It's not too late! End 2020 on a charitable note

The COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for most of us over the past 12 months, but it was especially hard on the local non-profit community, which saw its donations dry up as traditional fundraising events and activities were postponed or canceled. Fortunately, there's still time to help balance the scales as we count down the final hours of 2020.

Among the many provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) passed back in March, was a change to an IRS rule regarding charitable donations. Previously, such contributions were limited and deductible only to taxpayers who itemized their returns. For 2020, however, even taxpayers who don't itemize can take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions to qualifying organizations, such as those that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary in purpose.

So, while you're celebrating the last seconds of this dismal year, take a few minutes to donate to one of the area's small non-profit groups, many of which depend on Rock & Rails, sporting events, and other community gatherings for fundraising. To take the deduction on your 2020 return, your cash donation must be received by Dec. 31. While the rule change has been extended in the latest Coronavirus relief package (signed by President Trump on Dec. 28), these organizations need your help now. Even a small amount will make a difference and enable them to continue their missions into 2021.

The Niwot Historical Society (NHS) volunteers work to collect and preserve the history of Niwot and the surrounding area to share with future generations. The NHS also sponsors the NOW & THEN Lecture Series, and NHS volunteers also care for the landmarked Fire House Museum. Donations are tax deductible and membership is available at http://www.niwothistoricalsociety.org or mailed to NHS, P.O. Box 354, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Community Association (NCA) is a community volunteer organization that interfaces with local government agencies and provides a forum for Niwot residents to become informed and involved. NCA provides or sponsors Niwot's Clean Up Day, 4th of July celebration, National Night Out, and the Veteran's Banner Project (in conjunction with the NBA). The NCA also maintains various park amenities and local trails around Niwot. Donations, membership and volunteer opportunities are available at http://www.niwot.org or donations can be mailed to NCA, P.O. Box 72, Niwot, CO 80544.

Left Hand Grange No.9 (LHG), founded in 1873, is the oldest operating Grange organization in Colorado. As a community gathering space, the Grange Hall has hosted club and community meetings, potlucks and meals, square dancing, music, lectures, workshops, arts and crafts shows, and many more events. The LHG is the sponsor for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 161 and co-sponsor for the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. Donations can be submitted at http://www.lefthandgrange.org or mailed to LHG, P.O. Box 301, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) was formed in 2009 to acquire and develop Whistle Stop Park, which hosts the Rock & Rails summer concert. Since then, the NCAA has developed and managed Niwot Children's Park and coordinates the Niwot Sculpture Park. The NCAA also sponsors First Friday Art Walk, Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show, Let's Wine About Winter, and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. Donations are tax deductible and may be made at http://www.niwotarts.org or mailed to NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Business Association (NBA) is a non-profit organization which promotes Niwot businesses, preserves the Niwot Historic District, and sponsors many community events, including the Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast, Rock & Rails summer concert series (with the NCAA), the Great Pumpkin Party & Parade, Enchanted Evening, and the Holiday Parade. Donations may be mailed to NBA, P.O. Box 92, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Rotary Club of Niwot provides volunteers for service projects in and around Niwot, including work on trails, improvements at Whistlestop Park, and a Little Free Library at Niwot Children's Park. The Rotary also sponsors a Student of the Month award at Niwot High School and raises funds for other local charities, including the Colorado Friendship Association, and the Pearl Group. Donations may be made to P.O. Box 20, Niwot, CO 80544.

Niwot High Boosters supports sports and other activities at the school. Funds donated help offset the cost of uniforms, participation fees and other program expenses. Without outside support, many students would not be able to afford to participate. Donations can be made to Niwot High School Boosters, P.O. Box 21, Niwot, CO 80544.

Lefthand Watershed Oversight Center's mission is to assess, protect and restore the Left Hand Creek Watershed. The group formed in 2005 as a 501 c3 charitable organization to address contamination of water supplies for old mine sites. Following the destruction resulting from the 2013 flood, the organization has implemented 19 flood restoration projects, and has worked to assist other watersheds with a collaborative and science-based approach. Tax deductible donations may be made to P.O. Box 1074, Niwot, CO 80544.

Via Mobility Services provides paratransit services in Boulder County and beyond to people with mobility limitations who are unable to travel otherwise. During the pandemic, Via Mobility has provided this service at no cost to riders. Donations can be made at 2855 63rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301, or online at http://www.viacolorado.org.

Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center's mission is to change the lives of people with disabilities by promoting their physical, psychological and social well being through equine assisted activities. With over 1,000 volunteers, serving over 500 riders each year, CTRC is one of the largest such organizations in the country. The CTRC is a 501 c3 charitable organization formed in 1980, located east of Niwot on Highway 52.Tax deductible donations may be sent to CTRC at 11968 Mineral Road, Longmont, CO 80504.

Niwot Youth Sports is a 501 c3 non-profit organization providing recreational and competitive sports to local youth, including baseball, softball, basketball, flag football & soccer. The organization maintains 10 ballfields in the Niwot area, and is currently raising funds for construction of a storage and concession building at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. Tax deductible donations may be made online at http://www.niwotyouthsports.org or sent to NYS at P.O. Box 125, Niwot, CO 80544.

Left Hand Giving Circle is a group of local residents who raise money to donate to other non-profits each year. Past recipients have included the Inn Between, Crayons to Calculators, the TLC Learning Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the OUR Center. Members also volunteer time for worthy projects. Tax deductible donations are handled by the Longmont Community Foundation. To donate, go to http://www.lefthandgivingcircle.org.

J.A.R.E.D. is a Niwot organization that provides scholarships and educational opportunities for musicians. Formed in 2017 in memory of Jared Lizakowski, the 501-c3 non-profit initials stand for Join A Revolution, Educate Drummers and other musicians. Due to the pandemic, J.A.R.E.D.'s fundraising activities have been severely curtailed, but to date, over $6,000 has been awarded to Niwot area students. Tax deductible donations may be made to 8858 Marathon Road, Niwot, CO 80503.

Boy Scout Troop 161 is the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, but receives no funding from the national organization. The group takes on many community projects, including trail improvements, Niwot Children's Park and Whistlestop Park improvements, and assistance with Niwot Clean-Up Day. The troop also provides the colors for Niwot parades and events such as the Niwot Veterans Banners ceremony. Donations may be made ℅ NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms have been sending care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas for over 10 years. This group of Niwot women gathers 5 times each year to fill and mail boxes of cookies and other donated goodies to servicemembers, who are on active duty far from home. Donations may be made ℅ NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

Mwebaza Foundation was formed in 2008 by staff members at Niwot Elementary School to support partner schools in Africa. The 501 c3 non-profit organization coordinates cross cultural events, fundraisers, and educational projects, in addition to building school facilities and providing educational materials abroad. Tax deductible donations may be made at http://www.mwebaza.org, or by mail to P.O. Box 353, Niwot, CO 80544.

Other local organizations to consider include the Hillside School, Flagstaff Academy, Niwot High School Education Foundation, St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation, Longmont Humane Society, the Longmont Theatre Company, Longmont Museum, El Comite de Longmont, Temple Grandin School, IDEAS, Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley, and Longmont Meals on Wheels.