Charitable Projects
From time to time, this page will feature charity organizations and/or charitable projects that the LPL is promoting.
We will promote these charities and projects in keeping with the Libertarian philosophy of people helping people, privately, and voluntarily. We do so because we believe that true charity is given freely, not stolen or forced and that the best and most lasting solutions to problems in our communities will come from voluntary cooperation rather than government. We feel the best argument against using government force to "help" the less fortunate, is to remove all occasion for doing so by helping others voluntarily ourselves.
If you know of a charity or project that could use our assistance and would be a good fit for Libertarians to promote, please contact our Economic Development Officer to pass along the necessary information so it can be evaluated and listed here.
If you are looking for a charity to support with your time, money, materials, tools, or expertise, or if you are looking for a charitable project to work on, please consider those we feature here.
Lafayette Optimist Club
posted February 12th, 2013
Need
A new roof
Estimated Cost & Goal
$4,000 for materials alone, preliminary.
Synopsis
The Optimist Club of Lafayette is in dire need of a new roof over their entire facility. They have not received any official estimates for the job, but preliminarily have determined themselves, that materials will run at a minimum $4,000. This will wipe out approximately HALF of their current balance of funds for their youth scholarships and events. Every dollar spent on the roof is a dollar they won't have available to put towards projects for the kids they help and serve.
How you can help
They are asking for monetary donations, material donations, and for people to donate their time and/or expertise to replace the roof.
If you have a roofing business, or you are a contractor experienced with roofing, they could use your volunteered expertise to arrive at a firm estimate of the extent of the work and cost to replace. They would also be grateful for any time and/or tools you could lend to the job to see it to completion.
If you are not a contractor, but you would like to help out, you can offer your volunteer time as a helper or make a monetary donation directly to the Lafayette Optimist Club.
Monetary Donations
Unfortunately, government red tape being what it is, at the present time, if you donate directly to the Lafayette Optimist Club, your donation is NOT tax deductible. (anyone who could assist with securing non-profit status for the club is certainly appreciated)
In the mean time, if you don't mind forgoing the tax-deduction you can make your donation directly to them, or if you really need the deduction, you can make your contribution to Optimist International Foundation and earmark your funds for the Lafayette, Louisiana Club. 100% of your donation will go to Lafayette, and you'll be able to take a deduction as normal.
(be sure to specify Lafayette Louisiana, because there are several Lafayette clubs across the country.)
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT - regardless of how you make your donation, please DO NOT indicate in ANY manner (such as on the memo line of a paper check) that the donation is for "roof repair." Unfortunately, any such donation is not tax deductible. The local chapter can accept the donation, but Optimist International Foundation is not allowed to accept money for property improvements as this violates IRS 501(c)(3) rules. Rest assured though, that any money you provide will free up current funds for the roof repair so there is no net loss to the funds the club uses for its youth programs and scholarships.
Important Links
Optimist International Foundation
Optimist Club of Lafayette Facebook page
Make your check Payable to Optimist International Foundation and mail to:
Lafayette Optimist ClubP.O. Box 2334
Lafayette, La. 70502-2334
You CAN indicate on the memo of the check that it was donated "In Liberty." This will help our liaison with the Lafayette Optimist Club to identify Libertarians as among their supporters.