Rep. Applauds AK Giving Coalition's PFD Charitable Giving Web site

(Haines) - Representative Bill Thomas, R-Haines, was pleased to see the debut of the Alaska Giving Coalition's "Pick.Click.Give." project, which offers Alaskans a tool to help select which local non-profits to donate to when choosing whether to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend checks during on-line filing.

I would like to applaud the Rasmuson Foundation for underwriting the start-up costs; the Foraker Group for building the site; and the Alaska Giving Coalition for their efforts in outreach for this project.
~ Rep. Bill Thomas

Rep. Thomas was the prime sponsor of House Bill (HB) 166 during the 25th Alaska Legislature, which allowed state residents to contribute all or part of the PFD check to charities, community foundations, or educational organizations. The Coalition's project is the culmination of the legislation.

"I never thought the outcome for this bill would be as far-reaching and well-received as it was," said Thomas. "There are more than 300 organizations for residents to support and the site is easy to use and very well done.

"HB 166 came about as a way to give Alaskans another avenue for charitable giving. It allows Alaskans to make good on their desire to donate to their favorite charities while filing for their PFDs. It is my hope, that with ease of this new system, charitable giving in Alaska will increase. Our charities have a direct impact on the quality of life in our communities, and the importance of supporting charities cannot be underestimated.

"I would like to applaud The Rasmuson Foundation for underwriting the start-up costs; the Foraker Group for building the site; and the Alaska Giving Coalition for their efforts in outreach for this project."

HB 166 allows for donations of $25, $50, $75, $100, or the full value of the dividend; or $50 increments above the benchmark options.

Visit www.pickclickgive.org for more information on the program.