Orphanage in David

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Michael March 17, 2015 at 4:04pm

Friends of Amigos de Boquete is a US 501 (c)(3) whose primary mission is to raise institutional and governmental funds for the acquisition of high quality humanitarian aid, purchased at the lowest available price, and to manage the efficient and effective distribution of such aid to those in need in Chiriquí, Panama. Friends of Amigos de Boquete also receives tax-deductible donations for distribution to designated Members of Chiriquí United. Members include the Rotary Club and Lions Club of David.

Your donation must be greater than $1,000 (no exceptions) to receive the tax deductible status (because of the huge administrative headache involved) otherwise it won't be accepted for tax deductible purposes. For additional information, contact Phil: fundacionamigosboquete @ gmail.com (remove the spaces) or call 6430-7653.

http://www.chiriquiunited.org/es-es/home.aspx

Mike Moore
- Patrice Ebel > Michael March 17, 2015 at 4:16pm
  
  Thanks, good info. I will contact by email and explain the amount I had in mind and what I hoped could be accomplished.
Dennis Nutting March 16, 2015 at 8:51pm
This might be of interest to all here:

Can I deduct donations to charities based outside of the United States?
- Generally no, except that you can deduct certain donations to Canadian, Mexican, and Israeli charities if you meet requirements. Donations are deductible to:
  
  Mexican charities if the organization meets certain IRS tests.
  
  Certain Canadian charities and are limited by your income from Canadian sources.
  
  Certain Israeli charities, but are limited to 25% of your income from Israeli sources.
- You can contact the charity for more information on whether it meets certain tests and learn more about the details from the IRS in Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.
- H Gene Lawrence > Dennis Nutting March 16, 2015 at 9:07pm
  
  Same info, different sites.
Bonnie Williams March 16, 2015 at 8:14pm

If I were you, I would be more interested in determining which if any orphanages are going a good job, are spending money wisely. For years the one here in Boquete was a joke. Contributions usually ended up in the homes or coffers of the employees. People quit supporting it for that reason. (Improvements have since been made, I understand.) Knowing my money goes where I intend it to go would be much more important to me than any tax break the donation might generate.
- Patrice Ebel > Bonnie Williams March 17, 2015 at 9:05am
  
  I totally agree and have had a few negative experiences in the past quite similar to what you described about the orphanage in Boquete. I intend to contact Pastor Willis and visit the orphanage in David (periodically) and ask a lot of questions. Other than observing if your donation has made any difference I tend to think that a certain amount of faith is needed just to believe the money is going where you intended. But, that can't stop any of us from helping out a little when we are able. I've had to remind myself of this the times I was disappointed about what I considered mishandling of funds and violation of trust. A note to Cher, who commented above. You've supported them for 5 years and feel they've done good work. That comment is very valuable to me.
cher March 16, 2015 at 5:30pm

Is it the Baptist orphanage?

if so I have gotten a tax receipt.

not sure about the others..
- Patrice Ebel > cher March 16, 2015 at 6:18pm
  
  I'm not sure, I only know there are two orphanages in David. I haven't visited either one yet. Getting a receipt is good but the orphanage has to have that status of being recognized as a charitable organization before IRS will allow you to take your donation as a tax deduction.. I'm trying to find out if either orphanage can give me a letter showing they qualify under section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code. Comment and site listed above by Gene indicate IRS wouldn't recognize the orphanages here. Did they give you a letter showing their status? If run by the Baptist Church maybe they do have that status, as churches usually do. Could you please give me contact info or directions to the orphanage? If you prefer, use GeorgiaPatrice@aol.com Thanks for your help.
  - cher > Patrice Ebel March 16, 2015 at 8:36pm
    
    I will have Pastor Willis contact you. I have been going for 5 years and they just built a new orphanage. They also have a girls home for pregnant moms. They are doing a good work and I think you would like going to visit. I will give the pastor your email.
H Gene Lawrence March 16, 2015 at 11:15am

Based on what I read in the following, the answer would be no.
US Expat Tax Help
www.usexpattaxhelp.com/us-expat-american-abroad-charitable-donations

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Orphanage in David

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