The International SeaKeepers Society is akin to many charitable organizations these days, in search of new ways to keep donations coming in. Yacht owners with craft ranging from speedboats to megayachts can now donate their vessels to SeaKeepers, via the IRS’ sanctioned donation process.
SeaKeepers is working with Jeff Fraser, the former vice president of the Tradewinds Foundation for Cerebral Palsy, to help owners and their representatives take the necessary steps. It’s the ideal pairing, considering that Tradewinds, a nonprofit organization as well, was created by a boat owner. Founder David Abelove decided to establish boating programs for at-risk children and adults as well as to raise funds for cerebral palsy in 1997 after donating two of his boats to cerebral palsy organizations. For the past several years, Tradewinds has been buying (and selling) boats through one IRS process, termed bargain sale. It reportedly has averaged more than 100 donations per year.
SeaKeepers has already received a yacht as a donation and is in discussions with the owners of a few more boats and megayachts, ranging from a 36-footer to a 138-footer (11-meter to 42-meter).
If you’d like to make a donation yourself, first speak with your legal and financial advisors. The IRS requires various documentation showing ownership details, for example. You’ll also need documentation outlining the value of your yacht. Note that if you have had your yacht for sale, SeaKeepers adds that “any yacht broker involved in a donation transaction must receive unparalleled courtesy and full compensation.” Ultimately, SeaKeepers wants every party involved in the donation to be informed and satisfied with the donation.
For further details, email Jeff Fraser.
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