There’s good news for the community residents and friends of the Brookhaven Village Association – charitable contributions and donations are now tax deductible! That’s right, you can continue to support projects in the hamlet and get a tax deduction for your donations.

The Brookhaven Village Association (BVA) Finance Committee established a non-profit organization called the Brookhaven Hamlet Foundation, Inc. (BHF) The new foundation has received 501(c)3 status with New York State and the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation will operate as a separate organization in conjunction with the BVA. The BHF will be managed by the same board elected by the membership at the annual meeting in June. The 501(c)3 status enables the BHF to accept tax deductible donations to our 4 designated funds:

• The Virginia Brown Scholarship Fund
• The Dennis Puleston Environmental Fund
• The Hamlet Historic Fund
• The Tree Fund

All tax deductible contribution checks must be made out to the Brookhaven Hamlet Foundation, Inc. Residents and members of the BVA have the option to contribute to 1 or more of the 4 funds listed above. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, there are a few new rules we’ll need to follow, but rest assured, the BVA will continue with the same charitable purposes of putting contributions to good use in the community and to worthy causes.

Additional benefits as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit are:

• greater credibility with the public and other charitable entities
• ability to apply for grants on federal, state and local levels
• discounted postage rates and special mailing privileges for advertisements and public service announcements.

In the past, hamlet residents have been incredibly generous in their financial support of the BVA. Through your generosity we have restored the historic cemeteries, planted trees, spruced up Fireplace Park, funded scholarships to college bound students and stayed active in environmental projects that protect our community and ecosystems. There will be no change to the Brookhaven Village Association mission to aid in the preservation of natural beauties and safeguarding the interests of the residents of Brookhaven Hamlet. With your continued support, the new nonprofit status will help the BHF continue the mission of the BVA and enhance the quality of life in the hamlet. Check out the BHF website here.