Donating photos to non-profit company?

I was wondering if I donate photos to a non-profit company, for their use in publications or websites can I write that off as a deduction?

You can only write off your out-of-pocket costs. If it costs you $10 to print and frame it, you can write of $10. You can't write off the "value" of the photo (or what you would have sold it for)

Same as donating your time. You can't write off the "value" of your services.

Well damn. OK then so what is the benefit to supporting these causes? Is it just publicity hopefully?

socalrailfan wrote in post #11605534
Well damn. OK then so what is the benefit to supporting these causes? Is it just publicity hopefully?

They are causes you believe in?

socalrailfan wrote in post #11605534
Well damn. OK then so what is the benefit to supporting these causes? Is it just publicity hopefully?

Well, the benefit is doing a good deed and getting satisfaction from the act . And, if you're lucky you do get a bit of publicity. I asked my tax guy the same exact question a few years back and got the same answer. But I still do it.

One cause I've worked for is the Cleveland Adoption network. A couple of years back they put out a call for local pro's to photograph "at risk children" for exhibits that would improve their chances of being adopted.

Another favorite group of mine is the Cleveland Sight Center. They sell holiday greeting cards to aid in fundraising for local projects for the sight impaired. This is the third year they've used my art (with my bio & website on the back,) for their sales. Every penny of income goes to the group, and each year 12k - 25k of my images are mailed around the city. I do like seeing my work spread around like that, but I'd make the donation anyway, regardless. They are good people doing good works.

The last group I donate to is our local PBS station. My images help their grants managers encourage donors to be more generous in their giving. Would I like a better tax deduction? Sure I would - who wouldn't. But it's not all about the money. My wife and I have been very fortunate, we're comfortable, and this is my way of giving back.

OK thanks for the info. I have no problem donating and this is a big one to me, The Yosemite Conservancy. I've also got a few others that want photos to to try and help something out. I got no problem helping out, I was just curious. But I am selling more photos lately, I just had a photo published in Nevada Magazine this month, so that makes me feel good!