local charities.
- Informed volunteers ensure that your hard-earned money is used effectively.
- You help people who really need help.
Working together, we have the power to change and improve our community in profound ways. With your help, we can lead our community into a new world of charitable investment by not just making donations to charities, but by focusing on investing in programs that demonstrate measurable results in high-priority, community problem areas. Thank you for envisioning our community as it could be and working to make that vision a reality.
Click-n-Give to United Way's campaign now!
Year End Guide to Giving
For many families, the holidays are a time to give back. Whether that's by giving time or donating dollars, it's become a tradition in many households. When making a financial contribution, it's always important to research the organization you are donating to, but with your dollars being increasingly limited, you want to know that your donation is making the biggest impact it can.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what organizations you are going to support this holiday season.
View your contribution as an investment. What you give to an organization should be seen as an investment. You want that investment to make a major impact while also giving you some sense of personal gratification. An investment directed toward a carefully selected group or cause will provide you with a more meaningful experience.
Do your homework. When deciding where to contribute, it's important to gather all the facts. Conducting thorough research prior to making a donation will help you separate legitimate charities from frauds, as well as reassure you that your donation is truly helping those who need it most. Resources such as the Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar can help you verify the legitimacy of an organization. To avoid fraudulent charities, make sure the organization you are considering does not engage in any of the following activities:
- Sends mail appeals disguised as bills or invoices
- Offers very little or no information on actual day-to-day operations
Understand the tax benefits of giving. An added benefit to supporting a nonprofit or cause you believe in is that most philanthropic gifts are tax-deductible. In order to take advantage of this, you must have proper documentation when filing your income tax return. IRS rules require a receipt, or a statement from the charity to which you donate, for each charitable deduction you claim.
Decide what you will give and how much. A financial donation is the most popular way to give, but there are other ways to help your favorite cause. Many organizations will accept property and goods, as well as your time. When determining the charity you want to give to, check to see if they offer these donation options. When giving money, there are many options, including donating directly online, by mail, through payroll deduction, or through a donor-advised fund. Also, find out whether your employer will match your charitable gift; this will help maximize your investment.
Track your donations. Once you have made a contribution, compile a list of important dates the organization has meetings and key events scheduled, then mark your calendar and follow up. These events could provide excellent opportunities to see your investment at work. Also, keep track of the dates and amounts of your contributions, as well as payment methods and desired uses for your gift. You should receive a receipt with an acknowledgement of your gift, whether it is monetary or goods. If you do not, be sure to follow up with the organization. In order to claim any type of donation on your tax return, you will need receipts documenting the gifts. Don't rely on a cancelled check to count as your receipt.
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