The Nonprofit FAQ

Donor Basics
While the Nonprofit FAQ has clearly marked resources for and about Nonprofit organizations, it also has a large database of FAQs just for donors. In order to make these specific items more accessible we've reorganized them on this page.

Getting Started
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/233-114/107-241"> What is a Donation?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/423-148/62-42"> What are the various tax benefits available to a donor?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/191-71/20-4">Are donations always tax deductible?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/153-157/16-27 "> Does anyone ever say 'no' to a gift?

Getting Informed
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faqcat/12-47"> What should a prudent donor do?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/430-18/62-42"> What kinds of gifts would be most useful for new organizations?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/426-248/62-42"> What are the principal differences among charitable trusts?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/426-248/62-42"> What is 'substantiation'? Why should donors care?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/433-118/69-32"> The Tax Implications of Planned Giving

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/67-92/47-98"> Can Members Review the Books & Financial Records?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/489-35/62-42"> Is it possible to find the 501c3 applications of non-profits?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/228-311/107-241"> Are Ratios Useful? For Donors? For the Community?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/486-268/74-89"> Where can I find out what the 'watchdogs' are looking at?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/119-44/93-13"> Research on Nonprofits

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/210-74/84-86"> Local Organizations State-by-State: A through M

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/211-108/96-23"> Local Organizations State-by-State: N through Z



http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/FAQText/112-144"> Nonprofit Support Organizations



Specifics
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/135-184/107-241"> Can a Donor Retrieve Gifts of Money or Goods?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/FAQText/169-327"> What about car donation programs?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/432-85/69-32"> Can I donate my door prize back and get a tax deduction?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/367-255/114-211"> Is the cost of a members' magazine tax-deductible?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/304-135/40-8"> How can life insurance policies be used to make a gift to a nonprofit?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/477-332/107-241"> How can we get started in workplace giving?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/425-215/62-42"> Can I Get a Tax Deduction if I Charge a Nonprofit Below-Market Prices?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/131-51/13-17"> Is it Possible to Receive a Deduction for a Gift of Services?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/168-294/18-67"> Can US corporations contribute to activities outside the USA?

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/faq/412-145/62-42"> Can a non-US organization receive tax deductible donations?