Frequently-Asked Questions about the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts at Yale

Please note this document will be updated frequently as questions are raised and responses are determined.

About Contributions

• I already made a contribution to Katrina relief.  What do I have to do so that my contribution will qualify for the matching funds?
• What documentation must be submitted to substantiate a donation that was already made to a qualified charity?
• How do I find out whether an agency is a "qualified charity"?
• If I send money to a specific family impacted by the hurricane, will this qualify for matching funds?
• May I claim my donation as a tax deduction?
• What should I use as proof of my contribution made through a payroll deduction?
• If I send my contribution to an organization other than the ones listed on the University form, where will the matching dollars go?

Q. I already made a contribution to Katrina relief.  What do I have to do so that my contribution will qualify for the matching funds?

A. You must submit a Hurricane Katrina Relief Pledge Form with the Donor Information and " Already Donated?..." sections completed along with documentation of your donation (receipt or copy of canceled check or email confirmation) to Human Resources. 

Here's how to send your pledge form and documentation of your donation:

Email: hrcomm@yale.edu
Fax: (203) 436-4240
Mail to: Yale University
Human Resources
155 Whitney Avenue
P.O. Box 208256
New Haven, CT 06520-8256

Q. What documentation must be submitted to substantiate a donation that was already made to a qualified charity?

A. You may submit one of the following types of documentation to substantiate previous donations:

1. Copy of your confirmation notification from the charitable agency. This may be in the form of an email or a letter received through the USPS
2. Copy of your cancelled personal check, both front and back, showing the charity's name, amount donated, and bank clearing information
3. Copy of your online bank confirmation of the funds released to the charity, which indicates the charity, amount and date funds were transferred

Q. How do I find out whether an agency is a "qualified charity"?

A. You can make sure that a specific charity is a qualified charity by searching an IRS-approved list available on the IRS Web site.  IRS.gov has an on-line search feature that allows people to find qualified charities. Please note that some organizations, such as churches and governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed.

Q. If I send money to a specific family impacted by the hurricane, will this qualify for matching funds?

A.  No, contributions must be made to a "qualified charity" to qualify for the matching funds.  This rule is in keeping with the guidelines established by the Internal Revenue Code, which states that donors may not earmark contributions to a charitable organization for a specific individual or family, nor may they take a deduction for funds given directly to specific individuals or families.

Q. May I claim my donation as a tax deduction?

A. Taxpayers may claim a deduction for contributions to qualified charitable organizations only if they itemize deductions on Schedule A of their Form 1040. They should retain proof of the contribution and, if the amount is $250 or more, must obtain an acknowledgement from the charity for the amount to be deductible.

Q. What should I use as proof of my contribution made through a payroll deduction?

A.  Yale University will be sending a confirmation of your pledge which may be used in conjunction with your final 2005 pay stub to substantiate your contribution.

However, you may also retain a copy of your Hurricane Katrina Relief Pledge Form (either the paper or electronic version) for use in conjunction with your final 2005 pay stub to substantiate your contribution.

The Internal Revenue Service requirements are summarized below:

When a donor makes a single contribution of $250 or more via payroll deduction, the donor may use both of the following documents as the required written acknowledgment from the organization:

• a pay stub, Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or other document furnished by the employer that sets forth the amount withheld by the employer and paid to the charitable organization
• a pledge card that includes a statement to the effect that the organization does not provide goods or services in consideration for contributions to the organization by payroll deduction

Q. If I send my contribution to an organization other than the ones listed on the University form, where will the matching dollars go?

A.  The matching dollars for non-payroll contributions will be allocated among the four on the approved list in the same proportion as the payroll contributions. Yale University will be sending a confirmation of your pledge which may be used in conjunction with your final 2005 pay stub to substantiate your contribution.