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Contributions

 

Donation Strategies and Contribution Options

Our generous members have a long history of enthusiastic and willing support of our financial goals. We are grateful for the continued support of our SCGS family.

The Southern California Genealogical Society has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization. By taking advantage of federal tax incentives that are specifically intended to encourage charitable contributions, our members are able to make a larger gift at little or no additional cost.

There are several options available for our members to support the financial well being of the Southern California Genealogical Society. Your financial support will ensure that the Society will continue to provide genealogical resources, education and reference materials for decades to come.

Here are some ways you can enhance your contribution!

New or Renewed Memberships

New or renewed memberships offer the most popular method of providing financial support. Several levels of membership offer flexibility and can be used to maximize the benefits your family receives from its participation in SCGS activities:

  • One-year individual membership $ 30 per year
  • Two-year individual membership $ 55 for a two-year period
  • One-year family membership $ 40 per year (2 family members)
  • Two-year family membership $ 75 for a two-year period
  • International iindividual membership $60 per year
  • Student membership $25 per year

Restricted or Unrestricted Cash Donations

Restricted or unrestricted cash donations are the simplest and most direct way of supporting the financial goals of the SCGS. If you itemize your tax deductions, your contribution is generally fully deductible up to 50% of your adjusted gross income; and any excess may be carried forward for up to five additional years. Cash or credit card donations can be made at any time throughout the year. Contributors are recognized at four donation levels.

  • Platinum level $ 1000 or more
  • Gold level $ 500 to $999.99
  • Century level $ 100 to $499.99
  • Contributing level $ 1 to $ 99.99

Gift Memorials

A memorial gift to the Southern California Genealogical Society is a thoughtful way to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of a family member, friend or colleague. Your gift in any amount is welcome and will be used to support the Society's important work. Through your gift, you may remember and honor the memory of one recently deceased, or renew the memory of one long passed.

Employer Matching Contributions

More than 1000 companies have implemented programs to match employee gifts to qualified nonprofit organizations such as SCGS.

Under these corporate matching programs, gifts made by an employee are matched by the employer. Some employers will match your donation on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while others match only a percentage of your gift. Companies may have eligibility requirements such as full-time employment or the length of time the employee has worked for the company. Some companies match contributions made by the employee’s spouse or partner, or by retired employees.

Usually, to initiate a gift, a contributor completes the company’s matching gift form and sends it to SCGS along with their contribution. Check with your employer’s human resource or personnel office to see if your company has a matching program.

Click below for a partial list of companies that have implemented a company match program. If your organization is not listed here, you may wish to check to see if your employer has recently adopted a charitable match program.

A ~ B ~ C ~ D ~ E ~ F ~ G ~ H ~ I ~ J ~ K ~ L ~ M ~ N ~ O ~ P ~ Q ~ R ~ S ~ T ~ U ~ V ~ W ~ X ~ Y ~ Z

Gifts of Securities

Securities can be one of the most advantageous ways of making a donation. The valuation of the donation for tax purposes is determined on the date of transfer to SCGS. Donating appreciated stock benefits both the donor and the Society.

When making a gift of securities, you receive two tax-related benefits. First, the appreciated value of the donated stock is not subject to capital gains taxes. Second, you can deduct the fair market value of the stock as a charitable contribution (subject to IRS rules).

SCGS can sell the stock and put the money quickly to work to help support our programs. As a non-profit group, we're also exempt from capital gains taxes. The net result: you can make a larger gift because of the tax savings.

Gifts of Tangible Assets

The tax benefits of gifts of real property are similar to those of securities and in many cases apply to gifts of books, computers, equipment, art, automobiles, jewelry and other kinds of personal property. Interested donors should check with your financial and tax advisors and SCGS on the feasibility of such gifts.

Bequests

A bequest in your will can establish a legacy that will reflect your support for the long-term financial health of the Society. Bequests in your will or living trust are generally exempt from federal or state inheritance taxes and may produce a tax savings for your heirs. The simplest way is to add any of the following to your will or living trust:

  • Percentage - unrestricted: I give to the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, __ % of the residue of my estate without restriction as to the use of the funds.
  • Percentage - restricted: I give the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, __ % of the residue of my estate for the support of _____ program or fund.” [Note: Examples would be an endowment fund, acquisitions, equipment, etc.]
  • Dollar Amount - unrestricted: I give to the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, the sum of $ __ without restriction as to the use of the funds.
  • Dollar Amount - restricted: I give to the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, the sum of $ __ estate for the support of _____ program or fund.” [Note: Examples would be an endowment fund, acquisitions, equipment, etc.]
  • Specific Property - unrestricted: I give to the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, my interest in (describe the property and the exact location) without restriction as to the use of the proceeds.
  • Specific Property - restricted: I give to the Southern California Genealogical Society, located in Burbank, California, my interest in (describe the property and the exact location) for the support of _____ program or fund.” [Note: Examples would be an endowment fund, acquisitions, equipment, etc.]

Please consult with your financial and tax advisors and with the SCGS in selecting a program or specific target for such a bequest.

Business with matching contributions...

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417 Irving Dr. ~ Burbank, CA ~ 91504
818-843-7247

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