A private circle of supporters, assembled through trusted relationships, giving at the level each person chooses. The shared goal: $150,000 in deposited donations to Ras Tafari Inc., so Full Spectrum begins on solid ground at Rainbow Beach.
Full Spectrum is a first-year program and depends on Chicago Park District approval. Every donation goes directly to Ras Tafari Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Each person chooses their own contribution. There are no required giving levels.
2
Introduce
Invite two or three people who might connect with the purpose. An introduction is an invitation, never a condition of giving.
3
Gather
Small conversations and demonstrations where supporters hear the plan, meet the team and hear how musical heritage meets young talent.
Scott is our Founding Connector. He brings the first people in. Ras Tafari handles follow-up, donation processing, acknowledgments and reporting, and each new supporter can become another connector.
The goal
$150,000, many ways.
Cash received (deposited)$0 of $150,000
Updated by Ras Tafari Inc. from deposited donations only. Pledges and in-kind support are reported separately.
Planning scenarios, not amounts assigned to anyone:
Donors
Average gift
Total
30
$5,000
$150,000
60
$2,500
$150,000
100
$1,500
$150,000
150
$1,000
$150,000
Actual gifts will vary widely. One introduction can lead to the next major supporter.
Give
Choose your gift.
Give any amount by card on our secure donation page. The Full Spectrum Founding Circle gift box sits at the top, and your checkout and receipt name it. If you use PayPal, Venmo or Zelle instead, write "Full Spectrum Founding Circle" and the name of whoever introduced you in the note.
By check: payable to Ras Tafari Inc., memo "Full Spectrum Founding Circle", mailed to 1401 E 71st St., Chicago, IL 60619.
Larger gifts, stock or a donor-advised fund: email stephen@selassiefest.com or call (872) 255-9333 and we will walk you through it.
Gear, supplies or gift bags instead of cash?Give an item.
Ras Tafari Inc. sends a written acknowledgment for each gift. Only deposited cash counts toward the $150,000.
Give an item
You throwing that out? Give it to a young DJ.
Before you replace it, clear it out or put it in storage, let us see whether it can help a young DJ take the stage.
The upgrade you already replaced, the spare you never use, the equipment your business is retiring: that television could let twelve students watch an instructor's hands, the laptop your office retired could become a young person's own DJ station, and the records you have not played in twenty years could introduce a child to a song their great-grandmother still knows by heart.
1
Tell us what you have
Model, condition and what comes with it. Check the boxes below and describe it.
2
Send a photo
We reply asking for a photo, so we only accept what we can use and can assemble into dependable setups.
3
We arrange the handoff
Drop-off, shipping or pickup, only after we confirm it fits.
Things
Access, time and introductions
Some of the most valuable gifts have no object attached.
Your offer goes straight to Ras Tafari Inc. We reply within a few days to confirm what we can use and how to get it to us.
What we can accept
Items that are clean, complete and in working order, and that fit DJ learning, performance or the beach events. Computers and audio gear go through compatibility, condition and safety checks before they are used, and electronics are wiped securely. We may decline items we cannot use, store or safely give to young people, and we will tell you promptly.
Tax records: we give you a written acknowledgment that describes the item, its condition and the date. It does not state a value, because the IRS leaves valuing the item to the donor. Non-cash gifts over $500 total need Form 8283 with your return (see the tax documents below). We are happy to sign it.
In-kind gifts are tracked as equipment and operating support, separately from cash. They reduce what Full Spectrum must buy; the $150,000 bank-account goal stays a separate measure.
Introduce
Bring someone into the circle.
Personalize this note and send it to someone who would love to see young talent take its first steps.
Optional: a heritage listening session. Bring a song that matters to you and our instructors will show how its lyrics, rhythm or ideas connect with another generation.
1401 E 71st St., Chicago, IL 60619 · (872) 255-9333
What you receive
Written acknowledgment of every gift, showing the amount, the date and the organization's EIN. For gifts of $250 or more, it also states that no goods or services were received in exchange, which is what the IRS asks donors to keep.
Check, card and PayPal records serve as your proof for smaller gifts, alongside our acknowledgment.
Non-cash gifts: we acknowledge the item, not its value. For donated equipment, the donor determines the value; Form 8283 applies to non-cash gifts over $500.
Year-end summary of all your gifts, sent in January.
IRS forms, if your gift needs one
Cash gifts need no IRS form from the donor: our acknowledgment and your bank, card or check record are the paperwork. You claim the deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040) if you itemize. Forms come in for non-cash gifts such as DJ equipment:
We link to the IRS originals so you always get the current version. Ras Tafari does not need any form from donors for cash gifts.
This page is general information, not tax advice. Please ask your own tax adviser how a gift affects your return. Ras Tafari Inc. provides no goods or services in exchange for gifts to the Founding Circle.