Please note: We are not tax advisors. This page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified tax professional or CPA regarding your specific situation.
Misfit Farm & Sanctuary, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your generosity helps care for our rescued animals and supports our Farm-Assisted Therapy, Open Sanctuary Visits, Youth & Family Programs, and Roots & Recovery programs for veterans and first responders.
How to Donate
You can support the sanctuary in several ways:
- One-time or recurring cash gifts — check, credit/debit card, or online giving
- In-kind (non-cash) donations — items the sanctuary can use, such as feed, hay, fencing supplies, or equipment
- Appreciated stock or securities
- Planned gifts — bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts made through your estate
Every donor receives a written acknowledgment/receipt for their records, which the IRS requires for any single gift of $250 or more.
Our Nonprofit Status
- Recognized by the IRS as exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3)
- Classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(2)
- Exemption effective June 22, 2026
- Donations deductible under IRC Section 170
- Qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522
- EIN: 42-3424464
What Counts as Tax-Deductible
Generally deductible:
- Cash, check, or credit card donations
- The fair market value of donated goods in usable condition (e.g., equipment, feed, supplies)
- Publicly traded stock or securities, valued at fair market value on the date of the gift
- Gifts made through your will or estate (bequests/devises)
- Volunteer expenses, like mileage driven for sanctuary purposes (though the value of your time is not deductible)
Generally NOT deductible:
- The value of anything you received in return for your donation (e.g., if you paid $100 for an event ticket worth $40, only $60 is deductible)
- The value of your personal time or services
- Gifts made to a specific individual rather than to the organization
How Much Can Be Deducted
Deduction limits are based on a percentage of the donor's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the year, and they depend on what you give:
| Type of Gift | Typical Limit |
|---|
| Cash gifts to a public charity (like us) | Up to 60% of your AGI |
| Non-cash property (e.g., appreciated stock, goods) | Up to 30–50% of your AGI, depending on type |
A few practical notes:
- If your gift exceeds the applicable limit in one year, the excess generally can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
- Beginning with the 2026 tax year, the IRS applies a small floor of 0.5% of AGI — only the portion of your itemized giving above that threshold is deductible.
- Starting in 2026, even taxpayers who don't itemize can deduct a limited amount of cash giving directly (up to $1,000 for individuals / $2,000 for married couples filing jointly).
- Keep a bank record or written acknowledgment for any cash gift, and a receipt from us for any gift of $250 or more.
Because everyone's tax situation is different, please work with your tax preparer to determine exactly how much you can deduct.
Planned Giving: Bequests, Devises, and Transfers
You can also support the sanctuary through your estate plan. These gifts are separate from your income tax deduction — they reduce estate and gift tax exposure under IRC Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522.
Bequest — Leaving a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or specific property to Misfit Farm & Sanctuary in your will. Example: "I leave 10% of my estate to Misfit Farm & Sanctuary, Inc."
Devise — A gift of real property (land, a home, or other real estate) made through your will. Example: Leaving a parcel of farmland to the sanctuary upon your passing.
Transfer — Naming the sanctuary as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, retirement account (IRA, 401(k)), or payable-on-death bank account.
Gift (lifetime) — Donating stock, property, or cash directly to the sanctuary while you're living, which may also reduce gift tax exposure under Section 2522.
If you're considering a planned gift, we recommend speaking with your estate attorney or financial advisor to structure it properly.
Stay Current
Tax laws change. For the most up-to-date IRS guidance on charitable giving, refer to IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.