Ideas for Donating Guitars to Charity

[briwinters]

I have a general question to toss out there for suggestions. It's been time to thin the herd for a while now, and I have a few "playable" guitars (Squire '51, First Act Delia MIJ, etc.) that never get any love from me anymore. Rather then haggle over a few bucks to sell them I'd really love to find a great charitable organization that accepts used guitars... maybe amplifiers too. Criteria I am hoping to find is:

- Accepts used gear (I am willing to ship)
- Accredited organization
- Will accept guitars needing a setup (more then happy to polish and change strings before giving away but would rather avoid spending $$ to donate)
- Tax credit would be a bonus
- Good cause!

Any suggestions people have would be greatly appreciated. Nothing would make me happier then seeing a few pages of ideas and links to worthy causes here. Thanks in advance.

[stvnscott]

http://www.bluestarconnection.org/

I know the people who run this an can vouch for them. Fantastic charity and fantastic people.

[Jahn]

Here ya go:

http://www.guitarsintheclassroom.org/main/about_us.php

[Pinelake]

Great suggestions above.
Also, many churches have youth groups. Probably meets all your criteria and the ole instruments would have some TLC.

[Bob Longo]

Local public high school.
Music Conservatories.
Orphanages.

[theruley]

Great suggestions above.
Also, many churches have youth groups. Probably meets all your criteria and the ole instruments would have some TLC.

:aok

[Totally Bored]

There's a group home for kids that basically have nothing around my area. I donated a acoustic guitar there. I put new strings on it and cleaned her up and put her in a case with a anonymous note .

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=677099

Maybe there is a group like this in your area ?

[teletroy]

I like http://guitars4vets.org/ and http://ethos.org/

[jollygreen]

Just keep in mind you can't deduct charitable contributions unless you itemize, you've got to contribute to an entity that is considered non-profit by the IRS, you've got to have a receipt, and if over $500 you must attach form 8283.

[treeofpain]

Some churches will accept them as well.

The way it works with the IRS is that the organization will give you an acknowledgement letter thanking you for the donation. However, they cannot specifiy the value of the item donated, so you must have backup info to substantiate the dollar value claimed in your tax return.

[big joe]

http://www.hhch.org/

registered 501c3 organization that is a children's home. its basically a foster care home for abandoned, abused and neglected kids from infants to 18. I am the chair of the finace committee and can vouch they do a great job and have a music program with a focus on teaching guitar.

You donate the guitars and I will buy them amps! Hows that for a deal. Remember Psalms 82:3.

JP

[brentrocks]

how about your local high school band?

[briwinters]

Thanks guys for all for the great ideas. I have one or two I am eyeing that look like a great fit... but think it would be great if all the charities here get something out of these posts. If not from me maybe someone else will.

Keep the great ideas coming....

And no, my new Danocaster isn't going anywhere anytime soon!!! :)

[Whiskey N Beans]

School music departments. Look to county/parish elementary schools and there is undoubtedly a teacher willing to take anything you got. Great going for you. We moved some old equipment and a new guitar (purchased by my buddy) to a local school last year. You would not believe the many thanks received in return.