Originally Posted by
NomarsGirl
Not sure how to quote Jim's complicated post, but I do need to correct it.
The PMC does not provide a tax-deductible experience for a gallant cause.
Only the donation is tax deductible and 100% of that goes to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their work.
There is also an entry fee that does not count toward the fundraising minimum and is not tax deductible that helps defray the cost of the ride.
Corporate sponsors help with the rest of the costs of putting on the event. Unlike most organized rides, 100% of the donations go directly to the cause - none to overhead.
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I presume that the entry fee is nominal, compared to the donation?
Originally Posted by
NomarsGirl
Compared to the donation, yes. But not small. Certainly more than enough to cover my Jersey, a spot to sleep in the gym at mass maritime, meals and my share of the other expenses they incur. Im not even using the transportation back from the finish line.
Donors are not funding my cool bike ride. Every penny they give goes to the charity.
So indeed you can assure the donors that their donation is 100% tax deductible (and entirely) goes to the DFCI, but the resources of the ride are of monetary value not tax deductible, but your personal donation is.
I presume that if the Pan-Mass challenge were not a charitable ride, that registration fee (only) would be a reasonable deal because the Pan-Mass is a well-organized function. As I described, the real deal is for the PMC and its recipients,
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I’ve read that the reason such athletic events as Charity Rides, Swims and Runs are popular is because the value of the benefit received by the participant [“donor” or "solicited donor"] is near zero [or assumed by the rider], and thus the entire donation is tax-deductible…
Still a gallant gesture IMO, and even more so because you have to expend some non-deductible cash, and then solicit donors. 
I have ridden several times on the local "Rodman Ride for Kids." a one day event out of Foxboro, MA, and as I recall, only a donation was required, with no registration fee. They provided marked routes, breakfast and lunch, a police detail, and a goody bag. The site was at the Rodman Fitness Center, and showers were available. The beneficiaries were a collection of children's social services, and the Ride used many volunteers from those agencies.
There were several corporate cycling teams identified by their jerseys, as I'm sure are on the Pan-Mass. I have tried to encourage some social agencies I am familiar with to participate, particularly since I could direct my tax-deductible donation solely to them. My other personal satisfactions were that I knew Don Rodman personally as a honorable philanthropist (recently deceased) and the September date is convenient to get out on the Road in the Summer to train for the Century,
The routes are always pleasant. The minimal donation was $1000, easily achieved between myself and my professional organization. For me this has been a "gallant tax-deductible experience." 
I haven't found a schedule for 2020, but 2019 was the 28th year.
Presumably corporate donations are completely deductible, and many I believe donate "in kind" for the intangible beneft of "goodwill."
I’m particularly skeptical of solicitation to support a lone rider requesting funds in support of (his) particular cause. 
PS to
NomarsGirl: FYA I edited my reply to you this morning (Thursday).
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 01-09-20 at 11:00 AM.
Reason: added details about the Rodman Ride for Kids