Why Make An End Of Year Contribution To A 501(c)3?

Now that it’s December, you’ve likely been asked for a donation to an end of year campaign by at least one nonprofit. Perhaps it’s one you’ve given to in the past, a place where you’ve volunteered, or one that occasionally contacts you through your church or another organization.

There are many reasons why organizations run these campaigns; surprisingly, these don’t all revolve around trying to catch up on fundraising goals for the year (although 2020 sure threw a wrench in all our best-laid plans, am I right?). Here are a few of the top reasons development teams reach out to you at the end of the year.

TAX BREAKS

Many supporters are looking for a tax write-off before the New Year. This is a great way for nonprofits to promote their cause at a time when donors are looking for a cause to help while also optimizing their tax situation. If this is true for you, be sure to check with your accountant to see how making a tax-deductible contribution to your favorite 501(c)3 could benefit you!

FUNDRAISING GOALS

Another reason end-of-the-year donations are so common is that they help organizations meet or exceed their fundraising goals for that calendar year, which can aid them in planning their activities and, ideally, their growth for the next year. If you’d like to help provide some of the services that your favorite nonprofit offers, it can be helpful to look into their key fundraising thresholds. For example, at ENLC, we have found that $500 can save the life of a baby. No gift is too small, though, as one unexpected gift can change a life.

EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS

Many employers match gifts up to a certain dollar amount per employee. If your employer is one of them, it’s not too late to capitalize on this match and make twice the impact that you normally would. Reach out to your HR rep for details.

THE GIVING SPIRIT

The Christmas season tends to bring out the generosity in people, and it’s also a time of high demand for many nonprofits. With cold weather approaching, there are many organizations that are helping the less fortunate with everything from clothing to warm meals and more. Have you heard about ENLC’s Giving Tree campaigns that collect the materials to stock Baby Boutiques so new mothers can get all of the items they need?

GOOD FOR YOU!

Doing good is good for your health. What better way to start a new year than to feel your best from doing your best?  (Source)

All in all, there’s no bad time to make a contribution to a cause you care about, but an end-of-year contribution might just be the little push an organization needs to make even bigger things happen. Happy giving!