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  • 1.  Donations to City-Run Museum

    Posted 01-06-2025 03:33 PM

    Hello everyone,

     

    I recently started working for a small city-run museum in California and it does not have a foundation/non-profit fiscal sponsor. There's a bit of confusion amongst staff as to whether donations to us are tax deductible? We would provide the city's Federal TIN # to sponsors and individual donors. Does anyone have clarity on this? This IRS article mentions a "governmental informational letter" that may be applicable but I'm not entirely sure? If anyone had guidance, I would be most appreciative!

     

    Thank you,

    Alesha



  • 2.  RE: Donations to City-Run Museum

    Posted 01-06-2025 04:07 PM

    Yes! Donations are tax deductible. You're likely a 170c1 entity. If you think about it, cities and municipalities (and counties and states) accept grants frequently, just like a nonprofit would. I believe the IRS says something about the donations having to be for the public good. You do NOT have to have a foundation or 501c3 to accept donations. However, getting some of the government folks to understand that isn't always easy. I talk about this a lot with colleagues at similar institutions, and I'd be happy to connect with you privately if you want. 



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    Angie Albright
    Director
    Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
    Springdale AR
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