Journey Of Hope - Fall 2018 Journey of Hope 2018 | Page 27

— $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for
couples — and a sharp decline in the number
of taxpayers who itemize their deductions
for 2018, with 27.3 million filers switching
from itemized to standard deductions 3 . The
TCJA will likely reduce charitable giving
by approximately $17 billion in 2018 4 .
If these giving trends continue to
decline, CAI will be forced to decrease our
overseas funding for in-country partners in
Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan.
These potential funding cuts would
directly affect the communities and
individuals that CAI has been able to
support throughout the years. Imagine
our local offices and partners having to
cut their already-stretched-thin programs.
Picture students being turned down for
scholarships, and young girls who cannot
achieve their dream of an education.
CAN CHARITIES SURVIVE?
Charitable giving has always been woven
into the fabric of our society. Through
time, energy, and dollars, we give back to
improve the world around us. Over the
past three decades, charitable giving has
increased substantially 5 . Yet, as a sector,
nonprofit organizations are experiencing
a dramatic decline in overall giving,
especially in 2018.
“Wealth is not new. Neither
is charity. But the idea
of using private wealth
imaginatively, constructively,
and systematically to attack
the fundamental problems
of mankind is new.”
John Gardner, philanthropist
While 2017 was a successful year for CAI,
our work is not complete. And if donations
drop substantially, we will need to reevaluate
our programs and reach to see where cuts
will be have to be made. But with growing
violence, uncertainty, and instability in
the countries in which CAI works, other
FALL 2018
international aid agencies are shuttering
their in-country offices and ceasing aid to
more dangerous regions. As a result, there is
an increasing demand for support from CAI,
due largely to our model of working directly
with local partners. We cannot leave those
communities without help and hope.
RISING TO MEET THE NEED,
COMMITTED TO THE MISSION
In the face of economic uncertainty and
overseas danger, we are ever more strongly
dedicated to the CAI vision. Last year, we
helped nearly 64,000 beneficiaries through
our innovative programming. Through our
relationships with on-the-ground partners in
the communities we serve, CAI was able to
work successfully where other organizations
could not.
“Fundraising revenue fell 2.1
percent during the first half
of 2018 compared with the
same period last year – which
could signal that donations
will drop overall in 2018….”
Chronicle of Philanthrophy
The need for girls’ education in
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan has
never been greater. Unstable governments
and political turmoil leave CAI’s beneficia-
ries yearning for an education — an educa-
tion which is their right and represents their
hope of something better. Both girls and
boys recognize that education empowers
them to make a difference, for themselves
and the future of their family.
Increasing numbers of international
non-governmental agencies are unable
to work in these regions. In remote areas
where other NGOs cannot or will not go,
CAI maintains long-standing relationships
with partners on the ground. Together with
our partners, we provide services and access
to education for the most remote and needy
communities.
A day may come when our work is done —
when all girls and boys are safe and healthy,
with access to the education they want and
deserve. Yet, until that day comes to be,
we will continue working faithfully for the
dream of a better world.
Your continued support for CAI could be
an annual contribution, speaking about CAI
and our work with a local group, or advo-
cating for our beneficiaries by sharing so-
cial media stories or emails. Even $5 or $20
adds up to make a massive impact. There are
many ways for you to share your support
and turn dreams into reality.
We can create peace through education.
Never give up. l
YOU CAN TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY.
HERE’S HOW:
Make a gift that costs nothing.
Designating CAI as a beneficiary in your will
or trust allows you to make a significant gift
that costs you nothing now.
Make an IRA rollover gift. Individuals
over the age of 70 ½ are eligible to make a
tax-free transfer from their IRA as part of
their required distribution.
Make a monthly gift. Monthly giving
provides CAI with the resources to plan into
the future and the opportunity for you to
make a difference each month, without fail.
Kristina Klaas
Major Donor Manager
1 The exception was giving to international affairs
organizations, which declined after several years of
steady growth. However, giving to this subsector still
reached its third-highest level ever recorded. https://
givingusa.org/tag/giving-usa-2018/
2 https://givingusa.org/giving-usa-2018-americans-
gave-410-02-billion-to-charity-in-2017-crossing-the-
400-billion-mark-for-the-first-time/ - report – pg. 333
3 Chronicle of Philanthropy
4 American Enterprise Institute report
5 Chronicle of Philanthropy
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