We are considering a donation to a Christian Athlete program that on it's face does not necessarily serve LMI students (at least in a dedicated way by mention in a mission statement). Thoughts on making the donation and earmarking the funds to serve select LMI school athletic programs? We would vet the schools as meeting majority LMI students via free and reduced lunch programs.

Thanks for your time.

I'd try it. I was recently able to count a (rather small) donation to the Fellowship of Christian athletes in a school district where over 50% of the students are on free/reduced lunches. That said, I've heard youth sports donations are not always handled similarly by examiners.

I would fight an examiner on that if your donation was clearly designated for low/mod income, or the program serves primarily low/mod income. Involvement in youth sports can help curb involvement in gang activity which is a real "quality of life" issue for low/mod neighborhoods.

http://www.fairplayforchildren.org/pdf/1299566926.pdf

Okay - maybe "fight" is a bit strong - how about "have serious discussions with the examier, the EIC and if necessary, the field office supervisor and/or community affairs office of the agency."

It is not only sports, anything having to do with fun activities or culture can be a [censored] shoot.

Great - so heaven forbid if "Community Development" would provide any amount of "fun" for low- or moderate-income people. When did CRA get so mean-spirited?

So if you're a poor 8 year old kid, please enjoy this boring lecture on financial education and no, you cannot play basketball or the piano.

Agree 100%