The COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter daily life for many Hoosiers, but a third round of stimulus payments, made possible by the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, will help as we navigate the first half of 2021.

For those experiencing financial hardships right now, these checks will help alleviate some stress. But for the most fortunate among us, we urge you to consider reinvesting that money, or a portion of it, back into our community.

A contribution to any of RCCF’s Community Grants Funds will support the greatest needs of our community forever. Or perhaps you have a favorite organization, church or area of interest? We can help you find the right cause to support the community you love.

Donating your stimulus check doesn’t just benefit the community—it benefits you. Lawmakers extended charitable tax provisions from last year’s CARES Act, including:

• A deduction for charitable donors who do not itemize when filing their tax returns. If you do not itemize but make a gift to charity, you will be allowed to take a special tax deduction, up to $300, to reduce your tax liability. Joint filers can deduct up to $600.
• An increase in the deduction limit up to 100% of a donor’s annual income for cash gifts (previously the deduction was capped at 60% of annual income). If you make a gift you will be able to deduct more this year.

The past year has demonstrated the invaluable roles our family, friends, neighbors and community play in our lives. A contribution to RCCF is one way to give back all you get from living, working, raising a family, running a business and enjoying a life in this community.

If you need your stimulus check to make ends meet, by all means please use it for its intended purpose. But if you don’t, think of this as an opportunity to do your part in building a stronger, more resilient hometown, better prepared for the next unanticipated event the future inevitably holds.

Please feel free to reach out to us at info@rushcountyfoundation.org or (765)938-1177 for more information or help finding a fund. You can make a gift online or by mailing a check to: RCCF, 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN 46173 – and make a difference forever. Thank you!