Distinction between AARP and the AARP Foundation Unclear

[RonaldW516842]

Hello, 

I'm a member of AARP and have been making monthly donations for several years now.  Recently I received a letter from the Chief Development Officer asking why I did not respond to his appeal for a donation to the AARP Foundation and the gift calendar sent as a token of appreciation for a previous donation.  I must confess, I was unaware of the Foundation as a separate entity and assumed that  my. monthly donations were the reason for his gift.  Please clarify the relationship between these two entities.  Is the expectation that one is to donate to both?

[GailL1]

Yes, @RonaldW516842, they are separate.  The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable/educational organization.  The AARP.org is a 501(c)4 - a membership organization.  

Charitable/educational org under the 501(c)3 are tax exempt and are sup[pose to work for the greater good and thus donations are tax deductible.

Donations to 501(c)4 organization aren’t generally tax deductible as a charitable /educational contribution.  

IRS.gov Donations to Section 501(c)(4) Organizations

and they are suppose to advise you of this condition.