Making Tax-Deductible Year-End Donations: Give to Local Charities

Looking to keep the spirit of giving alive this holiday season? How about a generous donation to a local nonprofit?

There are 126 501 (c) 3 organizations based in Glendora, ranging in causes from fundraising for Glendora schools, promoting child fitness to preserving the natural beauty and history of Glendora.

Not only can your contribution help a worthy cause, you can get back in return. Year-end donations to qualified 501 (c) 3 organizations are tax deductible.

There are several tax law provisions that have taken effect over the years, so here are a few tips to make a successful year-end tax deductible donation to your favorite charitable organization.

1)   Donations of goods, such as clothing and household items, must be in good used condition or better to be tax deductible. However, if the donation is worth $500 or more, the items do not have to be in good condition if the items come with a qualified appraisal. These items could include furniture, electronics and appliances.

2)   To deduct any charitable donation of money, the taxpayer must have a bank record or some kind of written document from the charity showing the name of the charity, the date and the amount of the contribution. Bank records include canceled check and bank or credit card statements.

3)   All contributions are deductible for the year the contribution is made. If a donation is charged on a credit card before the end of this year, that contribution will apply to 2011 even if the payment is made in 2012.

4)   Check if your intended organization is qualified by checking the IRS Publication 78, which lists all of the eligible organizations in the country.

5)   Only taxpayers who itemize their deduction on Form 1040 Schedule A are eligible for charitable donations deductions. Those who file short forms (1040A or 1040EZ) are not eligible.

6)   When donating a motor vehicle, boat or airplane, tax deductions are applied to the gross proceeds from its sale and the claimed value is more than $500. The donor must receive a Form 1098-C, or a similar statement, by the organization. The form must be attached to the donor’s tax return.

According to the IRS Publication 78, there are 126 eligible charitable organizations based in Glendora. These include:

Project Yellow Ribbon Glendora
The nonprofit group is in charge of flying banners throughout the city honoring Glendora service men and women currently serving our country. Many of the , and Yellow Ribbon members are asking the public to assist in replacement and restoration efforts.

Soroptimist - Azusa/Glendora: Soroptimist International 
This organization is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through community service. Their many community efforts include collaborations for My Sister’s Closet,.

The Glendora Community Conservancy
This group has been instrumental in preserving Glendora land and watersheds, as well as

The Glendora Historical Society
The Glendora Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Glendora, from its humble beginnings as a citrus town to a thriving urban city. The Society has two locations: The Museum at 314 N. Glendora Ave. (open most Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and the Rubel Castle at 844 N. Live Oak Ave.

Foundation for Glendora Unified Schools
The Foundation for Glendora Schools has helped raise more than $1 million for Glendora schools. During this year, when schools have faced massive state budget cuts, the Foundation raised a record $445,000. As another round of cuts loom for public schools, fundraising efforts will be kicked into high gear.