Legislature extends Pick.Click.Give program

The future of the Pick.Click.Give program seems secure as the Legislature last week passed a bill that would extend the PFD charitable contributions program indefinitely.In 2008 legislators included a three-year sunset provision in the bill that created the so-called Pick.Click.Give program. Through the program, Alaskans filing online for their Permanent Fund Dividend can give portions of their PFD to a charitable organization of their choice.

In Talkeetna, four organizations participate in the Pick.Click.Give program. Those are the Denali Arts Council, the Sunshine Community Health Center, the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation and Talkeetna community radio.

When Pick.Click.Give was created, the Rasmuson Foundation agreed to foot the bill for startup and administrative costs for three years until 2011. With last week’s passing of Senate Bill 171, the legislature extended the program, but added language that non-profits applying for inclusion in the program have to pay a $250 application fee to cover administrative costs and to make the program self-sustaining.

This would put a significant dent in the donation amounts for the four local nonprofits. Last year, the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation received $1,625, the Denali Arts Council received $1,425, KTNA saw $250 in donations and the Sunshine Community Health Center received $75. Jordan Marshall with the Rasmuson Foundation told KTNA that several smaller organizations around the state now have to make the decision whether or not it is worth it to pay the fee. He said Rasmuson paid $900,000 to set up the program and its website. It would take a minimum of $40,000 per year to keep the program afloat. Costs include the most basic amount of outreach, the application itself and creation of the list of non-profits.

The bill is on its way to Governor Parnell’s desk for signature, and, if signed, takes effect January 1, 2011