To the list, Apologies to you for posting this on the list, but as the questions that were directed to me, came via this list, I will reply here. Please consider the "delete" option at any time. George, The reply to Eddy G. Clark was sent to the list, because the original e-mail from Eddy was directed to the list, and also, because any CC who might offer an answer to my question could do so. I had requested from Eddy (and all others) information on the tax deductibilty of donations to Rootweb. I do not have the answer yet, so I will take it to USGENWEB-ALL-L. George, you write: > In an case, what are you getting at? Are you suggesting we not offer > assistance to Rootsweb? If so, I can't go along with that suggestions since > the Lincoln Co TN webpage is on Rootsweb and I feel personally obliged to > contribute to my benefactor. George, I believe that you are reading into my mailing much more than what was written, so let me make some things "perfectly clear." 1. I am not suggesting that you decline to support Rootsweb. Not you, not anyone. Rootsweb is a godsend to the genealogical community. 2. I totally support any persons right to contribute to any charity or religious institution of their choice, whether or not the institution has a tax-exempt deduction status. 3. I support Eddy's efforts to solicit for Rootsweb, and I personally have NO problem with the solicitation being done on TNGEN-L. In fact, I consider Eddy's request commendable in a rather selfish world. 4. There are *many* worthy organizations that require support from charity. Most have filed with the IRS, and have a tax exempt deductibility status. 5. I am sure that I am not the only CC that files income tax returns where deductions are a consideration. 6. It would be fair to state to the CCs in any solicitation effort, the tax deductibility status of donations to any charity, regardless of worthiness. 7. In the Jewish tradition of charity, the highest level of charity is the totally anonymous contribution, where the donor is not know. It is unfortunate that we in this country have come to a point where our charitable contributions come under the scrutiny of others. Fred Smoot >>> George Waller wrote: > > On 18 Jul 98 at 7:27, Fred Smoot wrote: > > > Hi Eddy and all, > > > > I need a little more information on this issue. Isn't Rootsweb a > > privately held company that donates the server space, as opposed to > > being a "nonprofit" company? > > > > I have little problem in sending $12 to rootsweb but I would prefer to > > send a little more -- *but* have the donation as a tax deduction. > > > > I recently read an old archived letter re-sent to USGEN-ALL-L where > > "rootsweb" claimed it was too costly to become a "nonprofit." > > > > Perhaps you can tell me if rootsweb now qualifies under IRS code 501c. > > Fred, are you asking this of Eddy or of all of the county volunteers? If the > latter, I would confess complete ignorance of the IRS code. > > In an case, what are you getting at? Are you suggesting we not offer > assistance to Rootsweb? If so, I can't go along with that suggestions since > the Lincoln Co TN webpage is on Rootsweb and I feel personally obliged to > contribute to my benefactor. > > George of Lincoln > > > Fred Smoot > > > > > > Eddy G. Clark wrote: > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > Just had a "neuron spasm" and thought I'd bounce this off the folks on > > > this list first. Many TNGenWeb counties (if not all of them) benefit > > > from the free use of Rootsweb resources. The only income of Rootsweb is > > > donations. What would be wrong if, once a year, say September, we had a > > > donation drive for Rootsweb. We could ask for volunteered donations of > > > $1 or $2 to Rootsweb to help provide the on-line genealogical community > > > with better services and resources. No arm twisting and no name taking. > > > > > > This is just an idea so please don't come back and "byte" my head off. > > > I just figured Tennessee could take the lead in this effort to help out > > > a great group of folks who help us out. > > > > > > Take care everyone, > > > > > > -- > > > Eddy G. Clark > > > Gibson County Coordinator > > > TNGenWeb ( http://www.rootsweb.com/~tngibson/ ) > > > Join TNGibson-L: http://www.rootsweb.com/~tngibson/tngibson_l.htm > > > > > > ==== TNGEN Mailing List ==== > > > > > > Be sure to send your updates to this mailing list to be > > > included on the "What's New" page. > > > > > > ==== TNGEN Mailing List ==== > > > > All URL's back to USGenWeb should read: > > http://www.usgenweb.org > > -- or -- > > http://www.usgenweb.net > >