Governor Palin Heralds Start of PFD Charitable Contributions Program.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-001
Governor Palin Heralds Start of PFD Charitable Contributions Program
January 2, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Gov. Sarah Palin, who signed a new law allowing direct charitable contributions from permanent fund dividends, said today that she’s pleased the program is now in place for 2009 PFDs.
The new program will allow Alaskans to donate a portion or all of their dividends to qualifying charitable organizations, educational institutions and community foundations. Alaska ranks last among the states in individual giving among its wealthiest residents, a statistic that the new law aims to change.
“As Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,’ ” Governor Palin said. “This is an exciting new way for Alaskans to help each other. We are blessed to live in an owner state that generates a dividend off of our resources, which can be given to non-profit organizations to assist the needy.”
The Rasmuson Foundation is funding the first three years of start-up and operating costs for the check-off program, which means that qualifying organizations will receive 100 percent of every donation.
“Just think what we could accomplish together if every single Alaskan gave just a little bit in these difficult times,” said Diane Kaplan, president and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation.
Since yesterday, Alaskans have been able to sign up for their PFDs online. They also can go to https://www.pickclickgive.org/ to see how the charitable contributions program works.