On April 1, Arizona will once again come together for Arizona Gives Day, an annual statewide movement that empowers individuals to make a difference by supporting nonprofits across our state.
The event promotes philanthropy through online donations, offering a simple yet impactful way for Arizonans to contribute to the causes they care about most. Charitable giving has always been a cornerstone of community strength, and Arizona Gives Day serves as an important reminder of how much collective generosity can improve lives.
At the heart of every nonprofit organization is the belief that positive change is possible. Charitable giving plays a crucial role in turning that belief into action. Every dollar donated helps fund the programs, services and innovations that nonprofit organizations provide. For many charities, these funds are essential to their operations and the continuation of their life-changing work.
Giving isn’t just about financial contributions, it's about investing in the well-being of individuals and families in need, protecting the environment, supporting the arts and advocating for justice and equality. Charitable donations fund critical services that government programs or private businesses might not be able to address in the same way. This is especially true for local causes where a community’s needs are better understood by those who live and work within it.
When you contribute to a local nonprofit, you are directly supporting your community. Whether you are giving to food banks, education programs or health services, donations have a ripple effect.
Additionally, charitable giving can help bolster the local economy. Nonprofits employ thousands of Arizonans, providing jobs that support families and fostering a workforce committed to making the state a better place for all its residents. Contributions to Arizona Gives Day help keep these organizations running, allowing them to expand their outreach and continue the important work they do.
While charitable giving has a powerful emotional and social impact, it also comes with tangible financial benefits for donors. Arizona offers a variety of tax incentives for those who make donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations.
When you take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can claim a dollar-for-dollar credit for your gift on your state tax return, even if you don't itemize, direct your tax dollars to a cause you care about.
For the 2024 tax year, the state allows qualifying taxpayers to claim the credit for gifts made between Jan. 1, 2024, and April 15, 2025 — up to $470 for individual filers and $938 for those filing jointly. This allows you to donate to organizations you value that make our community stronger such as Phoenix Children’s through April 15, 2025, but claim the credit on your 2024 tax return.
For nonprofits, charitable giving is not just a source of funding — it’s a lifeline that sustains their ability to serve their communities. Arizona Gives Day shines a spotlight on the diverse array of causes that local nonprofits support — from health and education to arts and environmental conservation.
For instance, Phoenix Children’s relies on the generosity of donors to continue offering critical pediatric care. By donating to local causes like this, we ensure that these essential services remain available for the children and families who need them most.
Arizona Gives Day is a powerful movement that underscores the significance of charitable giving and its impact on our communities. Donations, no matter the size, have the potential to transform lives and strengthen the ties that bind us as a community.
You can support nonprofit organizations like Phoenix Children’s Foundation and make an impact by visiting azgives.org and entering the name of your favorite organization.
Editor’s note: Nicola Lawrence is associate vice president of philanthropic advising at Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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