Are Foster Care Donations Tax Deductible?
Your financial contributions help UMFS provide stable, secure, and loving homes for children in foster care. UMFS’ foster care program relies on donors like you to help meet immediate physical and emotional needs of foster children, provide ongoing support, and give children security, self-sufficiency, and confidence.According to AFCARS data, there are approximately 440,000 children in the United States and 5,000 Virginia children in foster care.
As you consider your finances and plan for the future, we encourage you to learn more about tax deductions and other benefits you receive from charitable donations.
Tax Deductible Donation FAQs
You may be eligible for a tax deduction and reduce your tax burden when you contribute to a qualified charitable organization like UMFS. UMFS is a registered 501 (c)(3) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In general, you can take a charitable donation deduction if you itemize deductions on your tax return. To qualify as a charitable donation this year, your contribution must be made by December 31.
Ways To Donate To Foster Care Organizations
There are a variety of ways you can make a financial contribution to support foster care, while also receiving a valuable tax deduction.
1. Monetary Donations
Monetary donations help children in foster care obtain the support they need most. The UMFS Treatment Foster Care Program works with children and teens in foster care who are working to overcome past trauma or abuse or are struggling with behavioral or medical challenges. UMFS works hard to identify supportive foster families and provide extensive, specialized training and comprehensive ongoing support.
Your tax-deductible donation to foster care at UMFS enables children who have come from some of the toughest circumstances to get the support and care they need to turn their lives around.
2. Planned Giving
Make a planned gift and create a legacy that will support children in foster care for many years to come.
There are many ways to participate in planned giving, including leaving a bequest to UMFS in your will, donating stock or securities, making a gift from your retirement plan or life insurance, or creating other specialized gifts. Your gift is an investment in high-risk children and their families, helping them become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities, now and into the future. Depending on the approach you choose, your gift may also be tax deductible.
Will Or Living Trust Bequest
You can designate UMFS as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. You can choose a specific amount of money or a percentage share of your estate. Please use our full legal name: United Methodist Family Services of Virginia.
Your gift may qualify for an estate tax charitable deduction.
Life Insurance
A life insurance policy gift can significantly increase the amount of money you give to a foster care organization. Simply select the organization as the owner of a current or new life insurance policy. Fill out a change of ownership form with your insurance company, designating UMFS as the new owner. Please use our full legal name: United Methodist Family Services of Virginia.
Donating a life insurance policy has several different benefits. It can reduce income taxes and estate taxes. It also maintains privacy since a life insurance gift is not a matter of public record. You can donate an existing policy or purchase a new policy specifically for charitable use.
Retirement Plan (IRA, 401(K), etc.)
Retain control of your IRA, 401(K), or other retirement account during your lifetime and support foster care families after your death when you name UMFS as the beneficiary on your retirement plan.
Complete a beneficiary designation form that names UMFS as a beneficiary of your retirement account. Please use our full legal name: United Methodist Family Services of Virginia. You can also include our EIN #54-0505969. Your gift may qualify for an estate tax charitable deduction.
You can also use your retirement account to make a gift to UMFS during your lifetime. Once you reach age 72, you must start taking the RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) from your IRA or 401K retirement account. Instead of taking the full RMD yourself, you can make a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) to UMFS, which may be tax free.
3. Workplace Giving
Take advantage of matching donations available through your employer.
Many employers match, double, or even triple gifts or volunteer hours made by their employees. Please check your employer’s plan for details.
Why Donate To Foster Care?
There are many ways you can help support children in foster care even if you aren’t ready or able to become a foster parent yourself. You can make a difference by making a tax-deductible donation to support foster families and vulnerable children in your community.
Your financial donations have a big impact:
- Give hope to kids who have suffered neglect, have experienced abuse, or struggle with mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
- Empower foster care families to provide loving care to the children in their homes.
- Enable UMFS to make measurable and lifelong changes in the lives of children and teens in foster care.
- Allow children to thrive and receive the education, stability, love, and security they deserve.
- Create a legacy that demonstrates your investment in children.
- Receive a charitable tax deduction in exchange for your donation.
Make A Difference, Donate To Foster Care
Your monetary donations to UMFS make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and teens in foster care.
To gain the maximum benefit and tax deduction from your generous donation, consult your financial or tax adviser. Then prepare to make a direct impact in children’s lives now and into the future.