Federal pandemic relief provides for a general tax deduction that can help fraternal foundations reach more donors, and FFE member organizations are working to educate their donor bases.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748) outlines a new deduction available for up to $300 per tax filing for charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations. Any donation made after Jan. 1, 2020, counts toward the cap. This is a universal deduction available to any taxpayer, whether they itemize or not. It is an “above the line” deduction that will reduce a donor’s adjusted gross income, available only to tax-filers who take the standard deduction. Only cash gifts are eligible. (Stocks, clothes, food/goods, etc., are not included.)
- First, has your organization informed your donors and potential donors about this opportunity? If not, how can you?
- If you had a Day of Giving, Founders Day or other major event already this year, those who participated can benefit. Note: The deduction only applies to 2020 returns filed in 2021.
- Have you made a qualifying gift personally? If not, consider donating to FFE. Your gift will impact the industry and your peers directly through our professional development programming, research grants, fellowship opportunities and other services.
Peer Examples
FFE member foundations are using this deduction as a way to support and steward their donors and members. FFE is collecting examples of the guidance or messages our foundations are sharing about this CARES Act tool. Email us to add your organization here.
- Alpha Chi Omega: CARES Act benefits webpage
- Alpha Delta Pi: Letter insert
- Tau Kappa Epsilon: News release, email, buckslip from fall appeal, social media
