Information for Donors
The BP MS 150 Bike Tour is a fund-raising event for the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter. On this page there is information about the National MS Society, tax receipts, frequently asked questions, where funds raised go, and how to maximize your donation through on matching gift programs.
The National MS Society:
The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, the number one disabler of adults. The Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The National MS Society's Web site is www.nationalmssociety.org.
Tax Deductibility and Tax Receipts
The National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations made to National MS Society are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Registration, transportation and other fees are not generally accepted as tax deductible. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $250. For donations under $250, the donor's cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient evidence for IRS purposes. We will send a tax receipt to any donor who requests one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donations:
To whom should checks be made payable?
Checks should be made payable to National MS Society. If a check is made out by a donor to the MS 150 or other related name, the bank should accept it. Be sure to mark your (the rider's) name on the memo line of the check.
Where should I mail my fundraising checks? Please do not mail cash!
National MS Society,
Lone Star Chapter
PO Box 4125
Houston, TX 77210-4125
Is it safe to mail in cash?
It is not safe to mail in cash. If you wish to turn in cash, please bring it to our offices located at the address above.
Where Your Money Goes
81 cents of each dollar spent funds programs, research and national activities.
Percentages based on Fiscal Year 2006 Audited Financial Statements.
Matching Gifts
Does your company have a matching gift program? Please use the following information to help make our matching program a success!
Please read carefully the guidelines of your employer's matching gift program. Many companies only match donations given to educational institutions or arts and culture organizations, etc. Also, check to see if your company only matches your individual donations. Several companies only match checks/cash from the employee and will not match all pledges turned in by the employee. Many companies also have a minimum amount that you must donate before they match such as $25.00. Please do not send in forms that cannot be processed.
Please include the name of the rider or their account number somewhere on the form. This will enable quicker processing. Please do not date the form. Many companies have a 90 day policy on accepting forms and they go by the date filled in by the donor, not by the date filled in by the recipient organization. Many forms are turned in months after the donation has been received and by the time the form is processed it is too late to turn in to the company for a match.
Don't forget to sign the form! It is an easy step to miss. Also, please fill out the form completely with address and phone number information in case there are any questions about the form.
Please turn in the form at the same time the donation/pledge is turned in. This makes processing faster as well.
Any questions regarding matching gifts can be directed to: Heather Bryan, 713 526 8967 ext. 2242 or email heather.bryan@txh.nmss.org.
