Are you looking for ways to help your community? Donating to local non-profit organizations ensures your contribution provides assistance to people in your area when they need it most.

Keeping Communities Going

We often think about non-profit organizations as being places people turn to in a time of crisis. And there are NPOs on the ground in every community, assisting neighbors with everything from food, housing, and utilities to retraining for a fresh start in a new career.

Of course, non-profit organizations don’t only serve in times of crisis. Many local organizations provide safe after-school programs and offer activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Many organizations were already stretched thin before the COVID pandemic. Now, more than ever, charities welcome donations to keep their doors open for those in need of their services.

Ways to Donate

Not surprisingly, cash is king. Non-profits often partner with local businesses for deep discounts on food, medicine, and equipment and can make $10 go a long way. And cash is easier to quantify at tax time when you’re looking for a deduction.

Short on cash? You can help non-profit organizations provide vital services in other ways.

• Automobiles: Many non-profits accept vehicle donations. If you’ve got an old car and you don’t want to pay to keep it up, donate it for a nice tax write-off.
• Time and talent: Are you looking to break into writing? Volunteer to write marketing copy or grants. Or see how else the organization can use your skills.

Finding the Right Non-Profit

501(c)3. No, that’s not the name of Elon Musk’s child. That’s the designation the IRS gives to non-profit organizations that meet specific qualifications to be designated as a tax-exempt NPO. If you’re donating cash or property, you’ll want to look out for that number.

The IRS provides a Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool on its website to help you check out a charity’s status.

A caveat: the public name of the charity may differ from its business name. If you have problems finding it by name, omit a word to broaden the results. You can also ask the organization to see a copy of its current IRS determination letter.

Other Ways to Research Local Non-Profits

Local news sites and charity aggregators like Great Non-profits, Charity Navigator, and Guidestar can provide more information about NPOs. Unlike the IRS, these sites include ratings and reviews, offering further insight into how the charity operates.

Donate to Make a Difference in Your Community

Whether through technical or vocational training, after-school activities, or helping households with their heating bills, local non-profit organizations work hard every day to keep our communities vibrant and healthy.

If you’re looking for a way to help your community—and get a nice tax write-off—find an NPO in your area whose activities align with your values. Then get out your checkbook or grab the title and keys to that old car and reach out to them.