GUIDE TO CHARITABLE GIVING
As one of the nation’s largest charities, United Way understands the impact that charitable giving has on improving communities and helping individuals. United Way also understands how important it is to choose the right organization to donate your hard-earned dollars. As you prepare to make any type of charitable gift, we urge you to follow the simple guidelines below.
1. View Your Donation as an Investment
Any gift to a charity should be seen as an investment, and you want to invest in a charity that will make a major impact on its recipients while also giving you personal satisfaction. An investment approach to a particular group or cause will ensure a more meaningful experience for you.
2. Do Your Homework
When selecting where to give, it is important to gather all the facts. Conducting thorough research prior to giving will help you separate legitimate charities from frauds, as well as reassure you that your donation is truly helping those who need it most. To avoid fraudulent charities, make sure your chosen charity doesn’t engage in any of the following activities:
- Asking specifically for cash donations
- Sending mail appeals disguised as bills or invoices
- Offering very little or no information on actual day-to-day operations
- Pressuring you to give
3. Understand the Tax Benefits of Giving
An added benefit, if you donate to a qualified charity or non-profit organization, you might be able to claim the donation as a tax deduction on your tax return. As of your 2019 return, the limit on charitable contributions of cash has increased from 50% to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To receive a tax deduction, you will need the proper documentation when filing your income tax returns. For more information & guidelines, please visit e-file.
4. Decide How You Will Give and How Much
Financial donations are the most popular charitable gifts, but there are other ways to help your favorite cause. Many organizations will accept property and goods, as well as your time. There are many options on how to give, including donating directly online, by mail, through your workplace & payroll deduction or through a donor-advised fund. Additionally, find out if your employer will match your charitable gift. This will even further maximize your investment.
5. Track Your Donations
Once you have made your gift, mark your calendar with important dates of your charity’s meetings and key events for the year. These are excellent ways to see your investment at work. Also, be sure to track the dates and amounts you gave payment methods and desired uses for your gift. You should automatically receive a receipt with an acknowledgment of your gift. If you don’t, be sure to follow up. Don’t rely on a canceled check to count as a receipt.
Information above collected directly from United Way Worldwide
At United Way of Hernando County
We believe it is important for the community to know that investments remain LOCAL here at home in Hernando County. As UWHC's Board of Directors and Staff like to say, "You LIVE here, you GIVE here, it STAYS here!"
Did You Know that all United Ways are independent? According to United Way of Hernando County's most current 990, UWHC Administrative Costs are 7.9%. United Way of Hernando County does not provide Community Investment Grant funds for any organization with an admin higher than 25%.
YOU LIVE HERE... YOU GIVE HERE... IT STAYS HERE!
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QUICK LINKS:
- See how your donation creates an impact around the clock!
- Supported Agencies/Programs
- View past Annual Reports to see exactly what programs your contribution supported!
- How can I give back to my community through volunteerism?
United Way Worldwide
Please view the common 'Myths & Facts' below from United Way Worldwide. All percentages and pie chart are based off of United Way Worldwide figures, which do not touch United Way of Hernando County local dollars. Less than .93% is spent on United Way Worldwide Membership.
Click here for United Way Worldwide CEO Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
