Crazy Plants For Crazy Critters Inc.

Donate

Benefits of 501(c)(3) for Exotic Reptile Rescues

—

6–10 minutes

We are so happy to share the great news. As of January 23, 2018, the IRS officially recognized us as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Exotic Reptile Rescue. We have been a non-profit since the start because we have not made a “profit”. But now we are officially exempt. Exempt from what? Please read for more information…

What does it mean to be a  501(c)(3)  Organization?

Section 501(c)(3) is the part of the US Internal Revenue Code that allows for federal tax exemption of nonprofit organizations. These organizations include public charities, private foundations, or private operating foundations. It is regulated and administered by the US Department of the Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service.  

Provisions Unique to 501(c)(3)

The tax deductibility of donations is one of the most distinct provisions. This is unique to Section 501(c)(3) organizations compared with other tax-exempt entities. 26 U.S.C. § 170 provides a deduction for federal income tax purposes. This applies to some donors who make charitable contributions to most types of 501(c)(3) organizations.

Other unique provisions vary by state. Like federal law, most states allow for deductibility for state income tax purposes. Many states allow 501(c)(3) organizations to be exempt from sales tax on purchases. They are also exempt from property taxes. Special nonprofit, bulk rate postage discounts are available from the Post Office to qualifying organizations.

What Types Of Non-Profits are there?

A public charity is generally defined by the IRS as “not a private foundation”. It receives a substantial portion of its revenue from the general public or the government.

A 501(c)(3) must obtain at least 1/3 of its donated revenue from a broad base of public support. This is required to remain a public charity and not a private foundation. Public support can be from individuals, companies, and/or other public charities.

Donations to public charities can be tax-deductible to the individual donor up to 50% of the donor’s income. Corporate limits are generally 10%. In addition, public charities must maintain a governing body that is mostly made up of unrelated individuals. Public charities are what most people recognize as those organizations with active programs. Examples include churches, benevolence organizations, animal welfare agencies, educational organizations, etc.

A private foundation is often referred to as a non-operating foundation, as it typically does not have active programs. Revenue comes from a relatively small number of donors, even single donors.

Private foundations are usually seen as nonprofits. They are known to support the work of public charities through grants. However, that is not always the case. Donations to private foundations can be tax-deductible to the individual donor up to 30% of the donor’s income. Governance of a private foundation can be much more closely held than in a public charity. A family foundation is an example of a private foundation.

The third category is the least common: private operating foundation. These organizations often maintain active programs similar to public charities. However, they may have attributes such as close governance, which is similar to a foundation. As such, private operating foundations are often considered hybrids. Most of the earnings must go to the conduct of programs. Donation deductibility is similar to a public charity

Restrictions on Activities

501(c)(3) organizations are highly regulated entities. Strict rules apply to both the activities and the governance of these organizations. No part of the activities or the net earnings can unfairly benefit any director, officer, or private individual. Furthermore, no officer or private individual can share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets. This applies in the event that the organization shuts down.

Further, lobbying, propaganda, or other legislative activity must be kept relatively insubstantial. Intervention in political campaigns or the endorsement/anti-endorsement of candidates for public office is strictly prohibited

Having 501(c)(3) status comes with compliance requirements, the most obvious of which is operating the organization within the IRS regulations. In addition, most organizations must file some version of Form 990 with the IRS each year. Additional compliance requirements exist at the state level.

Why are we a forever home for turtles?

According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife, non-native species that are released into the wild compete with native species for habitat. Non-native species can also threaten food sources. These non-native species compete directly for resources. They also compete for food. They can prey on native wildlife or spread diseases. In the case of the red-eared slider, they interbreed with Florida’s native wildlife. FWC Rule 68-5.001, F.A.C., prohibits the release of any non-native animal in Florida. 

People who tire of them as pets often release them into local ponds or lakes, where they wreak environmental havoc. Released turtles can spread disease and parasites to wild turtles. People are faced with life-changing events every single day. Choosing to rehome a loved pet is even more stressful.

The easy thing to do is pick a pond or forest and let the pet have a free life. Because, as humans, I think, we understand that animals are supposed to be free and wild. Even as we say hello to our domesticated pets each day. We are here for those people. So they can choose to rehome their exotic pets with no fear of being judged.

Why are we a forever home for tortoises?

Because of their ability to dig, these tortoises are well known for escaping their enclosure. Tortoises need a huge amount of space. And males can be very aggressive when housed together. For this reason, people often purchase a tortoise as a young pet the size of a breakfast biscuit. They never really house it properly. The sellers are often too happy about the money and forget to teach the buyer what the needs are. We have a tortoise who went straight through the drywall in his previous home. Dug right through the wall! These are special conditions that we are more prepared to deal with here at Crazy Critters.

We will help anyone find the appropriate licensed forever home!

We do not have all the necessary licenses for some exotic reptiles. If we do not qualify as a forever home, we will find the appropriate one for you! Some of the world’s biggest and deadliest reptiles have been found in the United States, where they don’t belong. We work with people. We connect them to the right facilities. This ensures their pet does not add to the many invasive species we have here in Florida.

We help carve the invasive species!

Many animals are found in Florida, including Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, and green anacondas. All of them have been found in Florida alone. The swampy wilderness of South Florida is hot and muggy. It is a great spot for reptiles from all over the world to settle in. They easily get comfortable there.

You think it would be difficult for a beast from the jungles of Africa to reach Florida. The same applies to a creature from Asia or South America. Still, it’s not difficult at all. A few hundred of them have been in the cargo hold of the last airplane you flew on. They have been smuggled, shipped here legally for the exotic pet trade, or arrived as stowaways.

If they escaped, any of them would wreak havoc on native ecosystems. They can cause significant environmental damage in the United States. This damage is estimated to be worth $120 billion each year due to non-native species. Or, they end up doing nothing at all.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult for biologists to tell what risk a non-native species pose to the United States. Often, they realize the danger before it is too late. We have jumped into action on many reptile calls. We have caught many species of snakes. This includes a 12-foot Burmese python that was roaming in Mount Dora. We also caught an adult crocodile monitor on 44a on the way to Deland.

Protector Sponsorship – $5000 to $10,000

  • Kens Mowershop
  • Lilian Hickerson

Rescuer Sponsorship – $1000 to $5000

  • Sandi Fisher
  • Lane’s Woodworking
  • Susan Dav
  • Alex and Breanna Roberts

Supporter Sponsorship – $100 to $1000

Friend Sponsorship – $10 to $100

Your donations are tax-deductible.  Your donation to Crazy Critters Inc. goes straight to work. It helps exotic animals. This occurs both at the Sanctuary and through outreach and animal rescue programs all across the state of Florida. Monetary donations are always much needed and very much appreciated, as are direct donations to our Veterinary partners!  Gift Cards from stores such as WalMart or Petco are a great way to help us. They help improve the lives of all the critters.  If you donate products and supplies directly to our wish list of needed items, you will be considered a Sponsor!

Like what you read? Appreciate the information. We are a non-profit 501c3! Thank us with a contribution by clicking DONATE!

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Crazy Plants For Crazy Critters Inc.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading