The Day’ s editorial, “More appreciation for the importance of the great outdoors,” (July 23), cited the need for continued open space grant funding. The good news is that Congress just passed and President Trump promised to sign the Great American Outdoors Act that will, finally, fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a source of many grant programs.

What was not mentioned in the editorial is that nonprofit conservation organizations have fairly substantial operational costs just to keep what we have in place. It is costly to comply with state and federal regulations and to acquire land. These costs are not covered by grants and must be raised by the nonprofit.

The CARES Act has provisions for individuals and corporations to help nonprofits with special incentives for the tax year 2020 for those that have the ability to give:

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[naviga:li]Taxpayers can claim a charitable deduction of $300 in addition to their standard deduction.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Itemizers can deduct 100% of adjusted gross income for cash gifts vs. 60% maximum previously authorized.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]The contribution limit for corporations has been raised to 25% of taxable income from 10%.[/naviga:li]

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If you want more open space, please consider a 2020 donation to nonprofit conservation organizations.

Rick Newton

Mystic