Americans have given generously to charity over the years, continuing a tradition that began in England in the 1700s. It's good when people help those less fortunate. Public charities are supported by a multitude of donors who provide the funds needed for the work that these beneficent organizations do.
A philanthropic organization is called a charity when it promotes the common good without expecting to turn a profit. The earliest attempts outside of religious entities were in London in the mid-eighteenth century. Wealthy aristocrats decided to help the most destitute in the city. Later, some charities formed by wealthy men did much good and at the same time rendered a monetary gain to their investors. This is not often the case in modern times, when non-profit organizations abound.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
A charity can feed the poor, save feral animals in the city, preserve land for future generations and for wildlife, dig wells for villages without clean water, build hospitals or clinics, or provide other kinds of aid. An educational organization can function as a non-profit. In America, the IRS tax code determines the status of a charitable organization. Other countries also regulate beneficent organizations; each region has different requirements that must be met to qualify for exemption to taxes or regulations.
In the United States, a publicly presented charity is one that has many donors and is actively and directly engaged in furthering its mission. Private ones are foundations that are funded by one individual, corporation, or other donor. For example, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie funded public libraries, founded children's homes, built hospitals and universities, and did other good works with their money.
This sort of charity has many individual donors who make one-time or regular contributions. It may also receive funds from the government or from private charitable organizations, often called 'foundations'. A non-profit in good standing with the IRS will pay no taxes on the donations, grants, or other funding it receives. There is potential for fraud and greed in the system, but by and large much good is done and many people helped.
There are IRS guidelines and regulations that seek to make sure that this system is not used as a tax dodge. Some non-profits are agencies that evaluate charitable groups so donors can be assured that their gifts are being used properly and efficiently. If too much is spent on administration, kept inactive in bank accounts, or wasted in inefficient efforts, the examiners will not award a high rating.
Some charities are localized, like ones that work in Appalachia or in a particular African nation. Others may be international, with outreach in many countries. Some may limit their efforts to providing scholarships for minority students or to protecting the habitat for one species, while others may have flexibility in how they help. There are those that are more political than others. Anyone who wishes to help the less fortunate will be able to find a way to give.
A philanthropic organization is called a charity when it promotes the common good without expecting to turn a profit. The earliest attempts outside of religious entities were in London in the mid-eighteenth century. Wealthy aristocrats decided to help the most destitute in the city. Later, some charities formed by wealthy men did much good and at the same time rendered a monetary gain to their investors. This is not often the case in modern times, when non-profit organizations abound.
Some, like the Foundling Hospital begun in 1741 in London or the Magdalen Hospital founded a few years later, sought to keep helpless children off the streets and educate them for a better life. Others gave plots of land to the poor, which allowed them to grow food for themselves. This 'teach a man to fish' approach was a practical way to offer help.
A charity can feed the poor, save feral animals in the city, preserve land for future generations and for wildlife, dig wells for villages without clean water, build hospitals or clinics, or provide other kinds of aid. An educational organization can function as a non-profit. In America, the IRS tax code determines the status of a charitable organization. Other countries also regulate beneficent organizations; each region has different requirements that must be met to qualify for exemption to taxes or regulations.
In the United States, a publicly presented charity is one that has many donors and is actively and directly engaged in furthering its mission. Private ones are foundations that are funded by one individual, corporation, or other donor. For example, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie funded public libraries, founded children's homes, built hospitals and universities, and did other good works with their money.
This sort of charity has many individual donors who make one-time or regular contributions. It may also receive funds from the government or from private charitable organizations, often called 'foundations'. A non-profit in good standing with the IRS will pay no taxes on the donations, grants, or other funding it receives. There is potential for fraud and greed in the system, but by and large much good is done and many people helped.
There are IRS guidelines and regulations that seek to make sure that this system is not used as a tax dodge. Some non-profits are agencies that evaluate charitable groups so donors can be assured that their gifts are being used properly and efficiently. If too much is spent on administration, kept inactive in bank accounts, or wasted in inefficient efforts, the examiners will not award a high rating.
Some charities are localized, like ones that work in Appalachia or in a particular African nation. Others may be international, with outreach in many countries. Some may limit their efforts to providing scholarships for minority students or to protecting the habitat for one species, while others may have flexibility in how they help. There are those that are more political than others. Anyone who wishes to help the less fortunate will be able to find a way to give.
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