Charitable Gifts Offer more Giving Options than Ever Before

Brent Pourciau — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:49:36 +0000

Perhaps the most human of all characteristics is our capacity for emotion. Feelings can be a powerful motivator when we are joyful, angry, frightened, or sad. Our ability to empathize with another person’s suffering is precisely what moves us to lend a helping hand or offer a charitable gift. What may come as a surprise, however, is the magnificent and substantial feeling of well-being that follows a gift of charity. It fulfills the soul and can even heal the broken heart in its darkest hour. In modern parlance this is referred to as a win-win situation, and there are more giving options than perhaps ever before.

Giving Options for making a Charitable Donation

“I wish I could do more to help,” is something most of us have uttered when viewing one of those commercials that show hungry children, abused pets, homeless veterans, or abused senior citizens. We automatically think of giving money and how our strict budgets just don’t allow for anything to spare, but there are actually many ways to make a charitable gift that don’t involve cash. In the event of a recent death in the family, for example, you or someone close to you might find that you are left with an extra car, RV, motorcycle, or boat that you no longer need. Did you know that you can donate it to charity either online, or by fax, phone or even via mail in a couple of easy steps?

There are many different circumstances that leave people with belongings they no longer need: books, furniture, clothing, collections, and property, even life insurance can all be donated to charity! Or, for those who invest regularly, it is also possible to donate stocks and mutual funds and even receive tax breaks or benefits in exchange. A good charitable organization will be able to find a use for just about anything you wish to donate, so there’s no longer any reason to feel that you can’t donate just because you don’t have extra cash.

Donating one’s time, energy, or expertise are also some good alternatives to donating cash. There are innumerable opportunities to donate your time and energy by volunteering; or if you possess professional training such as a doctor, counselor, attorney, tailor, mechanic, teacher, or even a small business owner, you can donate your services. After the terrorist attacks of 911, for example, many professionals donated their services to the families of victims. After Hurricane Katrina there were several thousand good people who donated their time and energy to help repair and rebuild homes, schools, businesses, and churches as well as helping collection and delivery efforts. But you don’t have to wait for disaster to strike – there are likely to be programs in your area that need volunteers and services for children, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

No matter who or where you are, and no matter what you have or do not have, there is someone who needs your help and there is something you can donate. Instead of cringing when you see commercials or billboards for charity, hold your head up high and give yourself the gift of being able to say, “I am helping!”

Charitable Gifts made Easy and Giving Options Aplenty

Providing support and relief for southern Louisiana residents since the 1890s, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans is everything you’re looking for in a charitable organization. They offer the maximum tax deductions available, can help you structure your donation to receive specific tax benefits, and are an Officially Recognized IRS 501 (c) (3) Charity, so all donations are secure. VOAGNO also handles the preparation and or legwork for you, so donating is usually a quick and simple process. To learn more about Volunteers of America giving options and volunteer programs in the Greater New Orleans area, visit www.voagno.org or call (504) 482-2130 start giving today!

Include Planned Giving from your Estate and Make a Difference!

Brent Pourciau — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:04:10 +0000

In today’s world, free time has become a luxury that few can afford. Many people have the desire to help others but simply don’t have time or don’t know how. For those interested in donating to charity but who are unable to offer volunteer services, planned giving is an exciting alternative. Gift planning from your estate is a great way to help people in need and have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a difference. Helping others is one of the mankind’s most fulfilling traditions, so be a part of that heritage by making a planned gift from your estate today!

Planned Giving: Getting Started

When it comes to charity, have you ever found yourself saying, “I wish I could help,”? Even if you are someone who never has free time, or you are not really the ‘hands on’ type, there are still ways to give, and gift planning can be a very rewarding part of your own personal legacy. Everyone wants to know that they’ve accomplished something great and to leave behind a trail of goodwill. Planned giving will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve given someone who is struggling to survive a helping hand.

Once you’ve made the decision to become a donor, you’ll want to find the right charity. To begin with, you’ll want to give to an organization that has some staying power. Fly-by-night schemes are everywhere these days and it’s crucial to know what to look for in a legitimate cause. This can usually be determined with a minor amount of internet research. It’s always a good idea to start by looking at groups that are local because it will allow you to follow up more closely on their activities, but it will also give you the chance to ensure that your donation will go toward helping your neighbors and community. Be sure to look for an agency that is an Official IRS Recognized 501 (c)(3) charity, which should be advertised fairly openly, as this will guarantee that your donation is made securely and also that you will receive the appropriate tax deductions.

Another easy way to find a legitimate organization is by looking at whether or not they openly volunteer to their donors what percentage of their intake goes directly to their recipients. You should know that the law does not require a minimum standard on this percentage in order for a business group to function as a charity. This means that a ‘charitable’ group can have all the right earmarks of legitimacy – such as swanky benefits, testimonials, web sites, etc. – and still only donate as little as 1% of their collections to the targeted population. Charities are also not obligated to offer this information to the public, so beware of any group that minimizes or ignores this important information.

You’ll also want to choose a charity group that offers different giving options, maximum tax deductions, and the right to set up the donation so that it helps a particular group of your choosing, such as veterans or children and families. You should also consider the flexibility of types of donations accepted to ensure a good fit. A good charity should allow you to donate anything from cars or other vehicles to property, artwork, or a monetary bequest. It’s important to know for sure that your chosen organization has made as easy and safe as possible for you to donate, so be sure to ask about procedures. Settling an estate is complicated enough without the added hassle of legal entanglements or petitions later on!

Make a Planned Gift to Volunteers of America

Since the 1890s, Greater New Orleans Volunteers of America has been providing charitable services to Louisiana in 16 parishes. Volunteers of America accepts planned gifts of all types and amounts, and they will help you structure your gift so that you receive the maximum tax benefits available. Call (504) 482-2130 for more information or visit www.voagno.org and select the “Give A Gift” tab to get started, or just read some of their success stories. Gifts can be made online, by phone, fax or mail, and donations can be anything from stocks or mutual funds to a car to volunteer hours. Start your legacy today!

New Orleans Louisiana Local» helping hand

Charitable Gifts Offer more Giving Options than Ever Before

Giving Options for making a Charitable Donation

Charitable Gifts made Easy and Giving Options Aplenty

Include Planned Giving from your Estate and Make a Difference!

Planned Giving: Getting Started

Make a Planned Gift to Volunteers of America