Can a company legally make charitable donations to its clients/customers?
91594
If the customers/clients operate as Charitable Organizations, then any person or company can donate to them.   But you can not not make a legally deductable donation to any 'for profit' companies or private individuals.\n\nAre you sure they are actually making 'charitable donations' that they write off as such to the IRS or is it just an expression they use for financial incentives?\n\nNot clear from your question exactly how you are involved in the situation -Do you get paid by the customers to make sure they get the 'donations' from your company, or does your company pay you to promise donations to the customer?  \n\nEither way, if it is not legal you are right in the middle of it.  It might be time to consider other career options.
278228
Although most charities are legitimate, there are quite a few charity scams. And you certainly don't want to give your money to scammers!\n\nHere are nine tips to ensure your money goes to worthy causes:\n\n1. Do some research on the charity. If you're trying to figure out whether or not some particular US charity is worthy of support, check out:\n\n==> http://www.give.org/reports/index.asp\n\nThey publish their standards for rating charities, and then rate over hundreds of different charities using these standards.\n\n2. Don't give to charities where most of the money goes to executive salaries, administrative costs and fundraising. The website we just recommended, Give.org, presents a pie chart that shows the percentage of money going to programs vs. administration and fundraising.\n\n3. Always find out the exact name of the charity before you send a check. Many fraudulent organizations select names that sound very similar to a legitimate charity.\n\n4. Make sure the charity is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (again, for US subscribers). Otherwise, you won't be able to deduct your contributions on income taxes.\n\n5. Never donate if the caller uses high-pressure tactics or insists you donate now.\n\n6. Always ignore phone calls, letters and emails telling you that you won money or a prize from a charity, unless you specifically entered a contest. These are almost always fraudulent.\n\n7. Avoid charities that won't send you written material before you donate because it's 'too costly.' If an organization has something to hide, it's very likely fraudulent.\n\n8. Don't give cash donations, especially to door-to-door solicitors. If you know the charity and want to contribute, never write a check made out to 'cash.' Always make sure the check is payable to the full name of the charity -- that way it can be cancelled if you suspect fraud.\n\n9. Never give your credit card number to door-to-door solicitors, or in response to a bulk email. In fact, don't give your credit card number unless you are completely confident about the authenticity and good intentions of the charity. Otherwise, you may find yourself the victim of credit card fraud -- or even worse -- identity fraud.
584156
Most of the companies have some philantropy or social marketing division that handles their relationship with non profits and charities. \n\nMicrosoft, for example has a Microsoft Giving Program http://www.microsoft.com/citizenship/giving/apply/ which funds community technology learning center. I assisted a non profit in DC get help from them, and Microsoft awarded them with software that the non profit use in their technology classes.\n\nSun Microsystem also has a foundation http://www.sun.com/aboutsun/comm_invest/giving/foundation.html\n\nAdobe also has a Corporate Affairs/Community Relations program where they give away free software  http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/philanthropy/software.html\n\nIBM also has a technology program whereby they give computers to non profits and schools http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ibmgives/\n\nThe first step would be to read the company's program and see if your project fit with their goals. Then follow their procedure on how to submit applications or grant proposals.\n\nI also recommend that you subscribe to Foundation Center's databases - they have the most reliable and complete database of private foundations who gives grants and funding to non profits. I know of many non profits in the Washington DC area that use them as a source. They have a section called Find Funders http://fdncenter.org/findfunders/ and you may be able to use that to look for funding organizations for your non profit, not just technology companies.
674897
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO, IF YOU GIVE IT TO A ORGANIZATION CAPABLE OF GIVING YOU A TAX DEDUCTION. YOU CANT DONATE IT TO YOUR WIFE OR CHILDREN, OR EVEN A HOMELESS GUY ON THE STREET AND EXPECT TO DEDUCT IT. YOU ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH DEDUCTIONS TO ITEMIZE. IF NOT, THEN IT WONT BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOU TO DONATE THEM TAX WISE.
153730
Depends what you'd like to do.\n\nIf you want people to donate money to your group and recieve a tax deduction, you would need to apply for 501(c) status.\n\nIf you just want to form a group and do whatever charitable work, you don't need any type of legal organization.
942
This is a tricky question as it may not even be allowed where you are employed. If it is there may be restrictions set by the company on how much each gift can be in cost, what types are allowed, etc. If it is a very small company talk to who is in charge about the gift giving policy. Something small and not very personal are your best choices, things like candles are always welcomed for just one idea
1131747
Yes you can donate an interest in land.  But the charity will probably study the value, future potential, etc. of the interest in the land, and depending on what they find, they may reject the gift.  \n\nI have heard of churches rejecting gifts of property, if the maintenance on it was greater than what they might get out of it.
1115708
Only if they are non profit and you got a receipt. Then you could claim it if you itemize. Otherwise just wait for karma to mail you some luck and kindness down the road.
958009
Try the head office of the Charity Commission in Liverpool, UK. Do not know the full address, but I have dealings with them in the past, and they are very helpful.
961578
I didn't know that they existed.  I will have to check them out.  The questions are:  Which charities benefit from their generosity?\nHow much of their revenue do they donate?\nDo their advertisers write off their advertising as a charitable contribution?\nThanx for the question.
785727
You have to solicit the corporate sponsors, but I think you would be surprised how many will actually donate.  Write a letter, make phone calls, try to set up face-to-face meetings.  \n\nAlso, individual store managers sometimes are given a small discretionary fund with which to make donations (supermarkets, etc.).  \n\nYou are doing noble work.  God bless and continued success!!
497230
Check with management and see if you can put a charity tin beside the cash register (nail it down too). \nHave a small sign asking for any 'small change for the needy', details and a pic on the tin so the customers know it's a legitimate charity.\nMake sure you return the customers change by passing it in front of the tin to make it noticable. (Ever notice how some people go blind in front of things like that?) \nSmile, and they'll probably just drop it in.\n\nYou'll have helped someone feel good about themselves too.
287194
A Tax write off?.. Because may communities cannot afford to fund not for profit businesses such as Good Will Good Samaritan, Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries, and Womans Shelters...so when an individual donates it helps keep the facilities open to those who otherwise wouldn't have a place to get on their feet.  \n\nWe all contribute a little to keep these places open with out tax dollars.. but when an individual gives more than just their tax support.. they aren't penalized for their charity.\n\nExample.. if a company has computers setting around that they could either sell or donate, they could wrap up many hours in trying to unload the computers one at a time to buyers.. but if they were to contact a school.. or another not for profit organization and donate them..their business can show that their assets have been reduced to a 'tax supported program' and they are rewarded with being able to claim that their business is supporting their community personally.. instead of just through tax
1132024
Not likely, and not from the state.  Since it costs the state to monitor and regulate corporations, you, the beneficiary have to pay a "formation" fee. (and anual license fees)\n   Your other course is to get someone to "gift it" to you.
303366
HEY WOULD U LIKE TO DONATE SOME MONEY TO MY COMPANY...WE ARE LOOKING FOR ABOUT 10,000. IF SO LET ME KNOW ASAP
269063
Try Wal-mart, they usually give donations to charitable causes.
720412
It depends on the type of website.  Websites that offer services, get paid based on services rendered.  Informative websites and charitable websites can link up donation buttons.  But the biggest money maker, would probably be advertisers (i.e. links).  Especially if you have a high volume website.  It would be beneficial for the advertisers to use your website to market to their target audience.