Youth sailing foundations

are widespread around the US and recommended by US Sailing as a means for promoting the growth of sailing and operating successful junior programs. The newly established Alamitos Bay Sailing Foundation (ABSF) was incorporated in 2017 as an important instrument for promoting sailing opportunities for local youth. ABSF was created to encourage, promote, and enhance the sport of sailing. ABSF provides support for the entire continuum of learning to sail through amateur competition. ABSF aims to build a successful pathway to facilitate the growth of local sailing and increase access to world-class sailing facilities.

mission

The Alamitos Bay Sailing Foundation (ABSF) is a non-profit corporation created to promote national and international amateur sailing competition and access to recreational sailing. The Foundation supports these activites through scholarships, travel grants, training activities, provision of sailing equipment, event sponsorships and encouragement of participation in local, national and international competitions. The foundation wishes to encourage an interest in sailing education and competition for sailors from the Alamitos Bay area.  The Alamitos Bay Sailing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) traditional charity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

What type of donations can ABSF accept?
ABSF is grateful for cash gifts in any amount.

What will my donation support?
Your donation will help ABSF’s current programs, which support young sailors in learning to sail, provide travel grants for local area sailors to compete in national or international amateur sailing competitions, and to off-set the costs associated with racing clinics and coaching. The foundation also supports regattas through sponsorships and provides sailing equipment when needed.

Can I designate my donation to a specific purpose?
ABSF hopes to offer many opportunities to designate generous donations in the future, including an endowment fund. For now, ABSF is focusing its efforts on its core programs, and is seeking unrestricted support for programs and general operating expenses. Your contribution will allow ABSF to build and strengthen its core offerings to young sailors in the area.

Can I donate sails, sailboats, or other sailing gear and equipment (a.k.a. in-kind donations) to ABSF for a tax write-off?
We can accept cash donations and sails that we convert to sail bags for sale. We will also consider sailing equipment and boats that can be readily used and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Contact us for more information.

How do I donate to ABSF?
You can donate online or you may mail your check payable to Alamitos Bay Sailing Foundation at 7201 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803. 

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, your generous donation is tax-deductible to the extent of the law. You will promptly receive an acknowledgement letter for your gift that may be used as a tax receipt. ABSF’s Tax ID number is 82-0994409.

How does ABSF affect the established Junior Program at ABYC? What differentiates ABSF from the ABYC Junior Program?
The two will remain separate and distinct at this time. The ABYC Junior Program will continue to function and operate as it has been; ABSF will not manage the ABYC Junior Program. Instead, ABSF will independently raise funds to support local, young sailors—regardless of their affiliation with ABYC or the ABYC Junior Program. As ABSF grows and achieves its goals, the hope is to eventually provide more direct support to the ABYC Junior Program, working to absorb its functions as appropriate and permissible.

What are the benefits of ABSF to ABYC?
ABSF will defray the costs and barriers associated with young sailors learning to sail, including competition participation, coaching, and clinic costs. More young sailors and their families will utilize ABYC, leading to improved awareness of the club and increased club memberships. In turn, this serves the entire area, as it will increase the overall interest in sailing and the use of local sailing resources.

Is it safe for ABYC (a 501c7 tax-exempt club) to be associated with ABSF (a 501c3 traditional charity)?
Yes. Many similar associations exist. The two remain separate organizations, responsible for their own accounting, bookkeeping, administrative, managerial, operational, and governance practices. As a measurement of safety and prudence, ABSF has determined that no board member of either organization shall have voting privileges on both organizations. 

What is the difference between a 501(c)(7) and a 501(c)(3)?
The primary difference between 501(c)(7) tax-exempt clubs and 501(c)(3) traditional charities is that donations to the club, including dues, are not deductible as charitable contributions on the members’ individual tax returns. Donations to a 501(c)(3) organization are generally considered to be tax deductible. Donating to a 501(c)(7) organization does not create a tax deduction. For more details, visit IRS.gov.