End of Year Giving | Be a Blessing

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4 Reasons End of Year Giving Matters

I am often asked why there is so much talk about giving at the end of the year, or even why giving at the end of the year matters to ministry organizations like Made In The Streets.  In an effort to shed some light on the subject, I thought I would share four quick reasons why End Of Year giving matters.

1) Many charitable organizations like to get their new year started off with a bang - not with fireworks, but with new initiatives and programs in the first quarter of the next year.  Having a good amount of donations at the end of one year helps launch a successful start to the next year, and many new, exciting programs are able to launch on time.  This is the case with MITS, as we usually bring in new students from the streets to our boarding school program in the first quarter of each year.  The first quarter of 2018 will be very exciting as we have the opportunity to welcome up to 21 new students to our school campus in Kamulu at the beginning of 2018.  Your end of year gifts to MITS help get these students started off well at their new school and new home.

2) End of year giving also helps to make up any shortfalls or obstacles that may have occurred throughout the year.  Like many nonprofit ministries, MITS pays a lot of attention to budgeting and planning, but inevitably things come up throughout the year that can sometimes lead to unexpected expenses.  This year in Nairobi food and fuel costs have increased much more than we anticipated due to the political climate surrounding Kenya’s 5-year elections.  In addition, one of our well pumps at our school campus in Kamulu went down, which led to some very costly repairs to make sure our students and staff had clean water available.  Donations that come in at the end of year truly help to offset these unexpected expenses.

3) The Christmas and New Year seasons are a great time to talk and teach your family about giving.  This season has always been more about giving than receiving, yet the culture of commerce and consumerism works against the spirit of generosity - especially during this time of year.  This is a great time to teach your children and grandchildren about generosity and the true “reason for the season.”  When we give to help those in need, we are acting in the very way of Jesus.
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4) The last reason is more of a practical reason that actually helps the giver.  End of year giving to a charitable organization can create a great tax deduction that can be claimed on your next tax return.  Since Made In The Streets is an approved 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, contributions made on or before December 31, 2017, can be claimed as a deduction on your 2017 tax return.  Be sure and check with your tax professional for any additional questions or advice.

Every year we are so incredibly thankful for all the friends and partners who make contributions to Made In The Streets at the end of the year.  You are an end of year blessing to us! ​

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Brad Voss is executive director of Made in the Streets. For any questions about end of year giving, sponsorship, or donations in general, you can reach him at brad@madeinthestreets.org.