Year-End Tax Deductions The Children’s Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit institution. Admissions fees cover only about 30% of its annual expenses, so the Museum relies on the generosity of corporations, foundations, and its patrons for most of its funding each year. A gift of appreciated securities (owned for more than one year) to The Children's Museum Foundation can greatly benefit a donor by providing tax benefits through a charitable income tax deduction. On the gift date, the donor will
1) Receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities
2) Avoid paying capital gains taxes on appreciated securities, resulting from the sale of securities
3) Help The Children's Museum Foundation further its exhibits and educational programs.

NOTE At the end of each year, private and family foundations scramble to meet their IRS-mandated annual giving requirements. IRA Rollover Benefits Expiring! You Only Have Until December 31 to Take Advantage of this Special Tax Benefit!
On December 31, 2011, the special tax-code provision that allows donors to make a tax-free gift from their IRA account to not-for-profit organizations will expire. And, with the lawmakers in Washington focused on saving money wherever they can find it, the likelihood that this tax benefit will be extended is remote.
This special tax break allows donors to make a direct distribution from their IRA account to a qualified charity – tax free. Now is the time to contact your qualifying donor prospects to make them aware that time is running out. By taking advantage of this opportunity before the end of the year, they can fulfill their obligation to take an IRA distribution, avoid taxes they would otherwise have to pay AND make a generous donation to the nonprofit of their choice – hopefully yours!
Here are two of the primary provisions:
• You must be 70 ½ years of age or older
• You may give up to $100,000 (married couples can give $200,000)
Consider dropping those donors a postcard letting them know the expiration date and the rules, but also be sure to let them know how their contribution can benefit your organization, and by extension, the projects and people you serve.
Also, if you qualify, or know someone who qualifies, on December 31, 2011, the special tax-code provision that allows donors to make a tax-free gift from their IRA account to not-for-profit organizations will expire. Primary provisions are: donor must be 70 1/2 years of age or older; individual may give up to $100,000 (married couples can give $200,000).

Seven Ways to Give

1.) A donation is a general contribution to CM to help us continue our efforts to grow CNY's only children's museum.
2.) A memorial is a personal remembrance that honors the life of a friend, relative or colleague with a gift of love and fun.
3.) A tribute provides a meaningful, living gift to a friend, relative or colleague by honoring a special occasion.
4.) Earn a tax break by donating to the Children's Museum stock that has appreciated in value. If you sell your shares and donate the proceeds to the Museum, you would owe capital gains tax on any profit. But, if you donate those shares, IRS lets you take a charitable deduction for the full value on the date of transfer.
5.) A donation to our Children's Museum Marlene Brown & Earl Lewis Permanent Legacy Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation helps ensure our museum grows well into the future (because of their belief in the value of The Children's Museum to the Utica area & CNY.)
6.) Children's Museum membership provides benefits to your family and friends. Also available are Children's Museum Gift Baskets and Gift Memberships, available on our secure shopping cart.
7.) Corporate Giving provides benefits for your company and employees. These programs include corporate sponsorship and corporate membership gifts. Send your tax deductible check today, or donate via our secure shopping cart (we'll email you tax deduction form).

Memberships make Great Gifts! You can give a family a gift they will enjoy throughout the whole year! All Children’s Museum Memberships include free admission to our Museum for 6 or 12 months! Check our Membership page for options and pay via our secure shopping cart (click on 1.)

Get Your Company Involved! The Museum offers several venues for Corporate Giving that provide benefits for your company and employees. These programs include corporate sponsorship, corporate membership and corporate in-kind gifts. Check out our Sponsors page for options, then call Director Marlene Brown at 315-724-6129 or 315-853-5092 or email her.