Privacy and Security
Donating Online
Other Ways to Donate
Tax Questions
Donor Relations
Planned Giving

Privacy and Security

Is my donation safe and secure?
The Southern Poverty Law Center protects the privacy of your credit card account number with security software. Your web browser may detect this encryption and display a padlock icon or message.

How does the Center protect my privacy?
The Center is very serious about protecting the privacy of its donors, using two privacy policies to protect both donors and site users.

The Center's Privacy Policy addresses privacy concerns for site users, donors, and subscribers to Center publications. In part, it ensures that e-mail addresses or other personal information transmitted via our site will be used only in the way the user has specified – for instance, e-mail addresses used to sign up for e-newsletters will only be used for that purpose. The Center will not use invasive data techniques to gather data about you as an individual.

Donors who make donations on- and off-line can be assured that their personal information is housed securely. For more information, please read the full Policy.

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Donating Online

Can I use my credit card to make a gift?
You can use your credit card to donate immediately online. We accept VISA, American Express, MasterCard, or Discover.

Will I receive a confirmation of my donation?
Once your donation has been processed, we will notify you via e-mail. If you have any questions please contact donorservices@splcenter.org.

Can I make a donation in honor or in memory of someone else?
Yes, making a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center is one of the most meaningful ways to honor someone close to you. When donating online, select the 'In Memory' or 'In Honor' option. Then include the recipient's e-mail address and add a personal message. We'll automatically notify the recipient via e-card. Or if you prefer, you can download an e-card and send it personally.

How are my donations used?
Donations made to the Southern Poverty Law Center are used to fund our educational, legal, and investigative work as well as meet our security and development needs. Review the Center's financial information to learn more.

How do I update my donor information?
Complete the update donor information form, and we'll take care of the rest.

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Other Ways to Donate

Can I make a donation by check?
The Center accepts donations by check. Please send your personal check to:

Southern Poverty Law Center
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104

Can I make a donation by phone if I don't want to donate online?
To make a donation over the phone, call 1-888-414-7752

Can I make monthly donations?
Yes, you can join Friends of the Center and make a monthly pledge to the Center.

How are my donations used?
Donations made to the Southern Poverty Law Center are used to fund our educational, legal, and investigative work as well as meet our security and development needs. Review the Center's financial information to learn more.

How do I update my donor information?
Complete the update donor information form, and we'll take care of the rest.

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Tax Questions

Are my donations tax-deductible?
Southern Poverty Law Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to the Center are deductible to the full amount allowed by law.

What is the Center's tax identification number?
63-0598743

Will I receive a charitable income tax deduction for my gift to the Southern Poverty Law Center?
Southern Poverty Law Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and no goods or services are ever exchanged in return for gifts to the Center. Contributions through planned giving options are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Some also offer additional benefits such as life income and the avoidance of capital gains taxes.

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Donor Relations

How are my donations used?
Donations made to the Southern Poverty Law Center are used to fund our educational, legal, and investigative work as well as meet our security and development needs. You can review the Center's most current financial information.

How do I update my donor information?
Complete the update donor information form, and we'll take care of the rest.

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Planned Giving

What are the Center's planned giving options?
There are numerous ways to leave a legacy of tolerance and justice. Options include:
Gifts by Will
Gifts by Revocable Living Trust
Charitable Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Gifts of Life Insurance
Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets
Gifts of Stock and Securities

What is the legal name and address I should use to include the Center in my will or trust?
Southern Poverty Law Center, Inc.
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104

Can my broker transfer my securities to the Center's brokerage account electronically?
Yes. Your broker will need the following information to transfer a gift of stock to the Center:

• The Center's brokerage account is with Smith Barney/Citigroup
• The Center's account number is 445-11583-1-7 and the DTC number is 0418.

Either you or your broker should contact us online or call the Planned Giving department at 1-888-414-7752. Provide the name of the stock and the number of shares being transferred, so we can properly credit and acknowledge the gift.

Can I donate mutual fund shares to the Center?
Yes, the Center accepts gifts of mutual fund shares. However, the procedure varies according to the company managing the fund. Please contact the Planned Giving department or call 1-888-414-7752 for assistance.

Can the Center serve as executor of my estate?
No. State law, the limitations of our nonprofit status, and our internal policies prevent us from taking such a role in your affairs.

Does the Center have a charitable gift annuity program, and how do you determine your gift annuity rates?
Yes, the Center follows the recommended rates of the American Council on Gift Annuities.

If I set up a charitable gift annuity with the Center, what financial provisions are made to ensure the income payments will be made for the rest of my life?
Gift annuity payments are a general obligation of the Center, and they are backed by all of our assets. The Center's gift annuity reserve funds were valued at more than $6 million at the end of the fiscal 2001-2002 year and are invested in accordance with the laws of the states in which we offer charitable gift annuities.

Can I transfer assets from my IRA to the Center to set up a charitable gift annuity?
No, not directly. The extension of the Pension Protection Act under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 forbids the tax free use of any lifetime distributions from an IRA or other traditional retirement plan for life income gifts such as gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts. Other than 2008 and 2009 straight rollover donations, IRA withdrawals remain taxable income. You can take a taxable withdrawal from your IRA, however, and use it to set up a gift annuity. There is a charitable deduction when you establish a life income gift and that would partially offset the tax on the IRA withdrawal itself.

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