I have worked hard to reduce the number of communications that District Rotarians receive from various District Committees during this year....so I hate to be sending this plea out to you again.....but the need is urgent for two wonderful Rotary programs to help others in our communities and the cost to you will likely be $0 -- only a little time to redirect AZ tax dollars to Rotary programs.

I am asking a huge favor in the spirit of Rotary.  I am asking that EVERY ROTARIAN in District 5495 take advantage of the Arizona Credit for Contributions to Qualified Organizations by donating to charities that will benefit Rotary programs.  If you support one or both of the programs outlined below you will get dollar-for-dollar offset of your Arizona Tax.  It is not necessary to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit.  (See the contribution caps outlined below.)  

If you are an Arizona taxpayer you have the incredible privilege of directing tax dollars to causes that benefit those who need a helping hand to achieve their dreams or a nutritious meal for those who are food insecure.

 

Here are the two AZ tax credit programs that benefit Rotary programs.

  • The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) provides vocational scholarships to those who just need a bit of help to get an education that can transform their lives.  (More information on donating below.)
  • Manzanita Outreach provides everything necessary for our RYLA campers to have fun while helping others — packing nutritious meals for those who are food insecure.  (More information on donating below.)
  • OR SPLIT YOUR TAX CREDIT DONATION.   The main thing is PLEASE GIVE NOW TO BENEFIT ROTARY PROJECTS!!!

Here are the rules applicable for the AZ tax credit:

    • Single or Married Filing Separate Arizona taxpayers can take a credit against their Arizona taxes for donations up to a maximum  of $400 made to a Qualified Organization (or divided among multiple organizations) like TRVFA and/or Manzanita Outreach.  
    • Married Filing Joint taxpayers can take a credit against their Arizona taxes for donations up to a maximum of $800 made to a Qualified Organization (or divided among multiple organizations).
    • Donations under the AZ Tax Credit for Qualifying Organizations can be made through April 15 and be applied against the prior year tax liability, but I have always felt that it is a bit tidier to make your donations during the tax year for which you are hoping to apply the donation as a tax credit.
    • NOTE:  you are not limited on how much you can donate to these charities — only on the amount that you can take as a 2019 AZ tax credit.  If the causes move you, please feel free to make a larger donation to either (or both!) of these worthy organizations.

The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona

    • TRVFA is looking to raise at least $225,000 to assist over 100 worthy applicants over the next year who qualify under Arizona law to obtain financial assistance to further their vocational studies.  The mission of TRVFA is to partner with Rotary Clubs to provide assistance to Qualified Candidates in obtaining education, training, and skill development so they may, in turn, attain career oriented employment and financial stability and contribute to their communities.  Please consider donating to this life-changing program.
    • Potential Vocational Fund beneficiaries are identified by financial aid counselors and Rotary clubs that nominate applicants for assistance from the program. Funds for the assistance come from the funds we donate to TRVFA.
    • Learn more about TRVFA here: https://www.trvfa.org/
    • Mailing Address: TRVFA, PO Box 14412, Scottsdale, AZ  85267
    • The five-digit Qualified Charitable Organization Code for TRVFA is 20698.

Manzanita Outreach doing business as Kids Against Hunger - Verde Valley

    • Our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Committee is looking to raise $20,000 to cover the costs of a high-energy, team-building, food-packing exercise for RYLA students at the three RYLA camps to be held during 2020.  Every year this is one of the most memorable and impactful programs for students and leaders alike at RYLA.  We expect that if we raise enough to fund the program this year, our RYLA students will provide over 75,000 meals for those who are food-insecure right here in Arizona while building the pride of service to others for the food-packing teams.  Please consider donating to this incredible service experience for our RYLA students.
    • Direct Link for Donations to RYLA food-packing: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/udBHGy986JDH34wp6iky3.
    • Phone: (928) 649-5772 — NOTEIf you are calling Manzanita to make your donation please make sure to indicate that your donation is being made to support “RYLA 2020” so that it is credited specifically to the food-packing that will occur at District 5495 RYLA camps.
    • The five-digit Qualified Charitable Organization Code for Manzanita is 20701.

ONE MORE NOTE: Invite friends, neighbors and every taxpayer in Arizona to support these wonderful causes.  You don’t have to be a Rotarian to support this great work….anyone can help by donating and taking the credit against their Arizona taxes.

* Consult with your tax advisor or the Arizona Department of Revenue website (https://azdor.gov/tax-credits/contributions-qcos-and-qfcos) for more information.