When Charity And Tax Credits Collide, Good Things Happen
In life, there are many situations that are dire and complex for those involved. Especially when these involve the health of another person close to us, the care required to give others a life that is truly worth living can be intensely exhausting. We are truly lucky to live in an age and time where people recognize that the help of others is worth so much. For what is the greatest gift that one can give to another, but to help out in their time of need?
Organizations such as Ryan House in Phoenix, AZ help to provide families with a sense of balance and organization as they navigate complex caregiving situations. These truly are a blessing, especially to the estimated 16.8 million unpaid caregivers who provide care to a child with special needs under the age of 18 in the U.S. In these cases, any extra help is usually welcomed, especially if it comes from qualified medical personnel.
Ryan House and organizations like it are able to do this work through the help of the general public and generous individuals. This is further enhanced by the existence of the Arizona charitable tax credit, which allows donations to be matched dollar-for-dollar at qualifying organizations. This allows the individuals contributing to not only do a good thing but provides a strong incentive to do so.
How Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Helps Everyone
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit refers to a non-refundable tax credit in the U.S. state of Arizona, which allows individuals contributing to a qualifying charitable organization to reduce their income tax burden to the state. This is matched dollar-for-dollar up to $400 for an individual or $800 for a couple. It incentivizes citizens to contribute their money directly to an organization that they would like to help rather than relying on the government to approximate funds.
By allowing individuals and couples to donate directly to qualifying organizations such as Ryan House and others, this tax credit provides a “stake” in these organizations from individuals. Research shows that when you give money directly to an organization, you feel as though you are a part of it somehow and want to be involved. It is therefore no surprise that many of the individuals that contribute to Ryan House go on to participate in events or help out the organization in some way. They have “staked” their money in the well being of others, making the contribution truly a win-win situation.
Why Ryan House Stands Out
The goal of palliative care, which encompases hospice care, is to ‘add life to the child’s years, not simply years to the child’s life’ (American Academy of Pediatrics.”
The resources which are too often sparse and ill-equipped from governmental services, such as grief and bereavement counseling, are also offered to families facing difficult situations. It may not seem like much, but to some individuals, this can be a life-altering experience. At Ryan House, we support the entire family to help them remain intact, and even thrive during the challenge of caring for their sick child, and their child’s death.
Giving Is Even Better Than Receiving
Especially in end-of-life care situations such as what Ryan House provides and tries to manage, there is something quite magical about giving money to a charitable organization whose mission you believe in. Many works of philosophy, religion, and even modern psychology have been written about the experience that giving and contributing to a worthwhile cause can bring the individual, especially with a charitable tax credit. From a deep sense of personal satisfaction to an overall sense of purpose, giving truly can be even better than receiving. One must only look at the impact that Ryan House provides to the community and larger world to see what the impact of giving can truly be for us.
