(JUNEAU) - Charitable giving to worthy causes will be easier under legislation introduced today by Sen. Gene Therriault, (R - North Pole).

As chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee, Therriault introduced SB 297, which provides a streamlined mechanism to allow voluntary philanthropic donations through the annual Permanent Fund Dividend application. The process will make it easier to give to organizations that provide important social services such as youth development, food and clothing to the less fortunate, and aid to the arts, elderly and disabled.

"In this age when so many things are done electronically, it only seems right to provide an innovative way for those who contribute to charity to do so through the electronic application for the permanent fund dividend," Therriault said.

SB 297 allows individuals to make a tax-deductible donation to local community organizations and help strengthen Alaska's non-profit charities. Applicants for the permanent fund could specify a dollar amount or a certain percentage of the dividend. The Rasmuson Foundation has offered to implement the program and underwrite the administrative costs for the first few years.

"We applaud the Legislature for encouraging philanthropy through the permanent fund dividend program and look forward to being a partner in the success of the program," said Terry Strle, the Executive Director of United Way of the Tanana Valley.

"We always do the best we can with what we have, but each year brings its own financial challenges. This year it is the enormous costs of various insurances, such as worker's comp insurance and high prices of heating fuel and gasoline. We appreciate the efforts of Senator Therriault in introducing this piece of legislation," said Samantha Castle Kirstein, Executive Director for the Fairbanks Community Food Bank.

Organizations would have to apply to be on the list and meet certain requirements to participate in the program. To be eligible, the organization must be a 501(c)(3), have a local voluntary board, provide specified services, receive a certain amount of annual receipts from contributions, complete a financial audit for the fiscal year preceding application if its total annual budget exceeds $250,000, and meet other requirements. Eligible services include education, workforce development, mental health and disaster relief.

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