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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 5:50:44 PM

Is there a donation $ or % limit a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization can accept from one board member?

0 6 2970
6 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:50:47 PM

This is not an income tax question.

New Member
May 31, 2019 5:50:49 PM

? This will result in what I can donate and how it affects how much tax relief I can get on my personal return?

New Member
May 31, 2019 5:50:51 PM

I have a 501 (c) 3 non profit and wish to make a donation this year. If I donate 7K how does this affect my tax status if I am in a 28% bracket?

Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:50:53 PM

For the donor's tax return, the only limits are those that generally apply (whether it is a 20% or 30% or 50% organization), and limits on schedule A deductions at very high incomes.  It doesn't matter if a a large amount is donated in one amount to one organization or several smaller, amounts to different groups adding up to one large amount.

For general rules and principles on charities, charities need to avoid self-dealing.  For example, a rich person could not make a large donation to an organization on condition that the organization hire their spouse for a no-show job, as a way of getting a tax deduction for the "donation" which is really a gift to the spouse.  There can be implications when one board member or founder has significant control over the organization if that person uses the organization to benefit themselves.  But that is more of a legal question.

New Member
May 31, 2019 5:50:56 PM

Thank you very much. This helps me.

Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:50:56 PM

"I have a 501 (c) 3 non profit"

Your organization needs to be aware of the rules regarding donor letters and receipts, of course.  Particular to the case of a closely involved person, you should not be signing your own receipt or donor acknowledgement letter.  If you are normally the person who would sign such letters, get another officer or board member to sign your letter.