Donor Basics

Summary:

A compilation of FAQ items just for donors in the United States including tips and resources for responsible giving, explanations of what types of donations are deductible, and lists of nonprofit organizations worldwide.

While the Nonprofit FAQ has clearly marked resources for and about Nonprofit organizations, it also has a large database of FAQs just for donors. In order to make these specific items more accessible we've reorganized them on this page.

Getting Started
What is a Donation?
What are the various tax benefits available to a donor?
Are donations always tax deductible?
Does anyone ever say 'no' to a gift?

Getting Informed
What should a prudent donor do?
What kinds of gifts would be most useful for new organizations?
What are the principal differences among charitable trusts?
What is 'substantiation'? Why should donors care?
The Tax Implications of Planned Giving
Can Members Review the Books & Financial Records?
Is it possible to find the 501c3 applications of non-profits?
Are Ratios Useful? For Donors? For the Community?
Where can I find out what the 'watchdogs' are looking at?
Research on Nonprofits
Local Organizations State-by-State: A through M
Local Organizations State-by-State: N through Z

Nonprofit Support Organizations

Specifics
Can a Donor Retrieve Gifts of Money or Goods?
What about car donation programs?
Can I donate my door prize back and get a tax deduction?
Is the cost of a members' magazine tax-deductible?
How can life insurance policies be used to make a gift to a nonprofit?
How can we get started in workplace giving?
Can I Get a Tax Deduction if I Charge a Nonprofit Below-Market Prices?
Is it Possible to Receive a Deduction for a Gift of Services?
Can US corporations contribute to activities outside the USA?
Can a non-US organization receive tax deductible donations?