The 2008 Inver Hills Community Band fundraising campaign is under way. Our goal is to raise $2000 this year to support the operation of the band and purchase new items. We are asking each member of the band to contribute $40 to this effort. The donation is strictly voluntary. You may use cash, check or money order (payable to "IHCB"). Any amount you contribute will improve the band's ability to achieve its mission to provide an outstanding environment for people to make music and to perform concerts for the community.

Last year, members were very kind and generous to contribute their money, time and talent to the operation of the band. We purchased many music arrangements which allowed us to perform two Christmas church concerts, two winter holiday programs, a spring concert, a commencement program, four summer pops concerts and a parade. The resources required to prepare and perform our concert calendar are not trivial. We couldn't do it without your donation and efforts!

The band is continuing to grow in size, ability, and visibility. We are trying to branch out to new locations and reach new audiences. With your assistance, we would like to raise funds for a future public address system or trailer rental fees and items to improve our ability to perform concerts away from Inver Hills auditorium. You monetary gift will also be used for photocopying, ink toner, concert programs, office supplies, postage, banners, music CD's and other miscellaneous expenses.

Remember, Inver Hills Community Band is a non-profit organization . This means every penny of your donation is fully tax-deductible. You will be issued a receipt for your Federal income tax records.

Mail Donations to:
Inver Hills Community Band
Attn: Anne McPhillips
8462 Copperfield Way
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Note: Please do not mail cash. Send check or money orders only.

Thank you for your donation and continued participation in the band. Together, we are a tremendous group!

Sincerely,

Allison Allen

President

Inver Hills Community Band

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Charitable Giving as Tax-Deduction

Inver Hills Community Band was awarded the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status in 2003. Members of a tax-exempt organization are allowed certain tax deductions. They are as follows:

Cash Donations

You may deduct the cash donations made to tax-exempt organizations. Generally, you may write off annually your cash donations up to 50% of your adjusted gross income if you itemize your deductions. There is no dollar limit on your annual deduction; you are merely limited by your adjusted gross income. Donations in excess of 50% of your adjusted gross income may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

Volunteer Expenses

If you incur out-of-pocket expenses in serving your favorite charity, you may deduct these costs as part of your itemized deduction for charitable donations. If you use your vehicle for charitable purposes (including practices or concerts), you may deduct your actual vehicle expenses for gas and oil. Or, you may deduct mileage at the rate of 14 cents per mile. Whichever method you select, you may also write off parking and tolls.

Examples of deductible, un-reimbursed expenses:

• Donated materials and supplies
• Travel expenses
• Uniforms required in serving the organization

Keep track of your mileage and out-of-pocket expenses on behalf of the charity. In a diary or logbook, note the odometer readings for every charity- related trip for which your car is used.

Exclusions

• You MAY NOT deduct the value of your time and energy. Even if you perform work for the charity, you may not deduct what you would have charged for your expertise.
• Babysitting expenses you paid to enable you to put in time for your charity ARE NOT tax-deductible.