The Upakar Foundation is funded by the generosity of individuals, corporation and foundations. We are a 100% volunteer-managed organization, and 95% of the funds we raise go directly for college scholarships. The remaining 5% pays for administrative costs such as website maintenance, promotional events, legal and financial services, and fundraising.
Legal Name: Upakar, the Indo-American Community Foundation
Tax ID: 52-2041133
Thank you for supporting the next generation of Indian-American leaders!
DONATE ONLINE
Donating online is easy!
Preferred method:
Fill out the form below and your credit card or bank transfer donation goes to Upakar. Zeffy
does not charge any fees to Upakar but will automatically ask for a “tip” from the donor.
Help keep Zeffy free for Upakar, The Indo-American Community Foundation Inc (optional) Your generosity allows Upakar, The Indo-American Community Foundation Inc to use Zeffy's 100% free fundraising and emailing platform with unlimited support, making your impact even stronger.
Please ensure you set the % to “other” and then the contribution to $0. We are not able to overwrite their suggested amount, but the donor can.
Once you have completed the transaction you will automatically receive a confirmation email with the amount donated to Upakar.
Also available:
Since some donors prefer Paypal, we have that option also. Please note, if you choose to donate directly at PayPal, we will not be able to give you a tax donation receipt unless you give us a mailing address or email address. Paypal charges an administrative fee to Upakar so we prefer our donors use Zeffy.
DONATE BY MAIL
Checks should be made payable to “Upakar”. Attach the completed Donation Form and mail to:
Upakar
12154 Darnestown Rd, Box 407
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Please note the correct address. Due to our original UPS store closing (Traville Center) we had to change our address and any mail sent to a prior address will be “Returned to Sender” by the United States Postal Service.
Click here to download the Donation Form
MATCHING GIFTS
Companies can offer a “matching gift” benefit to their employees and spouses to encourage charitable giving. Some companies without formal programs will match your gift if requested. Please check with your benefits manager.
To submit a matching gift to Upakar, check with your company policy. Some require the donation to be submitted through their assigned portals while other require proof of the donation receipt before processing the matching donation. Policies may vary and certain restrictions can apply.
Once Upakar receives your information, we will verify your gift and complete the process. Your employer will then send an additional gift to Upakar on your behalf.
If we need to fill out a portion to process your matching gift request or if you have any additional questions, please contact us at upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “Matching Gift” as the subject line.
NONCASH DONATION FORM
Upakar does not set a valuation on your donation or retain a copy of the receipt. To claim a deduction on taxes, the donor determines the fair market value of the contributions (please refer to IRS publication 561). For professional advice, please consult your tax advisor.
Click here to download the Donation Form
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Here are some other ways to donate to Upakar that may have a tax benefit to certain donors. Any tax related questions should be addressed by your tax accountant or financial broker. This list is provided to inform those donors that we are able to accept these types of donations.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Donations
Make a gift to Upakar, the Indo-American Community Foundation through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). Please provide your fund manager with our EIN 52-2041133 and the legally registered name, Upakar, the Indo-American Community Foundation.
We are recognized at most of the major financial institutions. To help us acknowlege your gift properly, please email us a confirmation that the gift is being sent. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the donor based on the paperwork sent by the financial institution and they do not give us any contact information. Fill out the Donation Form, and write “DAF” on it.
*Please confirm the mailing address on file at the institution, since we had to change it recently due to a store closing.*
If we are not currently setup, the required information is on this page or contact us at upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “DAF” as the subject line.
Donate Stocks and Mutual Funds
Per the IRS, stocks and securities that have increased in value and have been held for at least a year and a day can be deducted as charitable contributions at full market value when transferred to a charity/nonprofit. For tax purposes, the date of transfer applies and Upakar will send a confirmation of the date and number of stocks or mutual funds. Your stock transfer must be made directly to Upakar to qualify as a charitable contribution.
Please contact us at upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “Stock and Mutual Fund Donation” if you need assistance.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Donation
If you are 70½ years or older, you can make annual distributions in qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from your IRA. Your gift also counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) depending on your age. To take advantage of this provision, your IRA administrator must issue a check directly to Upakar.
*Please confirm the mailing address, since we had to change it recently due to a store closing.*
Please contact us at upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “QCD donation” if you need assistance.