Make a direct gift to an established charity

Direct gifts provide immediate financial support to religious congregations or denominations, educational institutions, or other nonprofit organizations working in such areas as health care, education, the environment, and human services. It usually is easy to find a charity that provides programs and services that reflect values similar to your own—you probably know of some already.

You will want to make sure that the organization you give to has tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, so that you may claim the appropriate federal tax deduction for your gift. The tax deduction for gifts of cash to charity can be up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income for the year. It also is possible to give gifts of property, including real estate, mutual funds, stocks, and other securities to your chosen charity or charities. These gifts entail different deductions for tax purposes.

Federated Funds, like the United Way, Community Health Charities, and others, raise millions of dollars for distribution to local, state, and national nonprofit organizations. They raise money for a wide range of health, human service, arts and other community needs. Many do this through annual workplace giving campaigns, others through direct solicitation. The funds are then distributed to member and affiliated charities. Over the years, the use of federated campaigns has been a cost-effective way of supporting community needs and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.