Online Donations
|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
THE ELK RAPIDS AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (ERAHS) is a non-profit, all volunteer, 501 c3 tax exempt organization. The
Society does not receive money from any government entity. Volunteers
operate the Museum and depend on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and
grants to fund the many programs offered. There are many ways members and friends can make tax deductible contributions to the Historical Society. There are many methods of giving that may have significant tax advantages to you. Please contact your tax professional to see if any of the following methods of giving might benefit you as well as the Society and its Museum. If you are thinking about one or more of the “Ways of Giving” outlined below, and have any questions or concerns, please write the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 2, Elk Rapids, MI., 49629-0002, phone (231) 264-5692 or e-mail: president@elkrapidshistory.org |
Ways of Giving to the Elk Rapids Historical Society and Its Museum CASH GIFTS are certainly the most direct and immediately beneficial way of contributing to the Elk Rapids Area Society. We quality as a charitable institution and have our 501 (C) 3 designation. Checks can be made out to the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society (or ERAHS). Donations are income tax-deductible to the extent provided by Federal Tax Laws. GIFTS OF SECURITIES can be advantageous to the donor in that capital gains taxes can usually be avoided. The current market value at the time of giving is tax deductible. MEMORIALS AND BEQUESTS are placed in the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society Endowment Fund unless otherwise directed. You many request that your bequest be used for a specific purpose or project. Memorial or honoraria donations to the Fund are acknowledged on regularly updated plaques displayed in the museum.
PROPERTY may be donated with significant tax advantages. The land you own can even be donated now while reserving the right to use the property for the remainder of you life. By giving the property now substantial income and property tax advantages may be realized. Some arrangements allow for the Society to receive income from property now with the property passing to your heirs upon death.
LIFE INSURANCE can provide a substantial gift with a relatively small cash outlay. The donor pays premiums on a policy listing the Historical Society or the Endowment Fund as the beneficiary. The donor received a tax deduction for the premiums and the Historical Society receives the face value of the policy.
MATCHING GIFTS are offered by some employers who will match your donations to qualified charitable or educational organizations. The Museum’s Finance Committee has a list of companies with Matching Gift Programs. Contact your employer to see if the Museum qualifies for matching gifts.
UNITED WAY donations to your local United Way may be designated for the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION (RMD) is another way you can now help financially support the Elk Rapids Historical Museum and realize a tax benefit at the same time. The IRA Charitable Distribution has been permanently signed into law. By making your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to a non-profit 501c(3) organization like the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society, your RMD is not taxable. In order to take this type of distribution you must:
1) Be an IRA owner age 70-1/2 or older
2) Notify your IRA custodian to make a charitable distribution to the ERAHS.
Up to $100,000 of the amount distributed qualifies for this beneficial tax treatment. No taxes will be due on this portion of the distribution. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to reduce your taxes and support the Elk Rapids Historical Museum at the same time. WHAT ABOUT LONG-TERM GIVING where you make a future oriented support commitment? Not for you, you say? Well, maybe — maybe not. Yes, you’ll have to get your attorney and other professionals on your team to handle all the details, but just consider the impact on your personal finances and the future of the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society and its Museum.
SUPPORTING the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society and its Museum for most of us is something we do by joining the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society or by renewing our membership each year with a tax-deductible monetary donation. These donations, made by our members, are a means by which the Historical Society carries out its educational and preservation responsibilities each and every year. Bottom line is, these annual, short-term donations are critical to getting the job done!
|