EQUINE RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

Equine rescue has become a vogue thing in the last 5-6 years and unfortunately there are a large number of questionable organizations out there. Of a recent survey I did of 157, less than half were registered with the IRS although ALL claimed to be nonprofit and collected donations.

There have always been those who have fought for the humane treatment of animals. The "causes" have risen and fallen in importance according to the popularity of the subject. Traditionally, public donations have mandated which animals will be rescued, preserved, or guarded. With the intense media coverage and growing public awareness of equine abuse, the number of individuals and organizations rescuing horses has risen dramatically.

Too often the public receives pleas for financial support from individuals or equine rescue organizations showing photographs of a horse in pitiful condition. The unknowing public sends well intended donations believing that their support goes to stop the suffering. Instead it may be spent on anything, and often it does not go for the intended purpose. Unfortunately too many individuals and organizations have abused the public trust.

You should feel comfortable asking for professional references concerning an organization you wish to make a donation to. Call the local humane society, animal control agency, and/or veterinarian. If none of these professionals are aware of the individual or organization, perhaps more questions should be asked..

Don't be afraid to ask questions about an organizations activities. If an organization says they saved twenty animals, what happened to these animals? Is there a follow-up program? Do they know even six months later if the animal is still being cared for?

I always suggest that donors talk or write to the organization they wish to donate to and find out what the direct relief need is. Example: A rescue organization may need veterinary care, medications, feed, special equipment. Then mark your check "for feed," "veterinary care," or for whatever you wish your money to be used for. By identifying the use, your donation becomes "restricted" and may only be used as you have stated.

In most states nonprofit organizations must be officially recognized by the Secretary of State and/or other official office(s). This is accomplished, in part, by the organization filing a copy of the Articles of Incorporation with the State. One requirement is that the Articles must state that the nonprofit corporation is not organized for the private gain of any person.

Some states such as California require that a nonprofit be registered not only with the Secretary of State, but the Office of Charitable Trust and the Franchise Tax Board.

Some nonprofits may not be approved and registered with the IRS and your donation will not be tax deductible. An organization that has been approved by the IRS will be given what is called a 501 (c) (3) status; this allows the organization tax exemption and donations to be tax deductible. An IRS recognized nonprofit organization will be given an individual identification number. Most nonprofit organizations show this number on their printed material or are willing to give it to you.

Why is it important that someone rescuing horses be registered as a nonprofit? What if you don't care if your donation is tax deductible? Legal nonprofit organizations are required to file an account of how their monies are spent each year with both the State and Federal agencies. These agencies have strict guidelines to insure that monies are used for the nonprofit's stated purpose. Although this is not a guarantee that monies are always used wisely or even properly, it is a deterrent.

If you are making a substantial donation or even just want to see how the organization has spent their funds in the past, ask for a copy of the organization's IRS Form 990 or a copy of the accounting from the previous year. A nonprofit organization is required by law to provide this to any individual requesting a copy.

Can you afford not to ask questions?