Where Does The Money Come From?
Both the national ACLU and the Vermont ACLU consist of two separate, though related, entities. One is the American Civil Liberties Union, sustained by membership dues and contributions. The other is the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, supported mainly by larger contributions from individuals and from grant-making foundations. Contributions to the ACLU Foundation are tax-deductible. The ACLU does not receive and would not accept government funding.
The goals of both entities are the same -- to protect and defend the Bill of Rights. The techniques employed to achieve these goals are what distinguishes one from the other. While the ACLU Foundation handles legal work in defense of fundamental rights and conducts public education programs so that citizens can know and assert those rights, the ACLU handles legislative lobbying and some day-to-day operations.
How Can I Give?
Memership dues to the ACLU are not tax-deductible, since we use that money to support our legislative lobbying program. However, gifts to the ACLU Foundation are tax-deductible. Y ou may be asked by both the ACLU-Vermont and by the national ACLU to make a gift in addition to your regular dues. This money supports our litigation and public education work. Many members welcome the opportunity to makelarger tax-deductible contributions.
Soon, you will be able to give online through PayPal. Meanwhile you can download a contribution form (PDF format). Just fill it in, add your check, and mail it back. We are very grateful for the support of our members. Thanks!
Learn more about how we do our work. Click the topics that interest you.
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