Can I donate anonymously?

Yes, you can donate anonymously, but if you want to claim a tax deduction for the contribution, the IRS requires you to have documentation (a written acknowledgment or bank record) that ties the donation back to you.

Here's how to navigate donating anonymously:

Donating Anonymously and Getting a Tax Deduction

You can achieve anonymity while still claiming a tax deduction by using an intermediary organization:

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): This is a common method for larger gifts. You contribute to a DAF sponsor (a qualified charity itself) and receive an immediate tax receipt in your name. The DAF then sends a grant to the final charity on your behalf, but your identity can be shielded and the donation recorded as coming from the DAF.

• Third-Party Platforms: Services like Silent Donor allow you to make a donation through their platform. They issue the tax-deductible receipt to you, and then forward the donation to your chosen charity anonymously (the charity sees the donation coming from the platform's fund). These platforms typically charge a fee for the service.

• Through an Advisor: An attorney or financial advisor can manage a large donation on your behalf, making the gift from their firm's account and keeping your name confidential while ensuring you have the necessary documentation for your taxes.

Donating anonymously without a tax deduction

If you simply want to donate without any name attached and are not concerned about the tax deduction, you can:

• Use Cash or Money Orders: You can send cash or a money order to the charity with no return address. However, this is generally not recommended due to security risks and lack of proof of receipt.

• Skip the Deduction: If your total itemized deductions don't exceed the standard deduction, you can donate without providing your information to the charity and simply not claim the deduction on your taxes.

• Key IRS Rule: For any monetary contribution, you must have a bank record, canceled check, or a written acknowledgment from the charity to claim a deduction. This documentation necessarily links the donation amount and date to your identity for IRS purposes.