Investment Thought of the Month

Many worthwhile charities are really suffering during these challenging economic times.  Many are reporting significant shortfalls in their fundraising goals.  Historically many lived hand to mouth anyway.  Smaller, local charities do not have large endowments that some of the large charities have built over time.  The following are just a couple of ideas on how you might "invest" in these charities without causing significant problems with your own cash flow that might have suffered during these tough times.
 
First, any appreciated investments like stocks, bonds or mutual funds that you own in a taxable account can be donated directly to the charity without triggering any capital gains for you.  You are also able to deduct the donation up to IRS limitations (consult your tax professional for your specific situation and contact the development director at the charity to facilitate the transaction). 
 
Second, many smaller charities apply for grants from larger private or corporate foundations.   In some cases those grants are awarded using a matching formula and pledges in some cases help.  For example let's say you pledged to donate $10,000 to a charity over the next five years.  That charity might be able to apply that pledge towards "funds committed" on an application for a grant.  Your pledge (non-binding commitment for future donations) might help secure financial support today for one of your favorite charities.
 
Third, you could volunteer some time in assisting a charity with a fundraising event.  Most charities host fundraisers and are looking for volunteers to help with many aspects the event, especially help with soliciting for donated items for raffles, silent and oral auctions and selling tickets to the event.  Assisting with a fundraiser is low cost but important contribution.
 
And last if you are employed by a larger corporation, many offer a matching charitable contribution program as part of their benefits package.  For years I took advantage of this "perk" while employed for two large corporations.  Generally they match dollar for dollar up to a certain amount.  However they usually cap the total amount the company sets aside for the year.  Therefore making your contribution early in the year helps ensure you get the maximum match for your charity.
 
If time is money, then donating some time to help your favorite charity this year might be a very smart way to "invest" in our community.
 
To discuss these or other charitable strategies give me a call at 314-737-8123.

Ground Venison Stroganoff

1 pound - ground venison
1/2 cup - onion, chopped
1/2 cup - celery. sliced thin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 pound fresh mushroom, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 cup dairy sour cream
1 tablespoon parsley

Recipe Pan Type: large skillet

Directions

1. In large brown skillet, brown the ground venison meat, onions, celery and garlic until venison is no longer pink in the middle
2. Drain off excess fat and return to heat
3. Add the salt, black pepper and sliced mushrooms to the venison meat mixture. Cook until mushrooms are tender
4. Add undiluted soup and water, then cook over medium heat for 10 minutes uncovered
5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes longer
6. Stir in sour cream and heat through
7. Transfer venison stroganoff to nice looking serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley
8. Serve this venison stroganoff recipe over hot cooked rice or noodles

Serves about 6