What's your organization’s mission?

Our mission is preservation of Lakeside Woods’ green spaces and stopping over-development in our lakeside communities that lead to congestion, density and the urbanization of rural communities.

Who runs the organization?

The organization is under the direction of its board of directors - founded in 2024 to oppose a proposed 18 tiny-home development on Lakeside Woods.

Is the board compensated for their service?

No, they are non-compensated volunteers. The organization has no compensated staff, but may utilize the services of certain vendors (e.g., accounting and tax compliance and legal).

What other charitable organizations does your organization coordinate with?

We anticipate that the acquired land will be donated to a local conservation nonprofit for generational protection.

How much of my donation will go towards programs?

Our fundraising goal to purchase the land and direct and administrative expenses is $1.3 million. We anticipate that 92 percent of all expenditures will go to purchase the land.

Is your organization a 501(c)(3)?

LAND submitted Internal Revenue Service Form 1023-EZ to request recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Despite being sent in Spring '24, it is still awaiting approval due to a potential administrative oversight by the IRS. We are working with lawyers, accountants, and our local U.S. representative's office to solve the issue, aiming for approval by September '24. LAND's EIN is 99-1827546.

Has a tax determination letter been issued?

Not yet; see question 6.

Are donations to your organization tax deductible?
If LAND ultimately qualifies for exemption for the period in which the contribution is made, the contribution will be tax-deductible by the donor, subject to limitations on deduction imposed on the taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service (e.g., an itemized deduction for individual taxpayers, subject to a limitation on the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income). Please consult a tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of your donation. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/contributions-to-organization-with-irs-application-pending

How will I receive a tax receipt for my donation(s)?

If you make a donation online via our website, you will receive a confirmation via email within 24 hours. If you do not see the confirmation email in your inbox, please make sure to check your spam or junk mail folder. If you make a donation via check, ACH, wire or appreciated stock donation, you will receive a thank you letter and tax receipt via email within a few weeks.

What type of donations does your organization accept?

We accept gifts of cash (via online donation, ACH payments or wire transfer) and publicly traded securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Email requests to arrange donations by check should be sent to (lakesideneighborstogether@gmail.com). Securities gifts may be transferred electronically or by physical delivery of certificates with advanced approval of the LAND board.

Where do I mail my donation to LAND?

You can mail your donation to 27 S. Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117

How do I make a wire or ACH transfer to LAND?

Please contact board member Donna DePaolo, at (630) 222-4700.

Where does the money go when I donate to your organization?

Funds raised are deposited in a bank account.at Horizon Bank, Michigan City, IN., titled to “Lakeside Neighbors Against Development Inc”. Funds will be drawn from the account to make payments when due (or prepaid) under the land contract (see question 15).

Do you accept pledges?

Given the payments imposed by the land contract (see question 15), it is not generally practical for us to accept pledges at this time. If you are unable to participate financially at this time, or wish to wait until the determination letter is issued by the IRS (see question 6), you may indicate your support by completing our pledge form.

What is the payment schedule specified in the land contract?

The purchase price is $1.2 million, with $200,000 paid upon closing of the contract in July 2024 and five equal installment payments beginning on August 31, 2024 and every month end, thereafter. The purchase price was negotiated with the developer and was consistent with his costs (e.g., what he paid for the land and development costs to date). Our goal of $1.3 million includes a reserve to cover our expenses.

What happens if the fundraising goal for payments under the land contract isn’t met? A benefactor has agreed to "backstop" payments as due via a bridge loan from the benefactor to LAND. This means that payments under the land contract will be made on a timely basis, but if there are shortfalls the charity will be borrowing monies, which will need to be repaid from continued fundraising.

What internal controls has LAND adopted?

Bank and brokerage accounts of LAND are not intermingled with the personal assets of any director, officer or volunteer. The cash handling and oversight is segregated among different directors, officers, volunteers, and subject to dual or multiple signatures or approvals, as appropriate. Duties are subdivided so that no single person performs all tasks associated with a given procedure. This reduces the opportunity for any single person to both commit and conceal errors or irregularities in the normal course of business. The organization uses a third party to record its donations and expenditures, file its tax returns and provide financial reporting to its board. The board has adopted an Accounting and Tax Compliance Policy available upon request.

How can I volunteer at LAND?

Express an interest in being a volunteer by clicking here