International Day of Charity: Support & Give Back Today

“Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.” -- Moliere

Did you know that today, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 is the International Day of Charity? If you’re like me, you may have recently returned from a Labor Day Weekend vacation or even enjoyed a great cookout with friends and family on your day off on Monday.

Labor Day Weekend has ended and now we’re “back to life...back to reality!” As we get back into the swing of things to finish out the rest of this week, take a few moments and help make the world a better place by making a donation to charity on International Day of Charity.

Donations can be given to charities that support the environment, protect children, feed the hungry, or help worthy causes. Of course, with their being so many charities to choose from, it’s quite hard to choose which one to give to. We did some research and found some of the top 10 charities that are making a difference in the world which you could consider donating to. Check out the list below:

Charitable Organizations

Natural Resources Defense Council

Based in New York City, this organization has worked with businesses, elected officials, and community groups on issues such as global warming, ocean cleaning, and food security. Natural Resources Defense Council website.

United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation is a U.S. public charity founded by Ted Turner which partners with others around the world to tackle issues such as global health, climate change, poverty, women’s empowerment and more. Visit the United Nations Foundation to donate.

Caring Voice Coalition

The Caring Voice Coalition puts its efforts towards empowering patients who live with a life-threatening chronic disease by providing outreach programs and services aimed to provide financial, emotional, and educational support. Caring Voice Coalition website.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Established in 1950 and now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, this association aims to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible around the world. The association has a weekly Hour of Decision radio program broadcast, syndicated newspaper column entitled “My Answer,” and also has the Billy Graham Response Team which provides emotional and spiritual care to individuals and communities living through a sudden tragedy. To donate, visit the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Catholic Medical Mission Board

This group provides healthcare for the world’s most poor and does so by building healthy, sustainable communities through local engagement and partnerships. These causes are targeting in communities throughout Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Catholic Medical Mission Board website.

AmeriCares

AmeriCares serves as an emergency response and global health organization that aids those in crisis. Established in 1979, AmeriCares has delivered more than $12 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries, including the United States. To support AmeriCares, click here.  

To assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey, see our most recent blog post:

“5 Ways You & Nonprofits Can Help Hurricane Harvey Victims”

Samaritan’s Purse

The Samaritan’s Purse has met the needs of those who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine, while including the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Its most popular mission, Operation Christmas Child, has delivered more than 135 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to poor children in more than 150 countries. Visit the Samaritan’s Purse website today to make a donation.

MAP International

Founded in 1954, MAP International helps prevent disease by improving water supplies and promotes health to create hope and lasting change in more than 115 countries. Their annual efforts include partnering with local leaders to help educate and train communities to deal with health threats such as HIV/AIDS. Visit their website at www.map.org for more information and ways to donate.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is California’s largest international humanitarian nonprofit organization which provides medical assistance to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and disaster in the United States and throughout the world. More than $3.4 billion in medical supplies and equipment has been provided since its inception in 1948. Visit the Direct Relief website to support their efforts.  

Take Action

Let’s celebrate International Day of Charity by supporting a charity of your choice and helping those that are in need. Remember, charitable donations can be listed as a deduction on your taxes, so be sure to keep record of your gift. For more information on Charitable Donation Deductions, click here.  If you know of other charities that could use our support, please leave a comment below. At ExpressTaxExempt, we respect the services that exempt organizations provide to communities and we’re motivated to help with your e-filing needs so you can get back to proudly serving your community. Visit our website for any tax forms that your tax exempt organization may need throughout this year and save even more when you e-file with our recently reduced filing rates! We’re available to assist you via phone at 704.839.2321 on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach out to us 24/7 via email at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Joint Ventures for Tax-Exempt Hospitals

One way health systems can counter against depleting resources and growing demand is by entering into a joint venture with physicians or other businesses.

While this method can boost efficiency and enhance services, it’s important to ensure the joint venture doesn’t endanger your hospital’s tax-exempt status.

A joint venture typically works by creating a new business partnership for tax purposes like a limited liability company (LLC). With a nonprofit hospital partnering with a for-profit company, some issues could discredit your exemption status. Here are a few things experts say you want to avoid.

Private Inurement
A private inurement is using the revenue or assets of an exempt organization to benefit an officer, director, or other key members. Federal laws strictly prohibit tax-exempt groups from private inurement - ensure there are no improper benefits, written or verbal, within the agreement of the venture.

Neglecting Charitable Functions
A tax-exempt organization has to engage in some charitable work - this is fact. If substantial activity from the joint venture isn’t to advance charitable efforts, then the partnership could negatively impact your hospital’s exemption status.

Excessive Unrelated Business Income
Revenue coming from activities that typically has nothing to do with an organization’s exempt purpose is unrelated business income - and gets taxed at the standard rate. Tax-exempt groups are allowed to have revenue from unrelated activities, but if that extra business becomes more significant than the tax-exempt purpose, it can revoke your exemption status.

Private Benefit
A private benefit is using revenue from your joint venture towards a private entity rather than the public. Once again, if the private interest is more substantial than the charitable cause, your hospital can lose its tax-exempt status. You can prevent this outcome by having your nonprofit control the majority of activities conducted by the joint venture.

Ignoring IRC 501(r) Guidelines
With the regulations set under the IRC 501(r), a taxable entity and a nonprofit organization that jointly owns a hospital must conduct specific responsibilities such as performing a community health needs assessment, reducing charges with billing and collection policies, and having a financial assistance policy. Failure to follow the 501(r) rules can result in the hospital’s loss of tax exemption.

Other operation issues relate to a joint venture retaining its exemption, but a sure way to remain compliant with the IRS tax-exempt rules is to file your required 990 form every year. ExpressTaxExempt.com makes it easy to e-file annual, exemption returns and schedules directly to the IRS and supports real-time, automatic email notifications of your filing status.

Our U.S. - based support team is available to assist with your e-filing experience - give us a call at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or contact us anytime via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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