California AG’s Guide for Online Charitable Giving

Published on: August 25, 2019August 24, 2019 by Gene Takagi

The Charitable Trusts Section of the California Department of Justice published the Attorney General’s Guide for Online Charitable Giving in July 2019. The Guide consists of four sections: Introduction: How and Where Can You Give to Support Charities Online? Research Before Donating Duties and Best Practices for Charitable Fundraising Platforms Conclusion and Legal Notice For […]

PATH Act: 3 Charitable Giving Tax Incentives Made Permanent

Published on: December 26, 2015 by Gene Takagi 2 Comments

Last week, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the “PATH Act”) was passed by Congress and signed into law. Included in the Act were 3 charitable giving incentives that had previously expired on January 1, 2015. Rather than simply extending the incentives retroactively for another year, which was the manner in which […]

Giving Tuesday: 6 Legal Tips for Donors

Published on: December 2, 2014November 29, 2016 by Gene Takagi

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. – Giving Tuesday […]

Chronicle Live Discussion: Clever Ways to Thank Donors

Published on: October 29, 2013February 25, 2014 by Gene Takagi

On Thursday, October 31, The Chronicle of Philanthropy is hosting a live video discussion, Clever Ways to Thank Donors, that will show attendees how to be creative in their thank you's and also mindful of legal considerations, including federal rules regarding written acknowledgments and disclosures. You can also view the recorded version on the same […]

Major Gifts – Part I: Tips for Implementing a Major Gifts Program

Published on: November 5, 2010February 25, 2014 by Emily Chan

“A major gift is not something that donors do on a whim or a lark, or on the spur of the moment…. And in all likelihood, they do not materialize without a great deal of time, talent, or effort attached…. Making the major gift is a very special expression on the part of the donor, […]

IRS Releases Revised Publication on Charitable Contributions: Substantiation & Disclosure

Published on: August 11, 2010February 25, 2014 by Gene Takagi

The Internal Revenue Service recently released a revised version of Publication 1771, Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements. The Publication explains the federal tax law charities and churches that receive tax-deductible charitable contributions and for taxpayers who make contributions. There are recordkeeping and substantiation rules imposed on donors of charitable contributions and disclosure rules imposed on […]

This Ramadan, Give Without Fear (But Give Wisely)

Published on: August 26, 2009February 25, 2014 by Emily Chan

GUEST BLOG POSTThis Ramadan, Give Without Fear (But Give Wisely)By: Mazen Asbahi, Esq. American Muslims face unique and troubling challenges in trying to fulfill their religious obligations to give charity or zakat. The laws meant to serve the legitimate purpose of preventing the diversion of humanitarian aid to terrorist groups are, instead, overly broad, ambiguous […]