Ten Questions You Should Ask Before Making a Gift Outside the USA
Published on GrantStation Fifteen years have passed since the world became virtually borderless. Tools like Skype, Facebook, and Twitter have enabled us to be more connected than ever before. Friends and families can now keep in touch even when oceans apart, news can be shared in real time, and action can be immediate. Yet a… CONTINUE READING >>
4 Ways Grantmakers Can Streamline Reporting
Foreign organizations are able to receive tax-effective charitable funding from the US if 1) the US grantor is able to make a good faith determination that the foreign organization is the equivalent of a US 501(c)(3) public charity (the grantor conducts an Equivalency Determination or ED), or 2) the grantor can establish that the funds… CONTINUE READING >>
4 Questions you Should Consider Before Giving Abroad
Whether you’ve traveled to distant parts of the world and were inspired by the inventiveness of the communities you visited, read about an issue in a news article, or maybe just feel a special kinship with a given place, the desire to help somehow can quickly move to the top of your priority list. Supporting… CONTINUE READING >>
Philanthropy done well: the importance of compliance
Originally article posted by Alliance Magazine NGOs and civil society organizations around the world serve many different roles. In some countries organizations seek to augment the public services provided by governments. Still others may be called upon to step in to cover the needs where governments fail, serve as watchdogs holding those in power accountable,… CONTINUE READING >>
Four Trends Dramatically Reshaping Corporate Philanthropy
Guest blog. Read the original on CyberGrants.com Don’t Just Do Good Things. Do the RIGHT Good Things. You see it: The need for corporate philanthropy is skyrocketing. Worthy, urgent causes appear literally overnight. And enterprises like yours are responding in a big way, generating positive impact for a host of beneficiaries via grantmaking, employee donations… CONTINUE READING >>
5 Things to Know this Charitable Giving Season
This time of year is often known for the changing colors of the leaves, preparations for family gatherings, and the beginning of the holiday season. More importantly, it’s also the time for many Americans to make their charitable gifts before the end of the year. If you’re considering making some gifts this season, here are… CONTINUE READING >>
Substantiating and Reporting Charitable Contributions: Requirements from the IRS
Effective July 30, 2018, the IRS published final regulations for Substantiation and Reporting Requirements for Cash and Noncash Charitable Contribution Deductions. These updates guide individuals, partnerships, and corporations making charitable contributions on how these contributions should be substantiated and reported in order for them to be legally tax-deductible. These regulations clarify existing regulations by adding new… CONTINUE READING >>
Is your Organization Compliant to Solicit Charitable Gifts in the U.S.?
The United States is a key source of funding for charitable organizations and causes across the globe, but soliciting donations in the US can be a complex and burdensome process. To start, let’s stay within the US borders. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certifies the creation and oversees the activities of all charitable organizations in… CONTINUE READING >>
Giving to India? Compliance with the Newly Amended FCRA
Published on November 23, 2020 and Updated March 25, 2022 In Brief Donors in the United States may not give directly to nonprofits located in India and receive a tax deduction in the United States. By giving through a 501(c)(3) public charity, such as CAF America, US donors can make tax effective donations to any… CONTINUE READING >>
11 Facts About Donor Advised Funds and Private Foundations
When evaluating options for best structuring charitable giving, donors often wish to assess the differences and benefits offered by creating a private foundation or opening a donor advised fund (DAF). While private foundations and DAFs enable strategic and tax-effective charitable giving, they differ enough that they can appeal to different types of donors, be more… CONTINUE READING >>
Giving to Canadian Charities? Make Sure You’re in Compliance
From time to time, our conversations with donor clients or charity partners reveal certain misconceptions within the philanthropic sector. One issue that continues to surface is that giving to Canadian charities is easy. Alas, it isn’t so simple. This piece addresses the erroneous belief that grantmaking into Canada does not require any due diligence. While… CONTINUE READING >>
Is your Organization Compliant to Solicit Charitable Gifts in the U.S.?
The United States is a key source of funding for charitable organizations and causes across the globe, but soliciting donations in the US can be a complex and burdensome process. To start, let’s stay within the US borders. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certifies the creation and oversees the activities of all charitable organizations in… CONTINUE READING >>
The Latest from the IRS on DAFs, Donor Pledges, and other Donor Benefits
The IRS released an important notice regarding donor advised funds (DAFs) on December 4th, 2017 and has begun soliciting public comments on a number of issues concerning distributions from DAFs. While at this time only Section 4 has been posted by the IRS as guidance taxpayers may currently rely on, there is much to learn… CONTINUE READING >>
IRS Provides New “Checklist” to Determine Whether a Foreign Charity Qualifies to Receive Tax-Deductible Gifts from Americans without Triggering an Excise Tax
For the first time, the IRS has clearly defined and expanded upon what tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents should take into consideration when facilitating cross-border gifts to foreign charities. Read the full article on Bloomberg BNA Software Be sure to listen to our Radio show, “What You Need To Know About: New IRS Guidelines… CONTINUE READING >>
Intermediary Organizations (IOs) and Corporate Giving: Partnerships That Can Add Value and Increase Impact
By Chris Park, Corporate Giving Consultant For the more than 25 years that I have worked in corporate philanthropy I have repeatedly had people comment, “How hard can THAT job be?” Yes, directing where a company donates its charitable contributions is a great job, but it isn’t an easy one. And it is made harder… CONTINUE READING >>
Granting to China Made “Easy?”
The China Overseas NGO Management Law, officially the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Activities of Overseas Nongovernmental Organizations in the Mainland of China” went into effect January 1, 2017. The law requires that foreign NGOs coordinate their efforts with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and provides the framework within… CONTINUE READING >>
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance for Grantmakers: The Good, The Bad and The Regulatory
A recent announcement by the Financial Action Task Force, or FATF, is giving the charitable sector new reason to celebrate. For years, governments have cautioned potential donors that the entire charitable sector, made up primarily of Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs), is at a greater risk for being used to commit money laundering and other illegal activities…. CONTINUE READING >>
IRS Publishes New Guidelines for Equivalency Determination
Many international grantmakers in the U.S. were very pleased when in 2015 the Department of Treasury published its final regulations called “Reliance Standards for Making Good Faith Determinations.”
IRS Publishes New Guidelines for Equivalency Determination
Many international grantmakers in the U.S. were very pleased when in 2015 the Department of Treasury published its final regulations called “Reliance Standards for Making Good Faith Determinations.” With near lighting speed, for the IRS, just two years later on September 14th, 2017, the IRS has released Rev. Proc. 2017-53. These new guidelines clarify the… CONTINUE READING >>
Fiscal Sponsorship: What Does it Mean for You?
As the leader in global giving, CAF America often receives questions from both prospective donors and charities asking whether we offer fiscal sponsorship services. The existing definition of “fiscal sponsorship” leaves significant space for interpretation, however, it is a term that has been resurfacing with increased frequency. We want to take this opportunity to dig… CONTINUE READING >>
How to Give Abroad: The Mechanisms of International Grantmaking
As we have written before, Americans are increasingly looking internationally to put their philanthropic dollars at work. Once strategies were set, corporations, financial firms, community foundations, wealth advisors, and individual donors alike have found themselves searching for tax-effective solutions to give abroad. As you may guess, identifying the best options for international charitable giving is… CONTINUE READING >>
ED Certificate a License to Give?
Update: The IRS has since released Rev. Proc. 2017-53 that serves as final regulations on Equivalency Determination. The final regulations require that, among many other things, the party undertaking the ED also include anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing checks. This is a welcome addition to the equivalency determination process. Please see the excerpt below from… CONTINUE READING >>
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance for Grantmakers: The Good, The Bad and The Regulatory
A recent announcement by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is giving the charitable sector a new reason to celebrate. For years, governments have cautioned potential donors that the entire charitable sector, made up primarily of Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs), is at a greater risk for being used to commit money laundering and other illegal activities. Such… CONTINUE READING >>
Latest from FATF: Changes to Recommendation 8
Civil society organizations (CSOs) around the world have recently recorded a victory that could be more than a small step toward regaining access to international funding. Moreover, the 25th of June, 2016, when FATF issued a string of revisions related to the implementation of its recommendations, may even mark – as highlighted by Adam Pickering,… CONTINUE READING >>
Grant Reports: What We Learned in 2015
One of the most rewarding experiences as a grantmaker is receiving and reviewing reports on projects and programs that were directly impacted by your grant. Grantee reports are a wonderful opportunity for charitable organizations to continue building a sense of trust with their donors, to celebrate the successes of their efforts, and to reflect on… CONTINUE READING >>
Yes, Clients Really Do Want You to Ask!
Highlights from the report “Philanthropy in the Family Office: a Global Perspective” prepared by Eileen Wilhem RECOGNITION The following material is based on the “Philanthropy in the Family Office: A Global Perspective” white paper presented by the Global Family Office Community in partnership with Hammer & Associates. As the first independent global report aimed at… CONTINUE READING >>
Cross-Border Grant Making by Private Foundations
by JANE PEEBLES, J.D. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, international charitable giving by Americans has been steadily, and dramatically, increasing. Contributions by U.S. individuals and private foundations to fund charitable projects abroad are subject to complex tax rules. However, there are several of alternatives to effectuate international charitable giving while ensuring tax deductions… CONTINUE READING >>
Equivalency Determination vs. Expenditure Responsibility: Which is right for you?
Ted Hart, CEO – CAF America In an ever-shrinking world, U.S. grantmakers are increasingly turning their attention to charitable organizations beyond our borders. Before seeking to expand one’s philanthropic vision to include foreign organizations, it is important to understand the complexities that accompany giving internationally. Between the intricate nature of the tax code and the… CONTINUE READING >>
Year End Giving
When deciding to make a tax deductible donation, many philanthropists limit their gifts to domestic charitable organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations. International giving is an option…Learn more.
Soliciting Tax Deductible Donations in the US: Do I Need to be a 501(c)(3)?
In 2005, philanthropic contributions by individuals reached an all-time high, accounting for 2.4% of disposable income. In the subsequent decade we have seen that number fluctuate due mostly to economic hardship and general financial volatility worldwide. Despite facing many of the same issues that can negatively affect American non-profit organizations, however, foreign charitable organizations have enjoyed a rapid increase in giving over the last decade.
