Vesterheim Blog

Dear Vesterheim Friends,

These are difficult times for everyone, and we find ourselves in uncharted waters. In order to keep fulfilling our mission, we need your help.

We want to let you know about a few key provisions of the new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. This new law is designed to help you, businesses, and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are a few of the changes that may impact you and your charitable goals during these turbulent times.

The new law temporarily suspends the requirements for mandatory required minimum distributions from retirement plans (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. This probably comes as a relief to some of you who would have had to withdraw a greater percentage of your retirement accounts. Many of our donors use their RMD to make a gift from their IRA. If you are 70½ or older, you can still make a tax-free gift from your IRA or name Vesterheim as a beneficiary. In addition, there are some new ways you can receive financial benefits and help organizations like us.

The new law allows all taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300, even if you do not itemize. You might think that this is a small amount and would not make a difference. But what if all of our donors gave “just” $300? Such support would have a huge impact on those we serve.
For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities such as ours to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.

We encourage you to talk with your attorney or your tax adviser to understand how the new CARES Act may impact you and your gift planning.

We are so grateful for your generosity, which touches so many lives. Please contact Diane Wagner at dwagner@vesterheim.org to discuss how your gift can help further our mission.

Make a donation here.