The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has stepped in as a fiscal sponsor to the St. Thomas Humane Society, filling a void as a tax-exempt vehicle for donations in the wake of the IRS’s recent revocation of the Humane Society’s nonprofit status, according to CFVI.
The IRS revoked the St. Thomas organization’s status without notice earlier this month due to delinquent tax documents.
CFVI has always been a supporter of the Humane Society and even recently relocated The Family Connection’s early childhood center to the educational wing of the Humane Society’s campus, according to a statement from CFVI.
Through discussions on the heels of the announcement, CFVI and the Humane Society extended their partnership into a new realm. In this interim period until the IRS problem is resolved, CFVI will serve as the fiscal sponsor or fiduciary agent for the Humane Society. As the fiscal sponsor, CFVI will receive, account for and disperse the funds received from donors for the program activities.
This way any donations made for operation of the Humane Society will continue to be tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. CFVI has a similar relationship with several other V.I. organizations.
CFVI does not charge a fee for its work administering fiscal sponsorships and funds because of annual Angel Gifts from generous donors in the community. These gifts help underwrite the work of CFVI staff and support all CFVI funds, programs and services. Therefore 100 percent of gifts made to CFVI on the animal welfare agency’s behalf will directly benefit the Humane Society.
“It’s one of my favorite times of the year, and it truly is the season of giving,” CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown said in a statement. “I hope people feel inspired to give generously and can do so with full confidence. It is an honor for CFVI to do our part to ensure that the Humane Society can continue their invaluable service to the community.”
Checks should be made payable to CFVI with “Humane Society of St. Thomas” in the memo section. Donations may also be made via credit card via PayPal by going to http://www.cfvi.net/donate/donate-fund.php or by calling CFVI at 774-6031.
"The Humane Society appreciates the service and expertise CFVI is providing to assist us while we resolve the issue regarding our tax-exempt status,” St. Thomas Humane Society treasurer Ray Szymanski said of the partnership. “Bringing together the strengths of CFVI and the Humane Society, we believe the shared vision of creative education initiatives for the children in our Virgin Islands community can be realized more effectively.”
