Charitable Giving is a Winner

The giving season is upon us. From now until the new year, we will be inundated with appeals to donate to various causes. Arizona is home to nearly 20,000 non-profits, and you’ll hear from many of them before it’s all over. These appeals pay off, too. Americans gave nearly $485 billion in 2021. I’m especially impressed that 67% of that total came from individual donors – people just like you and me. And while we’ve slipped a bit lately, the U.S. has sat atop the list of the most charitable countries for most of the last decade.

I’m not here to discourage charitable giving but to promote it. Non-profits like People Who Care need your money in a big way! We feel the pain of inflation just like you do. Most of our clients are seniors, and their needs continually grow, while the purchasing power of the dollar seems to continually shrink. So please don’t let the constant barrage of appeals turn you off. Here are three good reasons to give generously:

1. First, it’s good for you, physically and mentally. It lowers the blood pressure, reduces stress and anxiety. It improves self-esteem by stimulating the endorphins. Experts say that it also strengthens social connections and may even add years to your life: a study has found that volunteers live longer than those who don’t volunteer. Finally, giving is contagious: it begets more giving.
2. Second, giving represents the best of us; it showcases American values and generosity. Even during the tough times, Americans are generous people and the world looks to us as an example of this spirit. So, make sure to open up your wallet this giving season to ensure that we carry on this wonderful legacy of charitable giving.
3. Third, if you donate through the Arizona Tax Credit, your giving can literally cost you nothing. Arizona tax law allows you to give up to $400 (single tax filers) or $800 (married filing jointly) to Qualified Charitable Organizations (QCO). This reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. It’s a win-win:  the charity gets the money and you pay less tax.

So, in that time between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when you are reflecting on your life, consider giving to a QCO like People Who Care, whose mission is to help homebound adults continue living independently in their own homes. And remember that your giving is really a gift to yourself – you’ll live longer and feel better! Check us out at www.peoplewhocareaz.com. QCBN

By Barry DeKemper

Barry DeKemper is the development director for People Who Care.