Josephine Darwin, Director of Community Outreach, has some information for you about two opportunities for end of the year charitable giving.
Tennessee Poison Center recently became a part of a new project of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee called GivingMatters.com™ . The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is partnering with area funders through GivingMatters.com™ to give potential donors more information on nonprofit organizations. A new feature of GivingMatters.com is that donations to any profiled charitable organization can be made by credit card on the GivingMatters.com website.
If a donor makes a charitable gift through GivingMatters.com, there will be a 3% credit card processing charge, minimum donation of $20.00 and handling fee of $1.00. Fees will be added to the total donation amount; i.e. $20 donation + $.60 for credit card processing + $1.00 for handling fee = $21.60 for total credit card charge. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will receive no fee and has no role in processing the gifts. The fee will go to Greater Horizons, part of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, which will process the gift.
The web address for GivingMatters.com™ is: www.givingmatters.com
You can search for Tennessee Poison Center or any other profiled charitable organization by typing in the name in the “Search for Nonprofit Organizations” field.
Also, in case you are not aware of the charitable giving tax change for 2005, here’s a synopsis:
Congress is allowing 100% Deduction for charitable contributions made before December 31, 2005.
In September 2005, President Bush signed legislation entitled The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005. Included in the Act is a provision which allows individuals to deduct 100% of their cash contributions to most charities against their income (with certain adjustments). The contributions must be made between August 28, 2005 and December 31, 2005. The charities do not have to support Katrina relief efforts. The act temporarily waives the itemized deduction limitation and the percentage of income limitation.
Eligible charities include churches, educational organizations, public charities and certain types of private foundations, but they do not include supporting organizations.
This is a one-time opportunity for individuals who desire to make contributions to charitable organizations. Donors should consult with their tax advisor to determine whether they can benefit from this unique opportunity.
I am interested in any questions you would like answered in the Question of the Week. Please email me with any suggestion at Donna.Seger@Vanderbilt.edu.
The staff of Tennessee Poison Center wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!
Donna Seger, MD
Medical Director
Tennessee Poison Center