Comments on: Money for Nothing

Question: Money for Nothing

billtron — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 13:30:25 -0800

If this "GOP energy package" is passed by congress, and I get a "hundred dollar gas tax holiday rebate check", where should I spend my new $100?

If the rebate goes to individuals making less than $125,000 or couples making less than $150,000, then I could estimate that at least 95% of taxpayers in the US would be elligible. Which means approximately fifteen billion dollars that tax-payers will spend as they see fit.

Since I am fortunate enough not to have to spend that money on baby formula, hospital bills, attorney fees or body armor, I would like to donate the money to a worthy cause.

Any ideas about which federally-underfunded or unrecognized programs would get the most mileage (har har) out of the money?

By: i love cheese

i love cheese — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 13:58:36 -0800

There's a certain irony in donating it to the Democratic party...

By: Rhomboid

Rhomboid — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:01:35 -0800

So, essentially your question amounts to, "I'd like to give $100 to charity, any ideas?" Isn't that a little vague -- I mean, what kinds of causes interest you? How about you take a look at charitynavigator.org and just pick something.

And what is the point of including all that crap about Republicans, tax credits, and baby formula if that is really all this is about? It sounds like this is a thinly framed excuse to start some kind of political discussion, and that is not what AskMe is for. Flagged as inappropriate.

By: caution live frogs

caution live frogs — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:10:04 -0800

Greenpeace? Amnesty International? Send me a check?

By: NucleophilicAttack

NucleophilicAttack — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:11:13 -0800

Greenpeace, Sierra Club, places funding alternative energy research?

By: blueberry

blueberry — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:24:13 -0800

The ACLU

By: brundlefly

brundlefly — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:30:17 -0800

Common Ground. I am very, very impressed with their (ongoing) work in New Orleans.

By: wsg

wsg — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:30:22 -0800

From what I understand, it won't pass. It's election year grandstanding to make the republicans seem like they care.

By: billtron

billtron — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:32:53 -0800

Thanks for the charity navigator link, Rhomboid. I didn't know that existed. I am more interested in finding out how to give the money to groups that depend on federal funding and are in need of support, rather than independent organizations that depend on private contributions. I sorta feel like this isn't really just my money to spend, so I wanted advice from other people.

Is it even possible to donate money to the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Department of Homeland Security?

I know that if I wanted to donate to the National Park Service, I would go to the National Park Foundation. Do any similar organizations exist for other gov't programs?

Sorry to be so unclear in my original post.

By: purplevelvet

purplevelvet — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:35:53 -0800

Alliance to Save Energy or how about an organization in your community that helps needy families pay their energy bills, like Energy Outreach Colorado , the $1 Energy Fund in Pennsylvania or Keep Wisconsin Warm.

By: kcm

kcm — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:36:00 -0800

Here is a few charities to get you started..

By: blue mustard

blue mustard — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:42:25 -0800

Although it wouldn't be my choice, it sounds like you might be interested in gifting the money to the Treasury, thus reducing the Federal debt.

By: Thorzdad

Thorzdad — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:43:06 -0800

It'll be interesting to see what the ultimate response to the $100 ends up being after enough consumers blow it on just two tanks of gas.

By: Krrrlson

Krrrlson — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:58:31 -0800

Buy some crude and use it to burn several cubic metres of styrofoam.

By: I Love Tacos

I Love Tacos — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:03:47 -0800

If I got one of these, I'd sign it directly over to the Democrats. Wouldn't even bother depositing it.

By: FauxScot

FauxScot — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 18:27:41 -0800

Ditto I Love Tacos.

By: salvia

salvia — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:39:15 -0800

What about a group that helps confront or address the fallout of our bad energy and environmental policies, like the Natural Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, Center for Biological Diversity...

By: TrashyRambo

TrashyRambo — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:31:36 -0800

Give to a Republican foundation that promotes responsible fiscal management. It seems the White House could do with the advice.

By: I Love Tacos

I Love Tacos — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:34:47 -0800

Give to a Republican foundation that promotes responsible fiscal management.

There are still Republicans who care about fiscal management? If I believed that, I might not have shed my party affiliation.

By: justgary

justgary — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:12:45 -0800

Giving it to an environmental watchdog group might be appropriate.

There's a certain irony in donating it to the Democratic party...

Honestly, there is nothing ironic about taking the money from one group who is wasteful and giving it to another who will waste it. However, if you're trying to show how little effect giving 100 bucks back will make to most people, giving it to the democratic party is about the best way to make sure it vanishes with ZERO gain.

Now, there might be a certain 'stupidity' to it, but that's another matter.

By: junkbox

junkbox — Mon, 01 May 2006 06:53:56 -0800

Donate it to your local public broadcasting station.

By: mikeh

mikeh — Mon, 01 May 2006 07:27:05 -0800

Well, if you are feeling the pain of paying for travel costs to work, why not spend it on determining how to move closer to your workplace and basic needs, start a fund to buy a bicycle, or even a nice pair of walking shoes? Donating is all well and good but energy conservation starts at home.

By: wsg

wsg — Tue, 02 May 2006 12:31:21 -0800

Ain't gonna happen.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/02/politics/main1569160.shtml