Tax is inevitable, much to the dismay of business owners and decision-makers in South Africa. As you probably know, you can reduce your South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax bill by making donations to charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and not-for-profit organisations that are registered Public Beneficiary Organisations (PBO).
It’s an amazing way to minimise your tax liability and redirect choiceless tax money to a deserving cause. This decision transforms an expense into a powerful social impact device that can have far-reaching benefits. Donating to charities and NGO’s empowers companies through diplomatic choice and enables you to say something valuable about your company’s outlook and resources.
Contributing to organisations such as The Captive Animal Enrichment Project (CAEP) enables companies to make a significant difference in the lives of animals living in captive environments. The process for charities to register as PBO’s making donations tax deductible however is a long process, which has not yet been finalised for CAEP – please keep this in mind when donating.
Beyond the bottom line: Donating through choice
While some of your tax contribution goes towards critical government services, a smart donation to a well-aligned charity allows you to divert unallocated tax monies to a cause you believe in. This act of purposeful giving goes beyond financial strategy; it is a powerful statement about your company’s beliefs and commitment to social responsibility.
According to SARS, donations to Public Benefit Organisations are tax deductible. This directly reduces your taxable income and cuts your total tax liability at the end of each financial year. By not donating, you have no say in where your tax money goes and how it is spent by the government.
Championing a cause you care about
The CAEP aims to improve the physical and psychological well-being of animals in captivity. We do this by bringing much-needed plant materials to animals who don’t have access to these natural resources.
We practice zoopharmacognosy – the study of how animals self-medicate by choosing and utilising medicinal natural materials present in their surroundings. Our goal is to improve the well-being of captive animals by understanding and harnessing their natural instincts so that they can heal themselves, we relish in providing them opportunities to perform their natural behaviours.
By supporting the CAEP, your company will actively contribute to the sourcing of higher-quality plant materials and minerals for animals. Your donations will help to increase the quality of life for animals living in captivity, helping to build a more kind environment for them to live in.
Your donations will also help us foster a deeper understanding of animal needs and contribute to our research into the zoopharmacognosy processes of indigenous and exotic wild species living in captive environments in South Africa, as well as our more familiar domesticated animals
With your help we aim to train staff at under-resourced captive animal facilities make informed choices regarding animal interactions, husbandry and the provision of a more comprehensive, natural and supportive form of guardianship, improving the well-being of countless animals. Supporting the CAEP shows your company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) through concrete action.
Investing in a better future for animals
Charitable donations to PBO’s provide an excellent opportunity to strategically handle your tax requirements while supporting a cause that resonates with your company’s beliefs. Partnering with the CAEP enables you to have a long-term impact on animal welfare, encourage responsible practices, and build an improved brand image.
This conscious act of giving transforms tax expenses into a strong social statement, promoting a more sustainable and compassionate future for all of us. The CAEP needs your support. Let us strive together to create a peaceful cohabitation with animals and a safer world for every organism. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved.
