FAQ

Get Your Queries Answered Frequently Asked Questions: What is PURA? PURA is an acronym for Planning for Urban Revitalization of America, Inc. PURA was organized for one or more of the purposes specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our focus is: (1) to train inner-city kids on certain skills that will enable them to become employable, and (2) to assist disadvantaged high school and college students with on-the-job training to enhance their opportunity in securing permanent employment. What is the mission of PURA? The mission of PURA is to educate and assist disadvantaged individuals and communities in securing employment and/or better employment. What is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is an organization that meets the legal requirements for tax-exempt status as required by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 501(c)(3) organizations such as churches, schools, scholarship benefit organizations, etc. are organized to provide benefits to needy and deserving individuals but not to the organizers or corporate entities that control them. Such organizations do not have owners although they may have boards or trustees that control the organizations. Upon disestablishment, such organizations must turn over any surpluses to another tax-exempt organization or to the Government. Is my gift to PURA tax-deductible? Yes. As a Section 501(c)(3) organization, your gift to PURA is tax-deductible if it consists of cash, materials, property or equipment. Personal time contribution is not tax-deductible. Because of the nature of PURA's work, it prefers to received donations in the form of cash. However, if you have a gift of value other than cash that you wish to donate to PURA, we will gladly accept it and convert it to cash. When did PURA get its approval from the IRS as a nonprofit organization? PURA received its authorization on March 9, 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you wish to make a donation to PURA but wish to see the actual IRS letter of authorization before making the donation, please send us your intention to donate (including amount) with your request for a copy of our authorization letter. We will gladly honor your request. Is IRS recognition required before donations can be received? Strictly speaking, no. However, it is best to be able to donate to an organization that has been granted the 501(c)(3) approval by the IRS. PURA has been approved as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. How much of my donation is tax-deductible? All of it. The entire donation is tax deductible. Your certificate for donations of $200 or more to PURA is your receipt for use in filing your tax return. For amounts less than $200, your check for the amount is your record of the contribution. What are the procedures for donating to PURA? Simply complete the form at "A Helping Hand" on this Web Site, make a check payable to PURA, and mail both to PURA. If I donate my time, am I eligible for a tax deduction? No. A deduction can not be taken if there is no earned income. When should I donate to PURA? You can donate to PURA at anytime you wish to donate to PURA and feel comfortable doing so. We can accept a single donation or, if you wish, put you on a monthly or annual donation schedule. Where is PURA located? PURA is located at: 12831 Old Fort Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 301-292-0028 (Phone) 301-292-6286 (Fax) Email: info@pura.org Web: http://www.pura.org I live in Hawaii. Can I donate to PURA and receive tax credit for it? Yes. You can send a donation from anywhere in the world and receive a tax credit for it if you file a U.S. tax return. Why should I donate to PURA? There are many reasons to donate to nonprofit organizations (its tax deductible character, because you embrace the cause supported by the organization you wish to donate to, because you have personal and direct information about the workings of the organization you wish to donate to, or for other reasons). We believe our cause of training the minds of disadvantaged citizens for a better place in our society is such a noble one that you will want to make your contribution to PURA. God Bless. Is PURA a registered fundraiser? No. PURA is a charitable organization educating and training the disadvantaged so that they are able to obtain jobs heretofore not attainable by them. While PURA encourages potential donors to contribute to its cause, it is not a registered fundraiser.