I am terribly sorry for the circumstances, Amy. But you are correct in
that none of these donations can be considered tax-deductible gifts - nor
can they be counted in fundraising totals.
Please refer to IRS Publication 526 which clearly discusses the issue of
gifts benefiting specific individuals and ruling those as non-deductible.
The same will apply to a GoFundMe page - but could serve to take the
workload off your office.
John
John H. Taylor
Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting
2604 Sevier St.
Durham, NC 27705
johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com
919.816.5903 (cell/text)
Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987
On Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 4:57 PM Roberts, Amy <
aroberts10@nymc.edu> wrote:
> I know the basic answer to this, but I need some backup/chapter & verse as
> to why--
>
> We had a tragic death on campus of a beloved staff member, and
> administration has suggested we establish a memorial fund to benefit the
> wife and children of the staff member at the request of the students. I
> have explained that this is not something we can do, and that perhaps the
> students could set up a GoFundMe page. I could use some specifics on why
> this is not allowed. Thanks for the help!
>
> Amy L. Roberts
> Director, Advancement Services
> New York Medical College
> (914)594-2729
>