Gifts of Cash

Most gifts to the Optimist Foundations are cash contributions, allowing donors the ability to receive full tax benefits if they itemize. In the U.S. donors can deduct the value of their gift up to 50% of their adjusted gross income. If the deduction exceeds that amount in the year the gift was made, they can carry over the unused excess to offset income during the next five years. For the donor's convenience, the Foundations also accept MasterCard and Visa.

EZ Gifts

The Foundations' Electronic Funds Transfer Program is a convenient way donors can make contributions. By authorizing the bank to make payments on the 10th of each month from their checking account, donors can give to the Foundations and avoid having to write a check. The donors' bank statements will reflect these transfers. The transfers can be stopped at any time by notifying the Foundation office.

Restricted/Unrestricted Gifts

The majority of the Foundations' gift support is unrestricted. This permits the Foundations to use such funds where they are most urgently needed as well as to respond to new opportunities and initiatives as they occur. Donors may, however, choose to designate gifts for one or more of the specific programs supported by the Foundations.

Matching Gifts

Many companies have Matching Gift Programs in which the company will double, and sometimes triple the amount the employee contributes to a qualifying nonprofit organization.

Companies that administer Matching Gift programs will have specific guidelines on the gift amount and types of organizations that are eligible. Individuals can contact their employer's Personnel Department to determine if the organization has such a program and if so, eligibility requirements. Information about matching gift companies is also available through the Optimist Foundations.

Gifts of Securities

When a donor is ready to transfer ownership of stock to the Optimist International Foundations, it is important for a representative from the brokerage firm to call the Foundation office directly. Foundation staff will work with the firm to facilitate a timely and properly executed donation.

Confidential or Anonymous Gifts

Any gift may be given on a confidential basis and/or made anonymously. The donor may direct the Executive Director or other Foundation Representatives specifically on how such gifts are to be handled.