How To Start Your Own Charity

how to start your own charityHave you ever thought of starting your own charity in Arizona? We might be able to assist you in your charity endeavor by providing a few simple tips.

Deciding what type of charity to upstart is the most important step you’ll make. Generally, people create a charity based off something that specifically impacts their own lives. These categories typically apply to various community benefits relating to religious, scientific and educational causes. Is there a need for your specific charity locally? Decide what sets your cause apart from other major charities in the area.

Finalizing your charity occurs through legislation. When you have readied the bylaws of your personal charity, file the necessary application to the Arizona Secretary of State. It’s important to note that non-profit charities are considered corporations, requiring the necessary paperwork to operate.

On a similar note, registering your charity is important on the federal level as well. You’ll need to file with the Internal Revenue Service to gain recognition as a charitable organization. You are open to registration at any time.

With all the legislation behind you, you’re now free to start actively engaging your charitable cause. Check out more tips on how to start your own charity.

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St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

st marys food bank allianceSt. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works within Arizona to alleviate the widespread issue of hunger. Currently, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance operates within 15 of Arizona’s major counties, existing as the world’s first food bank and sustaining itself through intense volunteerism efforts.

St. Mary’s belongs to Feeding America, a network of nearly 200 similar organizations operating as food banks. St. Mary’s distributes roughly the equivalent of 60 million pounds of food annually, with that number growing all the time. It’s a welcome reprieve for needy families and communities looking for a break from the hardships of financial instability.

Charity Navigator, an independent company built upon grading different charities, has issued St. Mary’s Food Bank its highest honors for the previous decade – the award demonstrates St. Mary’s determination to provide a model charity effort within Arizona’s community of nonprofits. There’s a variety of ways to become involved.

Interested persons can become with involved with volunteering efforts, providing hot meals and food boxes to individuals in need. Alternatively, those individuals in need of provided meals can contact St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance to learn how they can receive assistance from the charity.

For more information on St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, call (602) 242-FOOD (3663).

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Avoid Holidays Scams This Season

With the holidays soon approaching, many families in need are scrambling to finance a memorable day for their children. Many jump at the opportunity to help lower income families have a brighter season, but the desire to give should not cloud personal judgment.

For as many people as there is in need this holiday season, there’s an equal if not greater amount of people looking to capitalize upon such overwhelmingly generosity. It can be difficult to discern whether the charity donation you make is legitimate, do the research ahead of time to avoid being scammed.

Make sure you ask questions regarding your donation. If you’re donating to a company you’re not totally familiar with or donated to before, be certain to verify their information online. Any company you’re unable to find information for online is generally best to avoid, as a rule of thumb. Be especially leery toward charities that insist you make a donation immediately.

The easiest way to get swindled is by placing blind trust in a company or person, something those who donate are more susceptible to during the holiday season. The bottom line is if you cannot confirm a person’s identity or situation online, you run a serious risk of being taken for a ride.

Are you thinking about donating to a local charity? Follow these tips and you’ll help keep donations in the hands of those who need them most.

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Toys for Tots Charity Spotlight

Our latest focus on a select AZ Charity is the annual Toys for Tots, held every year by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in an effort to provide a better Christmas for families in need. Participants are able to donate a new and unwrapped toy throughout the months of October – December. The campaign is designed to bring communities closer together and foster children at a young age to become productive citizens much further into the future.

Are you considering a donation? There’s a multitude of locations to drop off your new toys in person, including

US Navy Reserve Center
1201 N 35th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(Cross roads  -  35th AVE & I-10
Call Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm
(602) 348-1114

East Valley T4T satellite location:
Fulton Ranch Promenade
4985 S. Alma School Road, Ste B103
Chandler, AZ 85248
(cross roads – Alma School & Chandler Heights)
Call Monday thru Friday  9am to 5pm
(602) 465-6264

West Valley T4T satellite warehouse location:
Palm Valley Marketplace
14175 West Indian School Road Ste D4
Goodyear, AZ  85338
(cross roads – Litchfield & Indian School
Call Monday thru Friday 10am to 3pm
(602) 465-6961

*Supporting children ages 0 thru 12

There’s also an option to donate to Toys for Tots online.

Toys for Tots is a top-rated charity in the Maricopa community and can provide a great foundation to many families in need during the holiday season. It’s a simple way to give back to your community and spread the holiday cheer, year after year.

Posted in Charity event |

Charitable Giving Does Not Have to be “Taxing”

Besides the obvious social and economic pluses to donating to a local worthy cause, there may also be something in it for you!

 

 

With some gifts you give, you may be eligible for a tax break, depending on your tax bracket. The higher your tax break, the more money you are allowed to get back, don’t let that deter you if you’re in the lower brackets though, you can still receive a break!

 

If you are donating property, you must have owned it for at least a year and it must be in good or acceptable condition. The value will be based on the fair market price, which can be extremely good news if your property is appreciated. If you donate to Goodwill, or another thrift store, make sure to get a receipt when you drop off your donations, it could save you up to a few hundred dollars depending on your donations. So before you decide to leave old furniture, appliances, and clothing in the street, think about the many benefits of donating to a local thrift store. Just make sure that you receive a receipt upon donating, and remember the IRS requires an appraisal if your item is not in “good” condition and deducted over $500.

 

 

Just in case you hadn’t heard: document, document, document!

Do research into your charity, and remember to be smart with your hard earned money.

 

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Beer for Brains

The Arizona Science Center, located in downtown Phoenix, is hosting an event to benefit the fight against brain cancer. Come down and enjoy a craft beer on Saturday, November 10th, from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. The event will also include live music, multiple tastings and a great resource for those looking to get more information on the battle against cancer. The event promises to provide a wide array of unique brews and local chefs serving up some truly excellent cuisine to dining patrons. Your General Admission ticket allows you to participate in food/beverage sampling.

This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy your weekend and help a great cause in the same stone. If you’re looking to make reservations personally or with a partner, call Call (866) 961-3775.

beer for brains charity event

Want more info?

For more information, please visit the Beer for Brains site.

Posted in Charity event |

Charity Spotlight: HALO Animal Rescue

 

Who They Are

These Arizona angels have been saving animal lives since 1994 as a private 501(c)(3) non-profit. HALO (Helping Animals Live On) is one of the largest no-kill shelters for dogs and cats in the Phoenix area. In 2011, HALO saved the lives of 3,520 animals, sparing them from becoming part of the nearly 50,000 euthanized by other shelters.

What They Do

 HALO takes in Arizona animals, then  nurses them back to health while giving them tremendous love and attention until they are placed into a home. Many adoptions centers are located around the Valley, including within some Phoenix area pet stores; you can also visit their website to view available pets. The organization will be relocating in 2013 and are in dire need of new pet parents or charitable gifts so they may continue to provide the adequate care needed to house the thousands of animals rescued each year. Visit their website here.

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14th Annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament

One of the premier charities in Arizona is the Annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament, a dynamic and hugely entertaining outing perfect for the serious golf enthusiast. Proceeds benefit children in need of medical care, offering the best healthcare possible and perhaps most importantly instilling hope where it’s needed most. The tournament itself includes contests such as Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt & Hole-in-One. The format for the tournament is set as a four person scramble. Participants will receive a boxed lunch, tee gift and entrance to the 19th Hole Awards Celebration featuring Honey Bear’s BBQ and assorted beverages.

 

Golf Tournament Details

The 14th Annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament will take place at Troon North Golf Club on 10320 East Dynamite Blvd. in Scottsdale, AZ on Friday, November 16th, 2012. Registration is available online and also onsite the day of the tournament beginning at 9:00 am. The shotgun start will begin promptly at 11:00 am with the 19th Hole Cocktail Party & Awards Celebration taking place at 4:30 pm that evening.

For more information, visit the 14th Annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament website.

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Pizza for the Pets!

Do you consider yourself an animal lover? Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Scottsdale, AZ is hosting Pizza for the Pets!, all proceeds going directly to PACC911′s (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition) Emergency Medical Fund. Participants are able to indulge in an endless buffet of pizza, salad and desserts while supporting a very worthy cause. It’s a great opportunity to take the entire family out for a night out that promises to be a great deal of fun.

 

Dinner Info

The Grimaldi’s benefit for PACC911 will be held at the Scottsdale location on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012 between 5pm-9pm. Each guest can enjoy unlimited food for a reasonable fee of $25 per person, $35 per person for the inclusion of a fabulous beer/wine selection. You can reserve yourself a spot by using PayPal services or pay upon arrival. Find more information regarding the benefit dinner closer to the scheduled date at the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition website.

Posted in Charity event |

JDRF: Walk To Cure Diabetes

The JDRF Desert Southwest Chapter began their fight against type 1 diabetes starting back in 1997, offices opening in both Phoenix & Tucson. Each location hosts a variety of charity events throughout the year, including the Walk To Cure Diabetes. JDRF is a leader for funding research for curing, treating and preventing T1D. The ultimate aim is to improve the lives of those personally affected by T1D, whether by living with the disease or having a loved one coping with the disease. Their efforts have raised over 1.5 billion dollars for T1D research, helping make tremendous strides against the disease.

Walk Info

The JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, AZ. Aside from online registration, registration will be open at the event beginning at 7:30 am. The actual event will begin as of 9:00 am that morning, roughly 22,000 participants in tow.

JDRF encourages you to form a team and seek sponsorship of any kind. Joining forces with friends and family can dramatically increase your ability of raising money for a worthy cause, many corporate sponsors taking advantage of the opportunity to advertise for a legitimate event. Additionally, if you’re interested in volunteering or have additional questions, you can contact JDRF at (602) 224-1800. JDRF looks forward to seeing you on the day of the walk!

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