ICS Invites Donors to “Meet Their Match” with Special Year-End Campaign

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) has received an early gift heading into the holiday season. An anonymous donor has pledged to match gifts, up to $150,000, from November 1 through December 31, 2022. For the next two months, gifts to ICS made by new donors or renewing donors who increase the size of their gift will be matched dollar for dollar.

This pledge of matching donations comes at a time of tremendous need in the community. ICS has seen a steady increase in demand for services since the onset of the pandemic. Many people who previously were economically stable now need help due to life-changing circumstances such as unemployment or underemployment, medical emergencies, and increased food and housing costs.

“We’ve seen a 40% increase in food bank visits over last year and some of the safety net programs, like food stamps, have begun to cut back,” says CEO Tom McKinney. “Low wage earners and those on fixed incomes, in particular seniors, are hardest hit. This generous offer of matching $150,000 of donations will not only allow us to continue our mission of serving the community, but hopefully inspire new donors to learn about our programs and services.”

New donors can be confident that their gift will benefit the community. ICS just earned the 2022 Candid GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. This credential indicates that the organization shares clear and important information with the public about goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements, and progress indicators that highlight the difference ICS makes in the world. The organization also maintains a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—the highest level possible—for accountability, transparency, and exceptional financial performance that means nearly 90% of funds received by ICS go directly to helping clients.

Money donated during this year-end campaign will allow ICS to assist individuals and families facing food hardship through its food banks, combat job loss through workforce development programs, and support individuals through financial crisis by providing monetary assistance. Additionally, ICS helps seniors and people with disabilities stay safe and independent in their homes by providing multiple services including transportation support and mobile meals. All these services help lay a foundation for people in the community to regain stability and move forward to self-sufficiency.

Donations to ICS are eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. This reduces dollar for dollar what the donor would pay in Arizona state income tax when filing for 2022, up to $800 for couples filing jointly or $400 for head of household/single filers. This tax credit is completely separate from credits benefiting schools and Qualified Foster Care organizations, and donors may participate in all programs if desired. Use QCO code 20438.

Those wishing to donate to the year-end match campaign should visit icstucson.org/donate or call 520-526-9310.