Philanthropy and charitable giving is an important consideration. Many individuals and organizations are committed to sharing the importance and personal satisfaction of giving back with their time and resources. We welcome you to join our team to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve by offering countless opportunities to be involved. If you are looking to make a secure, online donation, we are a non-profit organization with 501c3 status and any amount is appreciated and tax deductible.
Often the first consideration is finding a charity whose mission has personal significance to you and where your donation will have a significant impact. It seems as though, everyone know someone close to them whose life has been changed by cancer. Why Me’s continued long-term success depends on the generosity of donors like you.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, families of the deceased can ask for donations to be made to Why Me. Upon receipt of donations, a Thank You letter is mailed to the designated family member with a listing of all donators’ names and addresses so personal Thank You notes can be sent. This letter does not indicate monetary amounts. Additionally, donors receive Thank You letters from Why Me. The family of the deceased should call or email Cheryl with the name and address to where the acknowledgement letters should be mailed.
The obituary will need to explain to readers to send donations to Why Me & Sherry’s House 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602.
Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching-gift programs and will match any charitable contribution or volunteer hours made by their employees. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to Why Me, Inc. may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.
United Way
You can designate your United Way gift to Why Me. Simply write our name to be the recipient on your local United Way pledge form. Because over 25% of the families served by Why Me reside in Northern Worcester County, we have been approved as a “Certified” agency of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. Our campaign code is 51450
AmazonSmile
Who doesn’t love shopping on Amazon? We registered with AmazonSmile, which is a simple and automatic way for you to support us every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same vast selection, low prices, and convenient experience as amazon.com with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Why Me. Be sure to bookmark smile.amazon.com so each time you make a purchase, a donation will be made.
Non-Cash Assets
While cash donations are always welcome, there is significant tax advantages associated with donating non-cash investment assets while still accomplishing your philanthropic goals. Donating investment assets avoids taxes due on the asset sale, permits a larger deduction for the donor and a larger gift to the charity.
Charitable Donor Advised Funds
A popular and convenient way to earmark funds for charitable donation. They’re informal irrevocable accounts that anyone can set up at a brokerage firm like Merrill Lynch or Fidelity.
Once you deposit funds into the account, you can take a tax deduction even though the money isn’t yet directed toward a charity. It can remain in the account and grow until the broker is instructed to pass the money on to a charitable beneficiary of your choice. If you have any difficulty locating “Why Me Inc” in the beneficiary list, filter for MA or Worcester, or try searching by the EIN / Tax ID #04-2880644.
Name Why Me as a Beneficiary
Did you know that you could name Why Me & Sherry’s House as a beneficiary of several different types of investment accounts? Bequeathing assets involves making personal decisions. It is common for people to wish to establish a legacy that includes providing for loved ones as well as showing support for the less fortunate through charitable giving.
Investment account types such as annuities, IRAs and life insurance policies all have beneficiary designations. This allows one to pass along property to designated heirs, outside of the probate process. People choose to make charitable donations in this manner as there can be significant estate and income tax advantages.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding the benefits of naming us as a partial or full beneficiary to an investment account.
Donating Stock of Bond Portfolios
Donations may be made in the form of publicly traded stocks or bonds. There are tax benefits to donating stock, including the avoidance of capital gains taxes and taking an income tax deduction on the full value of the shares donated, while preserving cash for other expenses.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding benefits of this option.
Other Considerations
Does it matter which assets are donated first? Did you know that donating an IRA avoids taxes due at death while stock donated to children has its cost basis stepped up? How can you donated assets while you still have a need for the income they provide? A Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) provides an immediate tax deduction, income during your lifetime and ultimately a donation to charity. You may also decide subsequently to donate the trust’s income interest for an additional deduction. Over time, the value of the deductions may be worth more than the original assets.
We’re Here to Help
Why Me acknowledges all gifts in writing. All gifts over $250 require a Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgment to be filed with your tax return in order to take the deduction. Please note, donations on non-cash assets over $5,000 may require a qualified appraisal to be submitted during that year’s tax return.
Please feel free to contact Rebecca Kuczarski with any questions you have. We will work with you and your advisors to assist you in accomplishing your philanthropic goals.