More and more people in Madison, Wisconsin, are aware of the fact that it is possible to donate a car to charity. One charity that pioneered this concept is Rawhide, with website at http://www.rawhide.org/donations/car-donations-madison/. To this day, they continue to be one of the most popular car donations Madison charities, being a role model to many other charitable organizations. So what makes this particular charity so special?
The Legal Element of Car Donations Madison Charities
The first thing that sets Rawhide apart is that they are 501(c)3 registered. What this means is that they are recognized as a true charitable organization without any political affiliation. It also means that they cannot use the money they raise to lobby the government or support political campaigns. Any donation made to 501(c)3 registered charities can be deducted from your taxable income.
Secondly, Rawhide is a very efficient charity. In 2015, they raised over $7 million in contributions and donations, and 81.5% of this went directly to program expenses, meaning the service users benefited directly from those funds. The overall ranking for Rawhide, according to Charity Navigator, is 90.11%. This is far higher than the vast majority of other charities.
What Does Rawhide Actually Do?
Naturally, a charity being efficient and having the proper registration does not automatically imply that it should be supported. Even being an example of best practice does not necessarily mean that the charity is worth a lot of donations. A major consideration is what they do and how they do it.
Rawhide works with at risk young people and their families. They are a Christian-centered charity that provides residential care for young boys at the Rawhide Ranch. Young girls and their families can also receive support, albeit on an outpatient basis. Through the Ranch, young people are provided with education in academic subjects such as math, science, and English, and they are also instructed in important life skills, such as team work and communication. Essentially, they are supported in turning their life around and choosing a more positive path, and becoming valuable members of society. Many become Rawhide mentors later on in life.
