That&#x27;s not entirely true.  I run a 501(c)(3) and I can donate to it and deduct it from my income.  But I also don&#x27;t pay myself out of it (or anyone really), and I have to be careful not to make purchasing&#x2F;leasing etc. deals with relatives (not a problem in my case).  The issue is not control, but disbursement of funds.  Giving is fine, its how you use it that is scrutinized.<p>Think of it this way:  let&#x27;s say the nonprofit needs pens from office depot. I could also just as easily have paid out of pocket and not donated to the (c)(3) and claimed it as a business expense, with the same net effect and less paperwork