2005 Year in Review

How I Can Help Conservation Education and Get a Tax Break

You have probably wondered many times how you could help conservation and conservation education while reducing your income taxes. There is a very simple answer to that question; the Whiteside SWCD Conservation Education Foundation.

Several years ago the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, staff, and various individuals thought it was time to expand our conservation education program. With that thought in mind an alternative source of funding was needed to fund projects that the SWCD could not afford. The idea of a separate foundation was brought up and approved by the SWCD board for the purpose of funding projects beyond the ability of the SWCD.

In the process of forming the foundation the IRS and that State Dept of Revenue granted it tax free and charitable status allowing it to receive donations and allowing donors to receive a tax deduction. Since its forming we have had several small donations, received funding from the silent auction at the annual meeting and any profit derived from the Conservation run.

The funds we have received have been used to purchase materials for the education program, teacher and student programs, and helped fund the six county Envirothon Competition. The five member board that oversees the Foundation is always open to ideas for programs and will accept applications for funding at any time. If you would like to donate cash, property, or other items to the Foundation please call 815-772-2124, ext. 3.

The Foundation board meets immediately after the normal SWCD meeting the first Wednesday of each month; call the SWCD office for times and locations.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 19, 2005