What is a charitable donation?

A charitable donation is a contribution of money or goods to a qualified, tax-exempt organization.
A charitable donation is a contribution of money or goods to a qualified, tax-exempt organization.
The American Red Cross is recognized by the IRS as a not for profit 501c3 charitable organization. Your donation to the Red Cross is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. However, certain donations in which donors receive a good or service in return for a donation are not tax deductible or may be only partially deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor for the tax implications of your donation.
Thanks to generous gifts from donors like you, together we make a difference!
Nearly 20,000 people are assisted by the American Red Cross each day
We respond to more than 60,000 disasters every year
In 2022, we served more than 2 million meals and snacks with our partners
In 2022, we provided more than 161,000 overnight shelter and hotel stays with our partners
Distributed emergency financial assistance to more than 132,000 people
Provided more than 99,300 individual care contacts to support health, mental health, spiritual care and disability needs
We have installed more than 2.5 million smoke alarms as part of our Home Fire Campaign
On average, nearly 13,000 people receive lifesaving Red Cross training every day
Disaster relief has been at the heart of the American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded our organization in 1881. Ever since, Red Cross volunteers have worked tirelessly to serve, give hope and innovate to address people’s emerging needs. Today, as disasters become more frequent and intense, we’re continuing to adapt — just as we have for the past 140 years.
Use Charity Navigator’s Giving Calculator to find out the net cost of a donation and the tax savings.
To learn more, visit IRS.gov to review Publication 526: Charitable Contributions.
Read the IRS' Eight Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.