Giving: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Tax and Legal Status of IDEAS?
- Are Charitable Contributions to IDEAS Tax-deductible?
- Do I receive Receipts and Giving Statements for my gifts?
- What are Support Commitments?
- How does IDEAS use Charitable Contributions?
- How is IDEAS held Financially Accountable?
- What is IDEAS' Uniform Disclosure Statement?
Tax and Legal Status of IDEAS: International Development & Educational Associates - IDEAS is a registered trade name. IDEAS is incorporated as a charitable organization in the State of Illinois under the name 'DESTA' which is recognized as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. IDEAS is registered with State charitable officials in all states which require charitable organizations to register for solicitation of donations.
Charitable Contributions and Tax Deductions: Contributions to the IDEAS Fund and to the support of IDEAS Associates and Projects are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Per US Treasury ruling, tax-deductible contributions are made with the understanding that the charitable organization has complete control and administration over the use of the donated funds.
Receipts and Giving Statements: A receipt is prepared for each contribution received. Mailed receipts are sent for contributions received through the mail, including a return envelope and response coupon which can be used for future contributions. Online gifts are acknowledged with receipts delivered by email. Donors enrolled in our automated giving programs (direct debit or credit card) may request email receipts. An Annual Giving Statement is mailed to all individuals and businesses in January to provide a record of charitable contributions in the previous calendar year, which may be useful for preparation of the donor's tax returns.
Support Commitments: IDEAS requests donors who plan to regularly support an IDEAS Associate to register their intention to give with the IDEAS finance office. Associates prepare a support budget for their assignment with IDEAS. Associates must raise support commitments adequate to fund their approved budget prior to leaving for their project location. Associates generally distribute commitment response forms that may be used to register an intention to give with the finance office. if you would like to register your support commitment with the finance office by email. Support commitments are used only for budget purposes, do not represent pledges, and will not be used for collection purposes.
How We Use Charitable Contributions: All programs and Associates of IDEAS prepare budget requests which are reviewed and approved by the appropriate level of management or board committee. Contributions to the support of IDEAS Associates and IDEAS Projects are used to fund the approved budget of the specified Associate or Project, following written policies and procedures. Contributions to the IDEAS Fund are used to help cover the cost of the IDEAS home office in Littleton, Colorado.
Financial Accountability: IDEAS prepares annual financial statements which are audited by Independent Certified Public Accountants. IDEAS files an annual information return (Form 990) with the Internal Revenue Service and with most State charitable officials. To receive a copy of our audited financial statements or our IRS Form 990, please contact the .
Uniform Disclosure Statement: Click here to read disclosure statements required by State laws and regulations.
