It’s estimated that a staggering 30 million people face hunger every day in America, including more than 12 million children. United Way is participating in this drive to help meet this immediate need.

With a national goal of collecting 1,000,000 pounds of food, all local residents in southern Nevada are encouraged to gather non-perishable food items and place them in bags, cans or boxes, in or near the mailbox, group mailbox or mailroom on May 10. Canned, plastic, or paper containers of food such as soups, peanut butter, rice, pasta, beans, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, and vegetables are needed. Additional items like paper goods, toilet paper, diapers, and baby food are also in demand.

Letter carriers from across the Valley will pick up the items on May 10. Food can also be dropped off at local post offices.

Twenty different local charities will receive the food collected including Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, United Labor Agency of Nevada (ULAN), St. Judes and many other local churches and charities.

The drive stocks local community food banks, pantries and shelters with non-perishables. Letter carriers collect from customers along their mail routes. The drive, which has become the world's largest one-day food drive, was started by NALC in 1991 in cooperation with the U.S. Postal Service and the AFL-CIO.

During “Booster Seats and Books,” through the support of United Way of Southern Nevada’s Success By 6, families will receive training on booster seat installation by certified technicians from SAFE KIDS Coalition, Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The proper installation of booster seats is pivotal for ensuring the protection of young children,” said Gregory E. Rose, City Manager, City of North Las Vegas. “When it comes to the lives of our children, we must put safety first.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research, 7,000 lives have been saved by the proper use of child restraints during the past 20 years. Child safety seats are required for children under 5 and 40 pounds. According to Nevada’s booster seat law, booster seats are required for children from 40 to 60 pounds and under age six. All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 4' 9” tall (generally 4 to 8 years old).

Car seats and booster seats are designed to protect children and make them comfortable at the same time. There's nothing comfortable about a too-big safety belt cutting into a child's stomach or pressing against his or her face. Plus, children who ride on booster seats can easily see many things they would otherwise miss.

Families who attend the event will also receive free parenting kits and tips on child development. Ford Motor Credit funded the booster seats for the installations in conjunction with Success by 6 community partners.

Community partners for this event Include:

• City of North Las Vegas Neighborhood Recreation Center
• Safe Kids Coalition, Las Vegas, Nevada
• East Valley Family Services Family to Family Program
• Metro Police Department Volunteer Program - McGruff the Crime-Fighting Dog
• Clark County Department of Social Services Parenting Project
• Vegas PBS

“According to the IRS, 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families received EITC last year,” said Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “Millions of dollars went unclaimed, and we want to do something about it.”

EITC is the largest federal cash assistance program for low-income, working taxpayers and helps to lift more families out of poverty than any other government program. Eligible taxpayers who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 can receive a refund of up to $4,716.

“This year, it is especially important to file a tax return, because certain people who normally are not required to file, such as some low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veteran’s disability benefits, must file a 2007 return in order to be eligible for the 2008 economic stimulus payment,” said Raphael Tulino, IRS spokesperson for Nevada. With five weeks to go, families and individuals who earned less than $40,000 are urged to take advantage of the free tax assistance available by Earn !t Keep !t Save !t partners.

For information about free tax sites, dial 2-1-1 or go to nevada211.org.

For more information about the EITC or Stimulus Payment call 1-800-829-1040, or visit www.irs.gov.

A local board whose members represent the local organizations: Jewish Federation of Las Vegas; Catholic Charities; Clark County Commission; Clark County Social Services; Las Vegas Indian Center; Churches of Christ; American Red Cross; The Salvation Army; and United Way will determine how the funds awarded to Clark County are to be distributed among the existing emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations. 

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: (1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government: (2) have an accounting system; (3) practice non-discrimination; (4) have demonstrated the capacity to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and, (5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.  All qualifying organizations in Clark County are urged to apply.  An RFP process is utilized to determine the organizations selected for funding under this grant.

Clark County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Aid for AIDS of Nevada, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Emergency Aid of Boulder City, Giving Life Ministries, HELP of Southern Nevada, HACA, Las Vegas Senior Lifeline, Lutheran Social Service of Nevada, NALA, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, R.O.S.E. Foundation, S.A.F.E. House, The Salvation Army, United Labor Agency of Nevada, United Methodist Social Ministry, United Way of Southern Nevada, Women’s Development Center.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are available from Duffy Gold at United Way of Southern Nevada at duffyg@uwsn.org.  Click here to download the application.  The deadline for electronic submissions of completed RFPs is 3 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

The Women’s Leadership Council Board, comprised of philanthropists and key community leaders, meets bi-monthly to evaluate philanthropic trends, the needs in the community and how to best affect United Way’s community-based agenda through their support and resources. Each member contributes an annual, minimum commitment of $2,500.

"Our members share a demonstrated commitment to address our community's biggest challenges," stated Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts for United Way of Southern Nevada. "Our goal is to collectively strengthen our social landscape by engaging others in taking action."

Leading this dynamic group are volunteer Co-Chairwomen Cathy A. Jones and Judy Kropid. Both women are passionate about making Las Vegas the best city it can be.

As a long-time, activemember of United Way of Southern Nevada's Board of Directors, Jones served as Board Chair from 1998 to 2000. During that period, United Way’s campaign revenue grew more than 20%.

“I am very excited to have an opportunity through the Women’s Leadership Council to bring our local philanthropic women to the front lines to address our current community needs and opportunities,” said Jones, President of Sun Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

Kropid has lived in Las Vegas for twenty years and has volunteered for numerous organizations, boards and committees.

“I am energized about the Women’s Leadership Council because our goal is somewhat different than most,” said Kropid. “Instead of fixing a problem we want to end the problem by providing the means to help people help themselves.”

Members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council Board include: Barbara Boint, Shelley M. Dubin, Rhonda Clausen, Denette Corrales, Jackie Evon, Jill Fournier, Kate Gilman, Manya Goulet, Robbie Graham, Evelyn Hollins, Nancy Houssels, Cathy Jones, Tricia Kean, Judy Kropid, Lawrel K. Larsen, Hunter Martin, Jennifer Morgan, Colleen O’Callaghan Miele, Connie Pectol, Gina Polovina, Nancy Reel, Heidi Sarno Straus, Rosemary West, and Dale Wynn.

For more information about becoming a member of the Women’s Leadership Council, contact Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts at BethM@uwsn.org or 702-892-2317.

The Women’s Leadership Council Board, comprised of philanthropists and key community leaders, meets bi-monthly to evaluate philanthropic trends, the needs in the community and how to best affect United Way’s community-based agenda through their support and resources. Each member contributes an annual, minimum commitment of $2,500.

"Our members share a demonstrated commitment to address our community's biggest challenges," stated Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts for United Way of Southern Nevada. "Our goal is to collectively strengthen our social landscape by engaging others in taking action."

Leading this dynamic group are volunteer Co-Chairwomen Cathy A. Jones and Judy Kropid. Both women are passionate about making Las Vegas the best city it can be.

As a long-time, activemember of United Way of Southern Nevada's Board of Directors, Jones served as Board Chair from 1998 to 2000. During that period, United Way’s campaign revenue grew more than 20%.

“I am very excited to have an opportunity through the Women’s Leadership Council to bring our local philanthropic women to the front lines to address our current community needs and opportunities,” said Jones, President of Sun Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

Kropid has lived in Las Vegas for twenty years and has volunteered for numerous organizations, boards and committees.

“I am energized about the Women’s Leadership Council because our goal is somewhat different than most,” said Kropid. “Instead of fixing a problem we want to end the problem by providing the means to help people help themselves.”

Members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council Board include: Barbara Boint, Shelley M. Dubin, Rhonda Clausen, Denette Corrales, Jackie Evon, Jill Fournier, Kate Gilman, Manya Goulet, Robbie Graham, Evelyn Hollins, Nancy Houssels, Cathy Jones, Tricia Kean, Judy Kropid, Lawrel K. Larsen, Hunter Martin, Jennifer Morgan, Colleen O’Callaghan Miele, Connie Pectol, Gina Polovina, Nancy Reel, Heidi Sarno Straus, Rosemary West, and Dale Wynn.

For more information about becoming a member of the Women’s Leadership Council, contact Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts at BethM@uwsn.org or 702-892-2317.

February 07, 2008

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – United Way of Southern Nevada has received a one million dollar contribution from The Lincy Foundation to further its development and implementation of community–based solutions addressing the priority areas of early education and healthcare.

“The Lincy Foundation’s investment is galvanizing United Way’s work to ensure local, underserved children are ready to learn when they enter school and that these children and their families are also healthy,” said Kirk Clausen, volunteer Board Chair for United Way of Southern Nevada and Regional President of Wells Fargo & Company.

One half of the grant ($500,000) is for United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” programs and initiatives and the other half is for the goals and outcomes of its “Commitment to Education” agenda.

United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” is helping families to access public and private community services focused on the overall health of children. “Commitment to Education” is working to increase the percentage of children entering Kindergarten at grade level and the percentage of children proficient in third-grade literacy and math to sustain their long-term academic success.

About United Way of Southern Nevada

United Way collaborates with volunteers, stakeholders and community leaders to uncover key strategies designed to develop community-based solutions to our community’s most pressing health and human service issues. Beyond quick fixes, these strategies are delivering long-term solutions, aligned with benchmarks and achievement standards, to change community conditions. For more information about southern Nevada’s most pressing needs and how United Way’s community-based agenda is improving lives, call 702-734-2273 or visit uwsn.org.

“The Lincy Foundation’s investment is galvanizing United Way’s work to ensure local, underserved children are ready to learn when they enter school and that these children and their families are also healthy,” said Kirk Clausen, volunteer Board Chair for United Way of Southern Nevada and Regional President of Wells Fargo & Company.

One half of the grant ($500,000) is for United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” programs and initiatives and the other half is for the goals and outcomes of its “Commitment to Education” agenda.

United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” is helping families to access public and private community services focused on the overall health of children. “Commitment to Education” is working to increase the percentage of children entering Kindergarten at grade level and the percentage of children proficient in third-grade literacy and math to sustain their long-term academic success.

About United Way of Southern Nevada

United Way collaborates with volunteers, stakeholders and community leaders to uncover key strategies designed to develop community-based solutions to our community’s most pressing health and human service issues. Beyond quick fixes, these strategies are delivering long-term solutions, aligned with benchmarks and achievement standards, to change community conditions. For more information about southern Nevada’s most pressing needs and how United Way’s community-based agenda is improving lives, call 702-734-2273 or visit uwsn.org.

“The Lincy Foundation’s investment is galvanizing United Way’s work to ensure local, underserved children are ready to learn when they enter school and that these children and their families are also healthy,” said Kirk Clausen, volunteer Board Chair for United Way of Southern Nevada and Regional President of Wells Fargo & Company.

One half of the grant ($500,000) is for United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” programs and initiatives and the other half is for the goals and outcomes of its “Commitment to Education” agenda.

United Way’s “Access to Healthcare” is helping families to access public and private community services focused on the overall health of children. “Commitment to Education” is working to increase the percentage of children entering Kindergarten at grade level and the percentage of children proficient in third-grade literacy and math to sustain their long-term academic success.

About United Way of Southern Nevada

United Way collaborates with volunteers, stakeholders and community leaders to uncover key strategies designed to develop community-based solutions to our community’s most pressing health and human service issues. Beyond quick fixes, these strategies are delivering long-term solutions, aligned with benchmarks and achievement standards, to change community conditions. For more information about southern Nevada’s most pressing needs and how United Way’s community-based agenda is improving lives, call 702-734-2273 or visit uwsn.org.

EITC is the largest federal cash assistance program for low-income, working taxpayers and helps to lift more families out of poverty than any other government program. Eligible taxpayers who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 can receive a refund of up to $4,716.

“Our mission is to connect families with the resources and tools to access money available to them through the EITC,” said First Lady Gibbons. “The positive affect that this tax credit can have on Nevada’s hard-working individuals is staggering.”

First Lady Gibbons was joined by State Senator Steven Horsford, CEO of Nevada Partners and the Culinary Training Academy; Otto Merida, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. The event was held on Jan. 31, 2008 at 2:00 pm, in Nevada Partners’ newly-constructed community banquet and events center at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas. Live demonstrations of e-file tax preparations occurred at the conclusion of the press conference. “Earn !t Keep !t Save !t,” a new community initiative formed by United Way of Southern Nevada in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and local businesses and organizations, works to increase the number of low- to moderate-income workers in Clark County claiming and receiving the EITC.

“According to the IRS, 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families received EITC last year,” said Goulet. “Millions of dollars went unclaimed, and we want to do something about it.”

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t partners are currently providing free tax assistance preparation and e-filing, delivered by IRS-trained volunteers to eligible participants at multiple sites throughout Clark County. Other services include bilingual counseling in the areas of credit and debt relief, financial education, and homeownership. For more information on the EITC, who qualifies, and where free tax sites are located, dial 2-1-1 or go to irs.gov/eitc.

EITC is the largest federal cash assistance program for low-income, working taxpayers and helps to lift more families out of poverty than any other government program. Eligible taxpayers who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 can receive a refund of up to $4,716.

“Our mission is to connect families with the resources and tools to access money available to them through the EITC,” said First Lady Gibbons. “The positive affect that this tax credit can have on Nevada’s hard-working individuals is staggering.”

First Lady Gibbons will be joined by State Senator Steven Horsford, CEO of Nevada Partners and the Culinary Training Academy; Otto Merida, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. The event will be held on Jan. 31, 2008 at 2:00 pm, in Nevada Partners’ newly-constructed community banquet and events center at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas. Live demonstrations of e-file tax preparations will occur at the conclusion of the press conference. “Earn !t Keep !t Save !t,” a new community initiative formed by United Way of Southern Nevada in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and local businesses and organizations, works to increase the number of low- to moderate-income workers in Clark County claiming and receiving the EITC.

“According to the IRS, 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families received EITC last year,” said Goulet. “Millions of dollars went unclaimed, and we want to do something about it.”

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t partners will provide free tax assistance preparation and e-filing, delivered by IRS-trained volunteers to eligible participants at multiple sites throughout Clark County. Other services include bilingual counseling in the areas of credit and debt relief, financial education, and homeownership. For more information on the EITC, who qualifies, and where free tax sites are located, dial 2-1-1 or go to irs.gov/eitc.

EITC is the largest federal cash assistance program for low-income, working taxpayers and helps to lift more families out of poverty than any other government program. Eligible taxpayers who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 can receive a refund of up to $4,716.

“Our mission is to connect families with the resources and tools to access money available to them through the EITC,” said First Lady Gibbons. “The positive affect that this tax credit can have on Nevada’s hard-working individuals is staggering.”

First Lady Gibbons will be joined by State Senator Steven Horsford, CEO of Nevada Partners and the Culinary Training Academy; Otto Merida, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. The event will be held on Jan. 31, 2008 at 2:00 pm, in Nevada Partners’ newly-constructed community banquet and events center at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas. Live demonstrations of e-file tax preparations will occur at the conclusion of the press conference. “Earn !t Keep !t Save !t,” a new community initiative formed by United Way of Southern Nevada in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and local businesses and organizations, works to increase the number of low- to moderate-income workers in Clark County claiming and receiving the EITC.

“According to the IRS, 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families received EITC last year,” said Goulet. “Millions of dollars went unclaimed, and we want to do something about it.”

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t partners will provide free tax assistance preparation and e-filing, delivered by IRS-trained volunteers to eligible participants at multiple sites throughout Clark County. Other services include bilingual counseling in the areas of credit and debt relief, financial education, and homeownership. For more information on the EITC, who qualifies, and where free tax sites are located, dial 2-1-1 or go to irs.gov/eitc.

“According to the IRS only 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families applied for the Credit last year. Millions of dollars went unclaimed and we want to do something about it,” stated Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “We are encouraged by the growing participation of organizations in the public and private sectors; and welcome others that wish to participate.”

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t will provide free tax assistance preparation and e-filing to eligible participants at multiple sites, manned by trained volunteers, throughout Clark County. Other services will include bilingual assistance for immigrants including information about taxpayer ID numbers, referrals to credit and debt counseling, financial education, homeownership counseling, and information about individual development accounts.

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t will officially kick-off on January 31^st, in conjunction with National EITC Awareness Day with many VITA sites opening on February 1^st 2008.

The Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce will lead the outreach to southern Nevada’s growing Hispanic community. This is strategically significant because Latinos historically have had a lower than average level of participation in applying for EITC refunds. “Enhancing the economic well-being of Hispanics in southern Nevada is an integral part of our mission and we’re very committed to the success of United Way’s new initiative,” stated Otto Merida, President and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on:

VITA site locations, please contact HELP of Southern Nevada by dialing 2 -1 -1.

Volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada at 702.892.2323

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t, a United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative, please call 702.734.2273.

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“According to the IRS only 16% of Clark County’s qualifying families applied for the Credit last year. Millions of dollars went unclaimed and we want to do something about it,” stated Dan Goulet, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “We are encouraged by the growing participation of organizations in the public and private sectors; and welcome others that wish to participate.”

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t will provide free tax assistance preparation and e-filing to eligible participants at multiple sites, manned by trained volunteers, throughout Clark County. Other services will include bilingual assistance for immigrants including information about taxpayer ID numbers, referrals to credit and debt counseling, financial education, homeownership counseling, and information about individual development accounts.

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t will officially kick-off on January 31^st, in conjunction with National EITC Awareness Day with many VITA sites opening on February 1^st 2008.

The Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce will lead the outreach to southern Nevada’s growing Hispanic community. This is strategically significant because Latinos historically have had a lower than average level of participation in applying for EITC refunds. “Enhancing the economic well-being of Hispanics in southern Nevada is an integral part of our mission and we’re very committed to the success of United Way’s new initiative,” stated Otto Merida, President and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

About the Earned Income Tax Credit

Enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1975, the EITC is a refundable tax credit that reduces or eliminates taxes for low-income married or single working people (such as payroll taxes), also serving as a wage subsidy for low-income workers. Today, the EITC is one of America’s most important weapons against poverty, enjoying broad bipartisan support.

About United Way of Southern Nevada

United Way of Southern Nevada is mobilizing our community to create long-term change to improve lives by partnering with government, corporate and private-sector leaders. United Way supports agencies and programs devoted to improving lives in southern Nevada through Access to Healthcare, Commitment to Education and Financial Stability Partnership. For more information about southern Nevada’s most pressing needs and how United Way’s Community Impact work is improving lives, call 702-734-2273 or visit uwsn.org.

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t Partners

VITA site locations, please contact HELP of Southern Nevada by dialing 2 -1 -1.

Volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada at 702.892.2323

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t, a United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative, please call 702.734.2273.

Join First Lady Dawn Gibbons and Senator Steven Horsford
for the launch of “Earn !t Keep !t Save !t,"

About Earn !t Keep !t Save !t

United Way of Southern Nevada in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service is spearheading a new community initiative - “Earn !t Keep !t Save !t” - to increase the number of eligible working individuals and families in Clark County claiming and receiving the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Earn !t Keep !t Save !t Community Partners

Bank of America Ÿ Bank of Nevada Ÿ CHR, Inc. Ÿ City of Las Vegas Ÿ College of Southern Nevada Ÿ Community Bank of Nevada Ÿ Consumer Credit Counseling Ÿ East Las Vegas Community Development Ÿ Family TIES of Nevada Ÿ Goodwill of Southern Nevada Ÿ HSBC Bank Nevada, NA Ÿ HACA Ÿ Housing Authority, Clark County Ÿ Internal Revenue Service Ÿ Latin Chamber of Commerce Ÿ Nat’l Federation of Filipino-American Associations Ÿ Nevada Federal Credit Union Ÿ Nevada Hand Ÿ Nevada Legal Services Ÿ Nevada Partners Ÿ Nevada Society of Enrolled Agents Ÿ Nevada State Bank Ÿ USAA Savings Bank Ÿ United Labor Agency of Nevada Ÿ United Way of Southern Nevada Ÿ University of Nevada Las Vegas Ÿ Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada Ÿ Wells Fargo Bank

About the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1975, the EITC is a refundable tax credit that reduces or eliminates taxes for low-income married or single working people (such as payroll taxes), also serving as a wage subsidy for low-income workers. Today, the EITC is one of America’s most important weapons against poverty, enjoying broad bipartisan support. In 2004, almost 21 million American families received more than $36 billion in refunds through the EITC. These refunds significantly impacted thousands of communities across the nation, elevating more than 5 million families above the poverty line. Economists postulate that every additional dollar received by low- and moderate-income families has a multiplier effect of up to double the original amount, in its impact on the local economy.

1. View Your Donation as an Investment. Any gift to an organization should be seen as an investment, and you want that investment to make a major impact on its recipients while also giving you personal satisfaction. An investment approach to a particular group or cause will ensure a more meaningful experience for you.
   
   
2. Do Your Homework. When selecting where to give, it is important to gather all the facts. Conducting thorough research prior to giving will help you separate legitimate charities from frauds, as well as reassure you that your donation is truly helping those who need it most. Resources such as the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and GuideStar can help you to verify the legitimacy of an organization. To avoid fraudulent charities, make sure your chosen charity does not engage in any of the following activities:
   • Send mail appeals disguised as bills or invoices
   • Offer very little or no information on actual day-to-day operations
   • Pressure you to give
     

3. Understand the Tax Benefits of Giving. An added benefit to giving is that most philanthropic donations are tax-deductible. To receive a tax deduction, you will need the proper documentation when filing your income tax returns. The IRS requires a receipt for each tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more. Depending on the amount or type of your gift, you may need to provide additional documents with your tax form, such as Form 8283 for each non-cash donation exceeding $500.
   
   
4. Decide How You Will Give and How Much. A financial donation is the most popular way to give, but there are other ways to help your favorite cause. Many organizations will accept property and goods, as well as your time. There are many options on how to give, including donating directly online, by mail, through payroll deduction or through a donor-advised fund. Additionally, find out if your employer will match your charitable gift. This will even further maximize your investment.
   
   
5. Track Your Donations. Once you have made your gift, mark your calendar with important dates of the organization’s meetings and key events for the year. These are excellent ways to see your investment at work. Also, be sure to track the dates and amounts you gave payment methods and desired uses for your gift. You should automatically receive a receipt with an acknowledgement of your gift. If you don’t, be sure to follow up. Don’t rely on a cancelled check to count as your receipt.