Funding of Dove House

A significant amount of the first and second year funding for Dove House was through “seed funding” from several philanthropic Foundations.  Three major supporters in this category were The Duke Endowment, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and the Iredell County Community Foundation.  Local foundation grants were also received from Wachovia and The Wilson Foundation.  Many other local corporate, civic and religious organizations made cash, material and labor donations towards the early funding of Dove House, and continue to do so. 

We continue to reduce our dependence on philanthropic foundation funding and increase our reliance on local support and fundraising.  This community has been overwhelmingly generous, both financially and through donations of supplies and labor.  We have been humbled by the awesome support of private citizens, churches, corporations and local civic organizations, so we are confident that this community is committed to the success of Dove House and the services we provide. 

One way to support Dove House is to become involved with our annual fundraiser, either by attending, donating something for our auction, volunteering, etc.  Our philosophy is not to “nickel / dime” our supporters with multiple mailings and appeals each year, but rather to host an awesome fundraiser that thrills our supporters as well as meets our fundraising objectives.  Our Board of Directors has been very successful in achieving these results through our “signature” annual event…

 “An Evening for Dove House”

The Dove House Board of Directors, with the assistance of an army of volunteers, have held a signature fundraiser every spring since 2002.  “An Evening for Dove House” has become one of the most coveted fundraisers in our area, selling out each year within 3 weeks, with a waiting list desiring tickets.  This Event has grown from raising $24,000 in 2002, to a net proceeds of $149,000 in 2008.  This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, at the  Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville.  It promises, once again, to be a first-class evening of culinary delights, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and dancing!  Larry Sprinkle from NBC6 will thrill you with his auctioneering talent as he hosts our live auction!  Tickets are $75 per person, or you can purchase a Corporate sponsorship for $1,000 and receive a private table for 8, along with other benefits.  Once you attend, you will make it a point NOT to miss this awesome event in future years!

Rockin’ RibFest

In 2005 we increased our fundraising efforts by hosting our first annual Rockin’ RibFest.  Now an annual event, Rockin' RibFest is a weekend festival held at The Iredell County Fairgrounds, with activities for the whole family, and features an award-winning line-up of national “ribbers” serving up the best BBQ in North America (and competing for 1^st prize to be determined by a panel of celebrity judges).  In addition, you'll find a “Kids Zone” with dozens of activities for children, Arts & Crafts vendors, a huge RV Show & Sale by our title sponsor -- The Family RV Center --, and a center stage filled with awesome concerts and various entertainment throughout the entire weekend!  

  Unfortunately, due to this year's economic climate and our desire as a non-profit organization not to put additional financial pressure on our faithful sponsors and supporters in a difficult year, we have decided to "skip" this annual fundraiser.  It is our intent to resume this incredible event in 2010.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

	We need continual replenishment of items to support child victims and their non-offending family members who visit our child-friendly facility: general household paper goods (paper towels, toilet tissue, Kleenex, etc.) non-perishable snacks and drinks (juice, soda) for children and adults who visit Dove House Blank DVD-R for recording our forensic interviews There are many other “one-time” needs of both materials and labor that we would be happy to discuss with you!
	Support our annual fundraising activities (e.g. attend, donate goods or services for auction, volunteer, etc.)
	Our greatest consistent need is cash donations to support our annual budget of $290,000.   See the many ways listed below that you can financially support Dove House:

 The information below has been graciously provided by Cynthia Peabody & Associates.  Dove House recommends that you consult your tax advisor for more information.

Cash Contributions

 Cash contributions are always welcome and can be made via cash, check, or certified funds (in the near future we will have credit card capability).  These contributions are tax deductible for the amount of the contribution for the year in which they are actually paid.  Although this is usually the easiest way to donate, it may not be the most tax efficient way for you to provide for Dove House needs.  Below are additional donation suggestions.  Please be aware that you will need to keep certain records to substantiate your contributions for IRS purposes.

Appreciated Financial Assets

Because Dove House is a charitable 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, it can liquidate any donated appreciated assets and not recognize capital gains.  In addition, the donor may be allowed to take a tax deduction for the full value of the donated items.

Appreciated Stock Contributions

Substantial contributions can be made with very favorable tax benefits by donating appreciated stock or mutual funds from your investment portfolio instead of cash.  The allowable deduction is equal to the fair market value of the investment on the date of the transfer.  When there is a gain, you do not have to recognize it and therefore you avoid paying taxes on the appreciation, but the appreciation is included in your deduction.  Please be aware that these investments should have been held for at least 12 months.

Appreciated Real Estate

 Many real estate holdings have appreciated substantially in recent years and are subject to capital gains taxes if sold.  By using a charitable remainder trust, these assets and others can be transferred directly to Dove House and you can defer and minimize taxes on the appreciation while still receiving an income tax deduction.

Other Asset Gifts

 Other assets such as personal property and collectibles are accepted on a case-by-case basis.  The deductibility of these gifts is limited to the charitable purposes of Dove House.

Additional Contribution Opportunities

There are numerous other ways to help Dove House while establishing a beneficial tax plan for your future. 

	A charitable lead trust is a tax planning tool that allows you to make specified donations as well as transfer assets to your family members.
	Retirement assets can be willed to Dove House to avoid both income and estate taxes.

Please consult your tax advisor regarding these mutually beneficial estate and tax planning opportunities.

If you would like to support the protection and dignity of children by helping us with any of the above needs, please contact Brenda Deal, Executive Director of Dove House, by mail at P. O. Box 825, 328 E. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28687, or by telephone at 704-883-9814, or email info@dovehouse.us.