What is the PFD Charitable Contributions Program -- or Pick.Click.Give?

The program was created by the Alaska State Legislature in 2008 and allows Alaskans filing for their PFD on-line to donate all or part of it to the campuses of the University of Alaska, community foundations, and eligible charitable and educational organizations. After a three-year pilot project, Pick.Click.Give. is now a permanent part of the PFD program.

What is the purpose of the program?

Pick.Click.Give. provides a reliable way for Alaskans to support eligible nonprofit organizations. The program goal is to increase individual charitable giving overall, along with increasing the number of new donors to nonprofit organizations. The program provides an additional way for donors to support organizations they care about.

Why should I give through Pick.Click.Give.?

It is a safe and secure way to give in areas you haven't considered before and to provide additional support to organizations you care about.  By giving through this program, you join others to become an important force in bettering our communities and state.

How do I know my contribution will be used as I intended?

When you donate through Pick.Click.Give., you make what is called an "unrestricted gift." Like other unrestricted gifts, the organization will use the funds to support its mission. If you chose to share your name with the organizaitons you choose, you will receive acknowledgement when your gift arrives at the organization in late October/early November of the year you donate. 

What will it cost the state to run Pick.Click.Give.?

Thanks to a generous grant from Rasmuson Foundation, the state incurred no administrative costs to run this program during its three-year pilot, which ends this year. Beginning with the 2012 application, organizations will pay an eligibility application fee to cover administrative costs for the PFD division.  Each dollar you give through Pick.Click.Give. goes directly to the organization you want to support.

How does Pick.Click.Give. work?

The program is available to Alaskans who file on-line for their PFD. The on-line application will have a list of eligible organizations, and people will be able to choose those to which they want to contribute.

How much can I give through Pick.Click.Give.?

You may give anywhere from $25 up to the full amount of your dividend to eligible nonprofits. You will be able to give in $50 increments up to the total amount of the permanent fund dividend that the applicant is entitled to receive.

Can I give part of my child's PFD or is this only for adults?

Every Alaskan who files on-line for a PFD dividend can give through this program. So every member of your family has the option to participate. This is an excellent way to help teach your children about the value of giving to the community.

Can each member of a family give to different nonprofits?

Yes, each person who files on-line has a choice of eligible nonprofits to which they may give.

Can my contribution go to multiple organizations?

Yes, you may choose to give to more than one eligible organization.

We have to make our designations early in the year -- before we know the actual amount of the PFD check. What if I designate more than my actual PFD check turns out to be?

Your donations will be distributed in the order you designate the receiving organizations. If you allocate more than the amount available, full amounts will be given to your chosen organizations in that order, until the money is all designated.

Will my donation have my name on it, or will it just be part of the total gift to the designated nonprofit?

You will have the ability, when you make your donation, to check a box that authorizes the state to send your name, contact information and the amount you give when it sends contributions to an organization. We encourage you to check this box so your organization will know about your contribution, will be able to share with you how your contribution is being used, and will be able to honor and recognize you for your generous support.

What if I don't file electronically?

The only way to give through Pick.Click.Give. is to file on-line. If you don't have access to a computer, check with your local public library for places in your community that may have a computer you can use. If you do not file on-line, please consider making a direct contribution to nonprofits you believe are serving the community.

How were the nonprofits selected to participate?

The requirements to participate were set out by the Alaska Legislature. The requirements are:

• The nonprofit is designated as a 501(c)(3) educational or charitable organization on the date of application and for the two calendar years that immediately precede the year the application is filed.
• Unless federally exempt, it has a current Internal Revenue Service Form 990 on file, or if the IRS has granted a filing extension for the current year, has on file that form for the immediately preceding year.
• The organization is directed by a voluntary board of directors or local advisory board members and a majority of whom are residents of the state.
• It provided services in Alaska during the two calendar years that immediately precede the year the application is filed.
• It receives at least $100,000 or five percent of its total annual receipts, whichever is less, from contributions.

Where can I find a list of eligible organizations?

All the organizations are listed on the website on this page.

My favorite nonprofit is not among those listed. Is there a way I can give to it through this program?

You may want to encourage your favorite organization to apply for the program next year if they aren't participating this year. In the meantime, consider making a direct contribution to nonprofits you believe are serving the community.

How do I know that the money will get to the organization?

The best way is to check a box you'll see on the application that authorizes the state to send your name and contact information to the organizations you have chosen to support. Donations, along with your name if you checked this box, will be sent to organizations in late October/Early November of the year you donate. The organization won't receive any information about you or your gift before late fall of each year.

Will the state give my name or other donation information to any other organization?

No. Information on your contribution will only be given to the organization you select, and only if you check the box authorizing it.

What documentation do I need for the IRS when I file my taxes to prove I made this gift?

You will receive a distribution letter in the fall that shows how much money you donated and to which organizations. This is your official receipt that can be used for tax purposes. The organization should also send you an acknowledgement letter if you release your name to them.  This letter should have the organization's tax ID number on it and the amount of your gift for your filing purposes.

Do I have to declare my whole PFD on my taxes even though I made a contribution?

Please consult with your tax advisor. Generally, you will declare the full amount of your PFD and then take a deduction for your contribution.

Can I withdraw from the charitable contributions selections I made on my on-line application?

Yes. If you e-signed your application, you can withdraw from all of your selections or select individual organizations to withdraw. From the PFD website www.pfd.alaska.gov, select the myPFDinfo button and log in to your myAlaska account. Select “Show Deductions” and click on the “withdraw” link for the nonprofit organizations that you wish to withdraw. At the top of the page you will receive a message that you have successfully withdrawn. If you did not e-sign, a Charitable Contributions Withdrawal form is available on PFD Division website under forms. The deadline to withdraw is August 31. Donated funds cannot be retrieved after that date.

Can I change the amount of the charitable contribution that I elected on my original application for a specific nonprofit organization or add an organization?

Yes. Before you can add or change your selections, you must withdraw from all existing charitable contribution selections you originally made on your PFD application. Select the myPFDinfo button at www.pfd.alaska.gov to view your existing contribution selections. Select “Show Deductions” and click on the withdraw link. See the withdraw instructions above if you applied using a printed signature page. Once you have withdrawn all existing contributions, go to the PFD homepage and select the “Add or Change a Charitable Contribution” link. Follow the prompts to enter your new charitable contribution organizations and amounts. Contact the PFD Division at (907) 465-2326 or email them at dor.pfd.info@alaska.gov if questions.