<prompt> Human: I was in the peace corps a few years ago, and since then Ive been periodically sending money to friends in the village I used to live in. I give money to individuals but also the womens cooperative organization, which makes microloans and purchases medicines and supplies for use in childbirth. I usually give a couple hundred a year, but these days I am making more money and would like to give around 1,000. Is there any way I can make this tax-deductible? Would I have to create my own non-profit and make the donations through that?  <response>: Basically no. Just like you cant deduct gifts to family members. You could try setting up your nonprofit but I cant imagine the expense of that for the tax deduction of 1000 would be worth itUnless youre a pretty high income at best he would maybe get 250 back of 1000. And thats only if you itemize if you take the standard adduction would get nothing 