Give a Gift / Get a Gift
I’m fortunate to spend my days interacting with people who love our community and want to make Tuolumne County an even better place to live and work. I’m constantly surprised and inspired by the generosity of our residents and even a global pandemic, which has changed so much, has had little impact on the giving hearts in our community.
Yes, we have absolutely seen the ongoing damage caused by the pandemic and shut down including increased requests at many of our service providers. However, we’ve also witnessed a tremendous outpouring of support from so many residents asking; “How can I help?”. Recently, I had just such a conversation. A gentleman called to let me know he had received a stimulus check, which he does not need, and shared his plans to donate the full amount ($1,400.00) to the Community Recovery Fund. He also challenged others in the community to do the same and requested our help with getting the word out. Inspiring and motivating!
The stimulus mentioned is a component of the American Rescue Plan (coronavirus relief package). Perhaps you are in the same category and find yourself receiving a stimulus check that you don’t need? Please consider donating all or part to a Tuolumne County charitable organization such as Sonora Area Foundation. Because of the worldwide pandemic and related restrictions, your donations to charity are needed more than ever this year. And, with charitable deductions, your generosity will be rewarded. Those who give a gift will also receive one in the form of a tax deduction.
This year, as part of the American Rescue Plan, those who donate to charity will receive a charitable tax deduction whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. For the 2021 tax year, people who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $300 and if you are married and filing a joint return, you can deduct a total of $600. There’s never been a better time to support your favorite nonprofit organization(s). Where should you place your contribution? There are many, many organizations in Tuolumne County doing amazing work every day worthy of consideration. You can make a donation to Sonora Area Foundation directed to our Community Recovery Fund with confidence your gift will be used to support those in Tuolumne County most in need of assistance as a result of the impact of the pandemic. With a matching gift from the Irving J Symons Foundation, a supporting organization of Sonora Area Foundation, your gift will go twice as far. Every gift to the Community Recovery Fund will be matched (up to $100,000). However, you can also support any of the organizations or programs with charitable funds at Sonora Area Foundation including: Sierra Repertory Theatre, Habitat for Humanity, WATCH Resources, Smile Keepers and many, many more. We hold over 200 charitable funds and your gift may be directed to any fund or divided between multiple programs. Find a full list with descriptions by visiting our website (Sonora-Area.org) and know that 100% of your gift will go directly to the program you support – no administrative fee will be applied. Any amount will be appreciated and put to good use.
Community Recovery Fund – to date more than $400,000 in grants have been made to numerous organizations including: ATCAA Food Bank, Columbia College Foundation, Adventist Health Sonora, Interfaith Social Services, Sierra Senior Providers/Meals on Wheels and many more.
For more information on Sonora Area Foundation including how to make a contribution you can call our office at: 209.533.2596 or send an email to darrell@sonora-area.org
