FAQ about Donations


For an overview, please click here to see our Fundraising Case for Support.


 
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Are donations tax-deductible?
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What types of gifts does the ARS accept? 
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Can my gift fund a specific program? 
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Who can I speak with about my intentions? 
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Do you accept Memorial and Tribute Gifts?
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Can you give me more information about the ARS Legacy Circle: Planned Gifts & Bequests? 
 

 

Are donations tax-deductible? 


Yes, the ARS is a 501(c)3 organization, so all donations made to the ARS are tax-deductible for United States citizens. We provide you with a receipt for tax purposes. Our tax ID number is 13-2930296. ARS has a Gold Level profile on Guidestar/Candid, which rates charities based on their transparency (see the footer on each webpage and click to view the profile). Nearly 80% of expenses incurred by ARS go toward programs rather than overhead. 

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What types of gifts does the ARS accept? 


The ARS will accept your cash gift (through check or credit card), gifts of shares of stock and mutual funds. We are honored to accept planned gifts such as bequests, life insurance policies, 401Ks, IRA’s and other retirement plans. 
 
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Can my gift fund a specific program? 


Although we encourage undesignated gifts, you may direct your gift to assist any of our programs. Consider establishing an endowment to provide perpetual funding for the program in which you have an interest. 

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Who can I speak with about my intentions? 


The ARS Board Chair of Fundraising, Virginia Felton,  is pleased to assist you with questions about your charitable giving intentions. The ARS staff is also available for questions; we welcome the opportunity to work with you and your financial advisor(s). We always recommend you contact your financial and legal advisors when considering large charitable gifts to any nonprofit organization, including the verbiage to be used in any legal documents.

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Do you accept Memorial and Tribute Gifts? 


Over the years, the ARS has received many of your charitable gifts in memory of loved ones - teachers, parents, students - who have passed on. We will acknowledge your gift and inform family members of the donation. If you would like to make a gift in memory of someone, simply include a note to that effect with your gift.

Likewise, if you would like to make a gift in honor of someone or to celebrate a special occasion, simply include a note with your gift and we will be sure to notify that person of your gift.

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Can you give me more information about the ARS Legacy Circle: Planned Gifts & Bequests? 


If you feel strongly about our programs and vision of the future and would like to join with other recorder enthusiasts who share your passion, we hope you will consider becoming a member of the ARS Legacy Circle.

Many of our supporters understand just how important they are to securing the continued development of the ARS for generations to come. They trust us to be good stewards and to use their gifts in a way that helps us to effectively fulfill our mission.

Any of the following gifts provide not only personal benefits for you, but also a future donation to the ARS.

• A bequest, a gift included in your will or living trust, is a flexible, relatively easy way to establish a lasting legacy. One gift every ARS member should consider is a charitable bequest, or leaving the ARS as a recipient of your estate in your will.

• A gift of retirement assets, such as 401K plans or IRAs, may allow you to give more than you thought possible while reducing taxes that may otherwise drain these assets.

• A life income gift can be an important way to give you and/or a loved one income for life and provide unique tax benefits.

• Gifts of life insurance policies you no longer need may help fund programs and services.

Please contact us if you have already included the American Recorder Society in your estate plans, or if you would like to have a confidential conversation on how to secure the future of the ARS.  Please see our Legacy Circle page for additional information and a form.

Always seek the counsel from your financial advisor or attorney for understanding of your individual situation and the best estate plan for you.

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