By Hayley Levy
Director of Development
As Gilda’s Club’s Director of Development, I love speaking about philanthropy and community. I have been working in the non-profit fundraising world for more than six years, raising millions of dollars for organizations making a difference in the lives of those they serve. I do what I do because I believe philanthropy offers a perfect path to connect people with their interests; gives those with the ability to donate (at any level) a sense of purpose; helps those in our community facing a wide variety of issues; and betters our world.
Whether you call it fundraising, development, donations, or philanthropy, our work at Gilda’s Club is only possible through the support of our community. Recently, a number of people have asked me how the new tax law and doubled standard tax deduction will impact non-profit giving and Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. While the full effects of the new tax law aren’t known, here are some things we do know – all great ways to support our free cancer support program today:
• If you are 70½ or older, you can make an IRA charitable rollover gift and exclude the amount of the gift from your gross income. Gifts can come from both spouses with an IRA and can be made up to $100,000 per taxpayer per year.
• If you are around 40 or younger, you can join Gilda’s Club’s Associate Board, which raises funds and awareness for our organization through special events and community outreach.
• No matter your age, you can give to Gilda’s Club monthly and ask your employer to match your gifts to double your impact. I can help you determine if your company has an existing matching program or even help you begin a conversation with your employer if this is something new to them.
• Another fun and easy giving opportunity for adults of any age: Gather your co-workers (or any community group really…think PTA, religious group, professional association, etc.) for a “Go Red Day for Gilda’s” or “casual Friday,” where everyone can wear red or dress down for a $5 donation to support our mission.
I can share hundreds of stories about the impact of cancer on our Middle Tennessee community. Now it’s time to help secure the financial support so that Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee can be here as long as cancer is with us. Thank you for supporting Gilda’s Club, participating in our cancer support program, and spreading the word.
To connect with Hayley, stop by our Nashville clubhouse, email hayley@gildasclubmiddletn.org or call 615-329-1124.