Have you been concerned about people with disabilities who are in the Ukraine? Are you wondering if there is anything you can do? Learn how to help!
Below is a message from The Arc of the United States:
We watch in horror as the war unfolds in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to all the people of Ukraine whose lives are being torn asunder by the violence and chaos that grows daily. Our chapter leaders and others are asking what they can do to help. While there are a lot of options for donating to general Ukraine relief efforts, many are asking about how they can direct their support specifically to help people with IDD (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities) and their families. Since giving to foreign charities is not recognized as tax deductible by the IRS, we have two options for you and your constituents to make a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
First, for individuals who would like to make a charitable contribution that may qualify as tax-deductible in the United States, we have established The Arc’s Ukraine Relief Fund. Individuals may give to The Arc of the United States and designate their donations to this fund. We will then do the required due diligence to identify, select, and make grants to reputable charities, foreign and domestic, that are engaging in relief efforts targeted to help people with IDD and their families in, or fleeing, Ukraine. 100% of any gifts we receive will be redistributed.
Please help spread the word. If your constituents are asking how they can make a tax-deductible charitable donation, please share this link to The Arc’s Ukraine Relief Fund.
Second, for our chapters, other business entities, and those individuals for whom tax-deductibility is not a concern, you can also give to The Arc Ukraine IDD Relief Fund or consider giving directly to Inclusion Europe. They are working in collaboration with the VGO Coalition, a group of more than 100 local Ukrainian nonprofits serving people with IDD . Again, as a foreign charity, donations to Inclusion Europe are not deductible as a charitable contribution for tax purposes.
If you have questions, please email: berns@thearc.org.