The Historic Summer
The Historic Summer is an online giving challenge set by the Old Salem Board of Trustees and the MESDA Advisory Board in support of the organization’s ongoing initiatives in education, research, collections, and restoration. Of course COVID-19 has made the summer of 2020 unlike any before, but this summer is also historic for Old Salem and MESDA. We have experimented with new programs and pivoted many of our initiatives in direct response to the pandemic. Under the direction of our boards, and with your help, we can raise the funds needed to continue projects, like Study South, the Victory Gardens, and Salem Presents, that have been making a significant difference in communities close to home and far away.
The total goal is $100,000. Woah… that’s a lot!
This is the largest challenge we’ve ever received and every single dollar helps. For example…
The Historic Summer will officially kick off July 27th and end July 31st. That’s just 5 days to meet the goal! If you make a gift now, it will help to get the challenges started on a strong note.
Everyone who donates to the campaign will receive an invitation to join us for a virtual ceremony to recognize the 2020 recipients of
The Frederic William Marshall Distinguished Service Award
Mr. Robert A. Leath
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Sears, Jr.
7:00 p.m.
Online
More details will be shared by email with campaign donors
This year we are proud to recognize the achievements and contributions of Mr. Robert A. Leath and Dr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Sears, Jr., whose years of dedicated service to Old Salem Museums & Gardens and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts has been inspiration to colleagues, friends, visitors, and communities near and far.
Did you know that your gift to Old Salem and MESDA might qualify for up to a $300 charitable deduction under the CARES Act? Following special tax law changes made earlier this year, cash donations of up to $300 made before December 31st 2020 are now deductible when people file their taxes in 2021. Learn more!
I Have Questions!
How does it work?
You can make a contribution to The Historic Summer online by clicking the button above, filling out the online giving form, and making a safe and secure donation using your credit or debit card. But don’t forget that this is an online campaign! Help us to reach our goal by spreading the word through your social network. You will even have teh option to let us give you a social shout-out by including your Facebook name and/or Instagram handle in a post. But don’t worry, we will not publicize the amount you give, just the fact that you support Old Salem and MESDA! Alternatively, you can mail cash or a check made out to “Old Salem” or “MESDA” to:
Office of Development
600 S. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Please include “The Historic Summer” on the memo line of your check.
What is the goal?
The goal for The Historic Summer is to raise $50,000 from public contributions by July 31st, 2020. This challenge was set by the Old Salem Board of Trustees and the MESDA Advisory Board. Who is that? Both boards are comprised of dedicated individuals with varying backgrounds from across the nation who counsel, support, and guide the organization.
When is The Historic Summer?
The Historic Summer will officially take place July 27th-July 31st, 2020.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Donations to The Historic Summer are 100% tax deductible. When you make a gift toward The Historic Summer, your donation is collected by Old Salem Museums & Gardens, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all donations are deductible to the full extent provided by law.
What if I already make an annual gift to Old Salem or MESDA through my membership?
First, THANK YOU for your annual gift through our membership programs! If your membership is due to renew between July 27th-July 31st, you will have an opportunity to make an additional gift to The Historic Summer. All gifts made to The Historic Summer are fully tax-deductible, while not all gifts of membership are fully tax-deductible.
What are the minimum and maximum donation amounts?
The minimum online donation amount is $20 and there is no maximum donation! All gifts made to The Historic Summer are non-refundable.
Are there any fees associated with donations given to 12 Days of Salem?
There are no fees assessed to the donors for their contributions. 100% of your donation goes to support Old Salem and MESDA’s missions.
Can I give by cash or check instead of online?
Yes! If you prefer to make your gift by cash, please be sure to include a note designating the gift for The Historic Summer. This will ensure that your donation is recognized properly and reflected in the total challenge goal. If you prefer to make your gift by check, make the check out to either Old Salem or MESDA and please be sure to include the designation of The Historic Summer in the memo line of the check. This will ensure that your donation is recognized properly and reflected in the total challenge goal. You can mail cash or check gifts to:
Office of Development
600 S. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Please include “The Historic Summer” on the memo line of your check.
Can I make my gift to 12 Days of Salem in anonymously?
Yes. Donors will have the option to remain anonymous when completing the online giving form.
Can I make my gift to 12 Days of Salem in honor/memory of someone?
Yes. Donors will have the option to make those choices when completing the online giving form.
Can I make my donation using my phone?
Yes! If you have web capability on your smart hone, simply click here to give.
Will I receive a receipt for my contribution?
Yes. A formal gift acknowledgement from Old Salem Museums & Gardens will be sent to the email or mailing address listed at the time the gift is made.
Beyond a donation, how can I support 12 Days of Salem?
You can spread the word among your friends and networks about The Historic Summer! Join the online campaign by sharing and liking posts made to Facebook and Instagram. Please share your Old Salem or MESDA story and why Old Salem and MESDA matter to you. Be sure to use #TheHistoricSummer!
How will I be recognized as a donor?
Donors will receive a gift acknowledgement email from Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Additionally, all donors will be recognized in Old Salem Museums & Garden’s Annual Report. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will receive a gift acknowledgement and will be listed anonymously in Old Salem Museums & Gardens’ Annual Report.
What will Old Salem Museums & Gardens and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts do with my personal information?
Donors participating in The Historic Summer will receive thank you and tax acknowledgement letters. Donors may also receive standard emails from Old Salem and MESDA with information on donor events or the use of gift vehicles to support the organization. Donors can opt-out of the emails at any time. Donor information is NEVER given or sold to third parties.
What are the tax benefits of the CARES Act?
The new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act is designed to help you, businesses, and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few keys provisions one the CARES Act that may affect you and your charitable goals:
New Tax Incentives
The CARES Act expands charitable giving incentives and allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to make up to $300 of charitable contributions to qualified charities this year. You might think that this is a small amount and would not make a difference, but what if all our donors gave “just” $300? Such support would have a huge impact on our mission-driven activities and those we serve.
For those who do itemize their donations, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities such as Old Salem, Inc. (legal name for Old Salem Museums & Gardens/MESDA) to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.
Required Minimum Distributions Suspended
The new law temporarily suspends the requirements for required minimum distributions (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. This probably comes as a relief to many of you who would have had to withdraw from your retirement accounts. Many of our donors use their RMD to make a gift from their IRA. Despite the RMD suspension, remember that if you are 70 1/2 or older, you can still make a gift from your IRA or name Old Salem, Inc. (legal name for Old Salem Museums & Gardens/MESDA) as a beneficiary.
Why a gift from your IRA may still be a good idea:
Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it cn reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to send them to our Development Department at [email protected].