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April 15, 2008

A New Tax Break for Charity?

Nearly $4-billion could soon start flowing to charity as Americans begin to receive the tax-rebate checks the federal government hopes will stimulate the economy.

That estimate comes after the Associated Press conducted a poll to ask people what they would do with their checks — and 4 percent of Americans said they would direct some of their rebate money to charity.

Barlow Mann, a Memphis planned-giving consultant, says that the people most likely to turn over their tax rebate to charity are middle-class people who previously donated gifts in the $100, $250, or $500 range. Donors of much larger sums, he says, probably makes more than the average taxpayer and is therefore not eligible for the rebate.

Mr. Mann says he’s advising his nonprofit clients, especially those with large numbers of donors who give modest amounts, to promote rebate donations through mailings, advertisements, and other means.

Are you promoting tax-rebate contributions? Have your efforts succeeded?

— Holly Hall

Tuesday April 15, 2008 | Permalink

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