A local organization is encouraging the community to end the year by giving… and thanks to the internet, they’re making it easier than ever to do so.

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation accepts donations in several different ways, including through online submission, which they say is one of the easiest and most convenient choices at year-end.

Those at the foundation said that donors can often take advantage of a special tax benefit; gifts to a permanently endowed fund of the Community Foundation are eligible for a State of Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit. and there’s still time to get your gift in for 2009.

“Aside from any interest donors might have in supporting the local scene, they might also have an interest in receiving a tax deduction for their donation,” said Jeanne Snow, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, “If they donate before the end of the year, they can use that deduction against their income from 2009.”

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of component funds that support Youth and Education, Environment, Community Enrichment and Cultural Arts in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties.

The Foundation said that credit card donations made online through Thursday, December 31 will be credited as 2009 contributions. In addition, credit card gifts will be accepted by phone until 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, at 231-935-4066.

The Community Foundation also welcomes donations by check. They said any checks in envelopes postmarked by December 31, 2009 will be eligible for a 2009 tax deduction. In addition, the Community Foundation office will be open until Noon on the final day of 2009, and checks can be be dropped off at their office until that time.

For more information about the Community Foundation and its funds, or for details about the Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit, and for a complete list of ways to give, visit www.4good4ever.org.