Donating to the EAA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What kind of Special Fund projects might be approved? Examples?
A. Special Funds projects must be for public benefit. Approval is at the discretion of the Board.
- The Board MAY approve Special Fund projects to improve, maintain, or upgrade *public* charging infrastructure in some region or area.
- The Board MAY approve Special Fund projects to educate students on EV design and benefits.
- The Board MAY approve a Special Fund to defray the costs of EAA publications.

Q. What kind of Special Fund projects might NOT be approved? Examples?
A. Again, Special Fund projects must be for public benefit.
- The Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund that would not be of benefit to the general public.
- The Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund to improve, maintain, or upgrade charging infrastructure at private residences, or at a business that restricts access to employees of that business, or at a site that benefits only one or a very few EV drivers, especially if project primarily benefits the donor or donors.
- The Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund that would promote or encourage any kind of political activity. (There are some limited circumstances under which this might be possible, but careful research would be required first, possibly with an attorney.)
- The Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund to build or repair a privately-owned vehicle of any kind.
(Note: the EAA does not own nor encourage donations of vehicles).
- The Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund unless the purpose appears to be capable of attracting sufficient funds to be accomplished, or if the purpose is very narrowly defined. For instance, the Board probably would NOT approve a Special Fund specifically designated for a single charger upgrade in one specific location, as the purpose should be more broadly stated. A Special Fund designated for charger upgrades in a fairly wide geographical region would be more likely to be approved.

Q. Is there a minimum donation to a Special Fund?
A. No. Any amount is welcome. However, Special Funds should not be established unless there is a good probability that enough donations will be made to accomplish the purpose. The Special Fund must be approved and established before any donations are accepted for that Fund.

Q. What about matching?
A. Special Fund donations can be eligible for various kinds of matching. Employer matching is one good possibility, and is strongly encouraged. The Board may decide to approve some sort of matching from the EAA General Fund (with restrictions, probably) in order to encourage donations. Individual donors may offer to match other donor's donations. We also strongly encourage and solicit matching funds and grants from other organizations, foundations, or government agencies.

Q. Are donations tax deductible?
A. So long as the Special Funds are for public benefit and in general conformity with the EAA charter, donations to Special Funds are deductible in the same way that donations to the General fund are deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

Q. So I make my Special Fund donation. Who oversees and or performs the work?
A. That depends, of course, on the nature of the project. The Board will designate the appropriate party (or committee) to handle the project.

Please contact [email protected] with any further questions you may have.