2. Be an informed giver.
Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're asked to give, including the specific name of the solicitor and his or her relationship to the organization, how much of your gift will be used for overhead, the specific project the money will go toward, and other important information. Give only when you feel comfortable that your dollars will be going to support an organization you know and believe in.

3. Keep the right records.
For gifts of less than $250, a canceled check is sufficient for IRS requirements. For larger gifts, you'll want to get a properly worded receipt from the charitable organization as a confirmation of your tax-deductible contribution.

4. Be aware of how much is really tax deductible.
If you receive a premium in exchange for your gift (such as a book or a dinner), the amount of your tax deduction is reduced by the fair market value of the premium. You can turn down the incentive item if you wish to claim a deduction for the full amount of your gift. Ask the receiving organization for more details.

5. Ask about matching gifts.
Many employers match gifts made by their employees or make grants to organizations recommended by employees. Be sure to ask your company how it can help your gift go even further.

6. Remember, your gift can be confidential.
If you prefer to have your gift remain confidential, you should let the organization know. You can expect the charitable organization to honor your request.

7. Consider alternative forms of giving.
Don't overlook the benefits to you and your cause received from bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts in kind, endowments and many other creative forms of giving. Ask your tax advisor or attorney to help you make the best plan for you and your family.

8. Volunteer!
In addition to financial support, consider giving your time and skills. Not only will you help the organization, but you'll also make contacts, hone your skills, and learn more about the charitable cause to which you're committing your time and money.

9. Don't forget you have the right to say no.
Give generously when you can, but if you're unsure or feel uncomfortable-or if an organization simply falls outside your plan for giving-don't be afraid to say no. Or, ask for more information and take more time to think before making your decision.

10. Be a proactive giver!
You don't have to wait to be asked. Plan a giving strategy in advance. Contact the charitable organizations of your choice to discuss how your gifts can be most effectively used and help make a difference in your community.

© INDEPENDENT SECTOR

___________________________

If you want to find out more about an organization, have questions about the effectiveness or legitimacy of a nonprofit, or need to report suspected fraud, contact:

National Charities Information Bureau
19 Union Square West, 6th floor
New York, NY 10003
212-929-6300
www.give.org

Philanthropy Advisory Service of the Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
703-276-0100
www.bbb.org

The American Institute of Philanthropy
4905 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-5200
www.charitywatch.org

Guidestar
www.guidestar.org

What Is Give Five?

Give Five is a campaign begun in 1987 to encourage people to give five hours a week and 5% of their income to the causes and charities of their choice - through nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, or simply by helping a neighbor or friend in need. Initiated by INDEPENDENT SECTOR, Give Five has spread its message over the years through a series of public service announcements on television and radio, billboard displays, and magazine and newspaper ads. The thin red "pie piece" of the Give Five logo stands for the segment of your time and income that you are encouraged to contribute to the nonprofit effort, with the majority of the circle indicating what you have left over.

Today Give Five seeks to motivate people to give five or increase their giving to whatever cause they support. If you can find five hours of your time a week for a soup kitchen, literacy program, or museum, that's wonderful! If you can spare five percent of your income to support a drug rehabilitation center or a neighborhood beautification project, that's great! There is no donation too small or insignificant to be helpful. A neighbor taking the time to visit a shut-in can be as important as a large research grant from a large foundation. If you have three days a month to volunteer for a youth program, or $200 to donate to your local hospital renovation, or only ten minutes to make a call on behalf of your children's school fund-raising committee-those are all terrific contributions to causes that matter. All that matters is that you give what you can, in whatever way you can - and think about increasing that giving, if you can.

INDEPENDENT SECTOR
1200 Eighteenth Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
202-467-6100
http://www.IndependentSector.org