Letter: Donate to Planned Parenthood through foundation

The Iowa Senate has passed File 2 to eliminate the family planning program that helps support Planned Parenthood. Final enactment seems inevitable. Given conservative hostility toward contraception and taxation, it is hard to have faith that future legislatures will provide continuing funding for a viable, truly accessible replacement program. What can we do to ensure that quality reproductive services remain available to vulnerable Iowans?

We can donate annually to Planned Parenthood to help make up the $1 million Iowa is eliminating.

There is a significant tax advantage when you give to Planned Parenthood through an Iowa community foundation. An Endow Iowa tax credit enables you to subtract from your Iowa income tax an amount equal to 25 percent of what you give.

If you do this, remember that Endow Iowa has an annual credit limit of about $6 million, which usually is depleted by September.

Donations given late in the year still receive credit, but in the following tax year.

A donation to Planned Parenthood through a foundation that has a Planned Parenthood fund, such as the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, enlarges the fund's endowment, and its earnings support Planned Parenthood forever. Donating to a 'Donor Advised” fund at a foundation can provide immediate financial support for Planned Parenthood. Telephoning your local community foundation will help you decide what you prefer. The process is not difficult, and foundation staff are eager to help.

I will continue to donate to Planned Parenthood through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. I encourage all who care to join this effort.

Terry Heller

Cedar Rapids