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Q. Is San Antonio Christian Schools a tax exempt organization?
A. San Antonio Christian Schools is a 501 c. 3 tax exempt organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Q. Does San Antonio Christian Schools provide receipts for my donations?
A. Yes. Every donor will be given a receipt as soon as possible after the gift is recorded. All gifts are tracked over each calendar year. According to IRS regulations, donors giving a one time gift of $250 or more will also receive an itemized listing of all gifts at the end of the year. Those donors giving single gifts that are less than $250 will not be given a year-end statement since the IRS only requires either a receipt or cancelled check. However, upon request, the school will provide a complete year-end statement of giving.
Q. If I decide to give property or some other asset, how is the value determined?
A. Charitable organizations are not permitted to establish the value of a gift of property such as a home or automobile. The IRS considers this to be a conflict of interest. An appraisal of the donated item is to be done by a certified appraiser. For example, in the case of a home, there are several excellent real estate appraisers in San Antonio. In cases of smaller items such as automobiles or boats, the Kelly Blue Book has been used by donors in the past. However, please remember that the IRS is the sole determiner as to the legitimacy of the appraisal method used by the donor.
Q. I am aware of a financial need of a particular family in the school. Can I give money for that family and have the gift be tax deductible?
A. The person or family in need is to submit an application to the Scholarship Committee. This application requires full financial disclosure by the applicant. Once the application has been evaluated, the committee can award aide, based upon established guidelines. Once approved, anyone may contribute funds to the scholarship fund to meet a validated need.
Q. What if the Scholarship Committee denies the request for assistance? Can I still help and keep it anonymous?
Anyone may pay someone’s tuition. It is not unusual for grandparents, relatives, and friends to pay someone’s tuition for whatever reason. Please remember that such a gift is not tax deductible. If requested, the person will remain anonymous. In most cases, the family receiving the gift will ask if the school would forward a thank you note to the giver. In such cases, the school will act as a conduit for the thank you without revealing the source of the gift.
Q. How can I be assured that my gift will go to the designated area?
San Antonio Christian Schools uses an accounting system, (Finex/Administrator's Plus), that is specifically designed for private schools. We carefully enter each check according to its designated purpose. If donors ever wish to review their gift amounts or designations, they can contact the development office and review their giving history and gift distribution.
Q. What are the best methods of giving to the school and where is the greatest need?
*From the SACS home page on the website, go to "giving to the Mission" and click on "Methods of Giving". Broad categories for giving are listed on the page. Also on the SACS home page is the SACS logo and underneath is the heading "Giving to San Antonio Christian Schools" outlining the general operational needs of the school. The Scholarship Fund, the Capital Campaign and the Endowment Fund are of highest priority. However, many donors prefer to focus on specialty items such as: athletics, band, technology, science department, teacher bonuses, and many other options. Prayerfully think through these options and then give as the Lord leads.
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