Make A Donation

The  Animal  Rescue League of  Southern Rhode  Island  is  a private, nonprofit corporation formed under Section 7-6-11.1 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended, and is exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The ARL/SRI is also classified as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to our organization are tax deductible under section 170 of the Code, and the ARL/SRI is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

 

The following Donor Bill or Rights was developed by the American Association for Fund Raising counsel, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, council for Advancement and Support for Education and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  It has been reprinted from the April 2006 issue of Successful Fund Raising.

 

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

 

To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

 

To have access to the organization's most recent financial statement.

 

To be assured their gifts will be used for purposes for which they were given.

 

To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

 

To be assured information about their donations is handled with respect and confidentiality to the extent rovided by law.

 

To expect all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

 

To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

 

To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

 

To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

 

 

 

 

PLANNED GIVING

 

 ENSURING OUR FUTURE

 

We know you care about the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island because your faithful and generous donations make possible our work on behalf of homeless pets.  But what about the future?  There are many ways you can ensure that the ARL/.SRI can continue that work for years to come.

 

BEQUESTS

Leaving a bequest in your will is one way, but definitely not the only way, to leave a lasting legacy to the ARL/SRI.  You may have a retirement plan such as an IRA or a 401(k) that requires a beneficiary designation.  Your beneficiary does not have to be a person.  You can name the ARL/SRI as your beneficiary.  Retirement plan assets left to heirs other than a spouse are subject to estate and income taxes that can take as much as 70% of the bequest.  The same assets, if left to the ARL/SRI, would not be subject to the same tax liabilities, meaning the greatest portion of your gift will be used for your intended purpose.  Naming the ARL/SRI as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy is another simple way to ensure that your gift goes directly to fund the League's programs and services.

 

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES

If you are looking for a way to provide for your retirement, enjoy an immediate tax benefit, and leave a lasting legacy to help animals, then a charitable gift annuity may be just the thing for you!  A simple agreement is written between you and the ARL.SRI whereby a gift of cash, stocks, and/or bonds is transferred to the League.  In return, you (and/or another person you so designate) will receive fixed payments for life.  You would be entitled to a tax deduction for a portion of the gift amount in the year the gift is made.  A portion of each payment made to you is also tax free for a period of years.

 

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS

If you are considering leaving a larger amount to the ARL/SRI, you may want to consider a charitable remainder trust.  As with the charitable gift annuity, you receive payments for your life or for a fixed period.  This concept is especially suitable if you are planning to sell a highly appreciated asset, such as real estate, and want to avoid paying the capital gains taxes. 

 

IRA "ROLLOVER"

Another option to consider, if you are 70.5 years young, or more, is an IRA rollover.  The In 2007 the President signed into law legislation allowing tax-free direct distributions to qualified charities from IRAs.  Before this legislation, the transferred amount was included in the individual's taxable income.

 

YOU CHOOSE HOW YOUR GIFT WILL BE USED

The ARL/SRI provides three gift "designations" for you to choose from.  "Unrestricted" gifts are placed into the general operating, or discretionary, fund.  "Temporarily restricted" gifts are set aside and assigned to particular intended purposes.  When the purpose occurs, such as building repairs, the funds are drawn down and used to pay those expenses.  "Restricted" funds are held in perpetuity and invested, with the earnings then used to fund specific activities as prescribed by the donor, such as veterinary care for shelter animals, or humane education programs.

 

As you can see, there are many ways you can help to ensure a lasting future for the ARL/SRI, any of which can be considered in conjunction with your overall estate planning and should be discussed with your financial, or estate planning advisor.