Is Your Chosen Nonprofit Legit? 5 Things to Check if It’s Truly a 501(c)(3) Organization
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Support Only Legitimate Tax-Exempt Organizations Certified by the IRS!
Many nonprofit organizations are operating in the United States, but not all of them are given the 501(c)(3) status. The 501(c)(3) status is given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to charitable organizations that qualify for federal tax exemptions. They include charitable, religious, educational, scientific, and literary organizations. Those that do tests for public safety, foster amateur sports competitions, and prevent cruelty to children or animals are also included.
Two tax-exempt categories under the 501(c)(3) status are organizations considered public charities and private foundations. Public charities typically receive a significant portion of their income from the government or the general public. They operate to help the community, providing services such as shelters for the homeless and animal welfare facilities. This type of nonprofit includes churches and educational organizations.
Meanwhile, private foundations are those that are considered nonprofit charitable entities. They are typically established by a single benefactor, an individual or a family, or a business. They help promote educational, religious, and other charitable activities by making grants to other charitable nonprofits. They receive most of the revenues from a small number of donors.
How Can You Distinguish Legitimate 501(c)(3) Nonprofits?
If you genuinely have the heart to help and want to make sure that your donation reaches the sector you wish to support, here are some tips to avoid getting scammed:
1. Check the organization’s tax ID number.
Tax ID numbers or Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) show that the organization is recognized by the IRS. 501(c)(3) organizations have EINs that show their contact information, which gives the IRS and the donor a legitimate way to contact the charity in case of complaints or problems with the donation.
2. Check the IRS tax-exempt search tool.
Check if the organization you wish to support has updated registration with the IRS through the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool found on irs.gov. If it’s not registered with the IRS each year, then its tax-exempt status may not be updated. Charities should also be registered with the state governments to operate legally.
3. Check their donation process.
Legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofits should be able to accept different forms of payment. If the organization is only limited to accepting certain forms of payment, it may be a red flag that its operations are not fully transparent and accounted for. Also, check if the donation you are making is addressed to an organization or an individual.
4. Check for tax receipts.
Legally operating 501(c)(3) nonprofits can provide a copy of tax receipts that donors can use to claim their tax deductions. Donation receipts should have specific, detailed information about the charity you are donating to. This includes the name and address of the organization. The receipt should also say how much you donated or provide a description of what you donated if you donated goods.
5. Check how the donations will be used.
Be aware of what your donation will be used for. Many organizations or groups are not above setting up fake foundations and fundraisers only to scam people of their donations.
Deal with an IRS-Certified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
If you are looking for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support, look no further than Breast Cancer Car Donations. We accept old and unwanted vehicles offered as donations by private individuals. These donations are 100% tax-deductible!
You can donate to us any vehicle that you no longer need. We’ll use it as a tool for saving the lives of indigent breast cancer patients in your community.
We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to help finance the comprehensive breast health services being provided by our IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners — the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) and Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing, Inc. (WINGS). These nonprofits use the funding that we give them to sustain their delivery of a range of breast health services to uninsured and financially struggling breast cancer patients.
The services include easy access to top cancer centers and financial assistance to cover the costs of the treatments, doctor appointments, medications, and other essential healthcare services that the patients need. Other beneficiaries get to receive free breast cancer screening and diagnosis, as well as prevention and education services.
Thus, you’d truly help save lives with your vehicle donation.
You’ll also receive valuable rewards as our donor. You’ll benefit from our fast and free towing service. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Best of all, you’ll experience the priceless satisfaction of doing a life-saving charitable act.
You can donate just about any type of vehicle, whether it’s still in good condition or not. You’re also free to make your donation from any place in the country since our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.
You don’t have to worry about a lengthy process when you donate. You can complete your donation in only three quick steps. You contact us, we tow your car away for free, and you receive your tax-deductible receipt a few weeks later.
If you’re interested to learn more about how our vehicle donation process works, what we normally take as donations, or anything else related to car donations, feel free to visit our FAQs page. We would also love to hear from you, so give us a call at 866-540-5069. You may also send us a message online.
Ready to Save Lives with Us?
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Now that you are assured that you are dealing with a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, nothing should stop you from donating your unwanted vehicle to Breast Cancer Car Donations. Not only will you be helping save lives but you will also save money when you receive your tax deduction and other benefits from us. Call us at 866-540-5069 or fill out our secure online donation form to turn your beater into a life-saving instrument now!
Last Updated: March 10th, 2023