Madison County CASA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, so all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted under the law.  The program strives for a diverse funding base and currently operates on a mix of government funding, government and private grants, annual fundraisers, and most importantly, support from private citizens and businesses who believe in what we do.

Financial contributions to the program go toward the recruitment, training, and supervision of the volunteers who are working day to day with these children. CASA programs are very cost effective because the number of paid staff is kept small. Our very special volunteers do the hands on work with the children.

We welcome any questions you have about our funding structure, and should you choose to make a donation to our program, rest assured that we take seriously our responsibility to spend those contributions wisely. We know that you work hard for your money and that you could choose any number of worthwhile organizations to contribute to. No gift to Madison County CASA goes unappreciated, no matter the size.

Madison County CASA accepts donations electronically through the Paypal link below. You may mail checks to Madison County CASA, 110 Irby Street, Jackson TN 38301. If you are a business owner or manager who would like to explore a mutually beneficial partnership with Madison County CASA, please contact Amy Jones, Executive Director, at 731-427-5554 or via email at casadirector@charterinternet.com.  Advertising space is available on our website and marketing materials. 

Madison County CASA eligible to receive Tax-Free Charitable Transfers from IRAs during 2006 and 2007

Since 1974, millions of Americans have saved billions of pre-tax dollars in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Thanks to continued savings and investment returns, an estimated $3.6 trillion is currently invested in IRAs, and the total continues to grow. On August 17, 2006 a federal law was enacted allowing IRA owners to share the wealth of their retirement savings by giving directly to charity—without first counting it as income and paying income tax. The new law could be a boon to local philanthropy. “This is a wonderful win-win—for people who would rather give to charity than pay taxes—and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Thanks to decades of deliberate saving and favorable investment returns, a substantial share of today’s retirees have more money in their IRAs than they’ll ever need. Many have expressed an interest in giving the funds to charity, but income tax must be paid on all withdrawals, which sharply reduces the value of the gift. Others have asked about designating their children as beneficiaries, but that may draw additional tax consequences. “For larger estates, a good portion of IRA wealth goes to estate taxes and income taxes of beneficiaries,” Lehman said. “Experts estimate heirs will receive less than 25% of most IRA assets that pass through estates.”

A provision in the new federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed by President Bush, creates a new option: transferring IRA assets directly to charity. By going directly to charity, the money is not included in the IRA owner’s income and—most importantly—is not taxed, preserving the full amount for charitable purposes. The law covers gifts of up to $100,000 made only in 2006 and 2007.

In 2006 and 2007, holders of traditional and Roth IRAs who are at least 70 ½ years old can make direct charitable transfers up to $100,000 per year. “This really is a limited-time offer: the window is open now, but it will close in 2007 unless Congress extends it,” said Lehman. “For anyone interested in establishing a permanent legacy in this community, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to make the gift of a lifetime.”

This information was provided by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.  As in all instances, you should consult with your own professional advisor for legal and tax advice.

Wish List

If you’d like to help out but can’t be an advocate or make a cash contribution, here are some things on our Wish List. Please contact Amy Jones, 731-427-5554, or casadirector@charterinternet.com  to help out with any of these things or discuss other ways you’d like to help our CASA kids.

• Civic or service groups or restaurants willing to provide dinner for volunteers going through training (usually we feed about ten to fifteen people for seven meals over the course of a training)
• Sofa for the office waiting area
• Office supplies (example: copy paper, pens, post it notes, gift card to office supply store or department store)
• People interested in serving on select committees for special projects like fundraisers and community education events