1. Privacy, Safety, Security
2. Donating Online
3. Offline Donations
4. Other Donations or Ways to Help
5. Stewardship
6. Tax Savings Options
7. Planned Gifts, Stocks, Property and Matching Gifts
1. Privacy, Safety, Security
• Is my donation safe and secure?
To ensure your personal information is kept strictly confidential, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless uses advanced encryption methods when transferring personal information. All financial information is passed directly and safely to our financial network for processing. Your personal information is never made available to anyone outside of our organization.
• Does the Coalition protect my privacy?
The Coalition does not sell or share your information to any company or organization. All information you provide is considered highly confidential. We will not solicit you or contact you without your permission.
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2. Donating Online
• Can I donate with my credit card?
Your online credit card donation is a safe, secure, and convenient way to donate to the Coalition. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Please understand that to protect your security we require your security code (3 or 4 digit identification number on the back of your card).
• Will I receive a receipt of my donation?
With an online donation, your tax receipt arrives immediately via email. We do not share your email address or send you information without your consent. Please click here to complete your donor profile or change your donor information.
• Can I make a donation in honor or in memory of another person?
Yes. You may choose a recipient for your honor or memorial gift and we will send a courtesy card. Please click here to make a memorial or honorary gift.
• Can I give to a specific fund?
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless creates lasting solutions to homelessness through a comprehensive set of programs. When you make your gift online or by phone or mail, you have the option of choosing to donate where the need is greatest, or to any one of our programs. If you would like to learn more about the Coalition’s many programs, please click here.
• Can I give a sustaining, monthly gift?
Monthly (on-going) giving is one of the most efficient methods of donating to the Coalition. Your on-going gift ensures the Coalition has a sustained income to maintain our programs. It is easy to set up, easy to change, and easy to terminate. Please click here or call 303.285.5227 to learn more and to begin the simple process of setting up your monthly gift.
• Can I update my information online?
Updating your information helps us to keep in touch with you, and let you know about upcoming events, success stories, advocacy issues, and other important information. It also ensures that your tax receipts reach you in a timely manner. Please be assured that your information is confidential and we protect your privacy. Click here to update your donor information or register as a new donor.
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3. Phone and Mail Donations
• Can I call you with my donation?
Yes. Please call 303.285.5227 to speak with a Coalition Resource Development representative who can answer your questions and accept your donation.
• Can I donate by mail?
If you wish to donate by mail, please use this address:
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Attn: Resource Development
2111 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80205
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4. Other Donations or Ways to Help
• Does the Coalition have any volunteer opportunities?
Yes. Please visit the volunteer page to learn more. Professional volunteers including doctors, lawyers, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists are also eligible for tax credits under the Denver Enterprise Zone.
• Can I donate clothes, household items, toys, and furniture?
We welcome clean clothing in good condition for children and adults. Due to limited storage space and the inability to pick up large items, we can only accept smaller household items and toys (including books, DVDs, games). Please deliver these to our main reception desk at 2111 Champa Street Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Our clients do need larger household items and furniture when they receive housing. We encourage interested donors to contact the Denver Rescue Mission at 303.297.1815 x 1020, 1021. Pickups are scheduled by zip code, weekday mornings between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Our clients have access to the Mission’s warehouse. If you are uncertain as to whether the Coalition can accept your donation, please call our main line at 303.293.2217.
• Can my community group raise money for the Coalition?
Yes. If your group, school, church, organization, etc. wishes to host an event to benefit the Coalition or has other ways to help, please call 303.285.5265 to discuss the details. Please click here to learn more.
• Can I donate my car?
Yes. The Coalition is a member of the Vehicles for Charity program. The car donation process is simple. Please call Vehicles for Charity at 303.308.2400 and tell them you would like to donate a vehicle to benefit the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. They can coordinate the donation once you give them a location, condition of the vehicle, and the vehicle’s title (each of which is required by state law.)
• The vehicle is collected for free, and you are entitled to a tax deduction for your donation. For more information please call 303.285.5227.
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5. Use of Donations
• How is my donation used?
Your donation is used as you request it be used. If you wish to support a specific program, we will restrict your donation to that program. Alternatively, if you choose to give to the area of Greatest Need, the Coalition will determine which areas are most in need of financial support.
• How much of my donation goes to administration or fundraising?
The Coalition is proud of our administrative and fundraising costs. They are at an absolute minimum compared to many nonprofit organizations around the country. Organizations that keep overhead costs within 20 to 25% are considered excellent. The Coalition’s administrative and fundraising costs are kept to just 9%, ensuring that most of your dollars go to creating lasting solutions for people experiencing homelessness.
• Can I see how my donations are making a difference?
Absolutely! Please call our Resource Development office to set up a tour of our facilities and see your donations in action. Understand first-hand how your generosity changes the lives of children and adults experiencing homelessness. We are proud to show our supporters how the Coalition truly creates lasting solutions to homelessness through our comprehensive supportive housing, medical, and childcare programs. Please call 303.285.5222 to set up your tour today.
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6. Tax Savings Options
• Can I receive a tax credit for my donation?
All donations to the Coalition are tax deductible provided no goods or services were received in exchange for your gift (such as tickets or food). We do have specific tax credit programs that offer greater tax incentives to donors.
• What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a reduction on the taxes you owe, in contrast to a deduction that reduces the gross income on which your taxes are calculated. The tax credit program you choose determines the credit amount.
• What tax credit programs are available?
You can receive a 25% state tax credit for the Coalition programs in the Denver Enterprise Zone or Jefferson County Enterprise Zone. You can receive a 50% state tax credit for the Coalition’s Child Care programs.
• What is the Enterprise Zone?
Enterprise Zones encourage private involvement in economically distressed areas. The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has programs in both the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone and Denver County Enterprise Zone to create lasting solutions for homeless families and individuals. Charitable donations to the Coalition (restricted to these Enterprise Zones) currently qualify for 25% state tax credits. A donation to this program does not also qualify for the Child Care tax credit.
• What is the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program?
The Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit allows Colorado taxpayers to claim an income tax credit of 50% of their total contribution. This is a program that promotes quality child care in Colorado for children twelve years of age and younger. The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless qualifies for this state tax credit by providing exceptional child care programs. A donation to this program does not also qualify for the Enterprise Zone tax credit.
• When I donate to the Coalition, how do I take advantage of these tax credits?
Please specify in the memo section of your check “Child Care Contribution” (CCC), “Denver Enterprise Zone” (DEZ), or “Jefferson County Enterprise Zone” (JEZ). If using a credit card online, simply choose that option from the drop-down list. If calling in your donation, please tell the Coalition representative. Remember, your donation only qualifies for one of these tax credits, though donations can be split between multiple tax credits.
• What documentation is provided by the Coalition as a receipt of my tax credit charitable gift?
The Coalition sends a thank you letter and form for tax purposes. The DR1317 form is sent for Child Care Tax Credit donations, and the DR0075 form is used for Enterprise Zone donations.
• Does my donation still qualify as a charitable deduction on my federal income tax?
Yes.
• Is there a minimum amount for either the Enterprise Zone or the Child Care Contribution?
No. All donations are greatly appreciated and there is no minimum contribution.
• Is there a maximum amount for either program?
The maximum annual tax credit allowed (per credit type) is $100,000 per contributor. Tax credits applied on your state income tax form cannot exceed your total tax liability for the year. Excess tax credits may be carried forward for up to five years.
• Do in-kind donations or donations of stock qualify for tax credit programs?
In-kind and stock contributions qualify for the Enterprise Zone only, and receive a 12.5% state tax credit unless accompanied by a financial contribution for one-seventh the value of the stock or in-kind donation. In most cases the total amount of the donation qualifies for the full 25% tax credit. In either case, you do not pay capital gains tax on donations of stock.
• If I do not itemize, can I still use the tax credits?
Yes, state tax credits can be used regardless of whether you itemize.
• Can both individual donors and corporations take advantage of these tax credit programs?
Yes, both individual and corporate donors may take advantage of the tax credit programs.
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7. Planned Gifts, Stocks, Property and Matching Gifts
• I’d like to consider a planned gift. Where do I start?
Planned gifts establish long-term partnerships with donors interested in securing a lasting legacy and ensuring the future of the Coalition and our programs. Please click here to learn about your planned giving options. You may also call the Resource Development department for more information 303.285.5222.
• Can I donate stocks?
Yes. We accept donations of stock and securities. Please click here to learn more.
• Can I donate property?
Yes. We do accept donations of property and in some cases the property may be eligible for an Enterprise Zone tax credit. If you are interested in donating property and learning more about tax credit eligibility, please call 303.285.5222.
• My company matches gifts. How do I prompt a matching gift payment?
Matching gift programs double the impact of your donation, and it’s easy to set up! Please acquire a matching gift form from your Accounting or Human Resources department. The Coalition completes the form and returns it to your company. You are notified when we receive a matching gift. Please submit the matching gift form to:
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Attn: Resource Development Department
2111 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80205
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