Charitable Deduction or pass-through check?

[Blooper3]

If I gifted a check to a monk, who is a member of a religious nonprofit community, can I claim the tax deduction? The monks have taken a vow of poverty and transferred their possessions to the community. So even though I wrote the check out with the member's name, the money will be going to the nonprofit community.

Any help is appreciated!

[HollyP]

No, the IRS allows a deduction for charitable donations only when made to a qualified organization. Donations to individuals do not count even if the person is affiliated with a qualified organization, such as a religious group. Please watch the short video below for more information.