Help Yourself by Helping AAGSNC

Donations matter! To YOU!

The African-American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated in its commitment to national and international African-ancestry family history research. The Society provides a unique approach to education, research skills and support to anyone interested in genealogy. AAGSNC was incorporated in the state of California on November 4, 1998. AAGSNC is a member of the National Genealogical Society.

There are many organizations and individuals to whom you can donate to support African-ancestry research. However, there is an old saying that says that “charity begins at home”. When you donate to AAGSNC, you are a member helping other members, as well as prospective members. AAGSNC has a vision to provide as many resources and support to you and others who are researching their family history. We want to expand the databases and research groups that we have already, and identify other opportunities for making those important connections to family, and telling our history. Your donations can make these things possible, but not only that, your donation provides benefits to you.

According to a 2022 Cleveland Clinic Study, giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a “helper’s high” that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression. One significant benefit that is important to our community found by researchers is that giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your heart. Since African Americans tend to experience high rates of hypertension, a donation (along with your prescribed medication and healthy diet!), could possibly help to lower your blood pressure. The effect, by the way, is similar to the positive results brought by a healthy diet and exercise. So, you can counteract the effects of sitting long hours with your computer or tablet, looking at Freeman’s Bureau or census records, by donating to AAGSNC!

The Cleveland Clinic study also noted that gift-giving or volunteering can reduce your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious. So when you have enough of looking at endless online family trees with one person, or finding your family’s information attached to the wrong person, consider making a donation to AAGSNC to ease that stress!

Another VERY good reason to consider donating is the tax benefit. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations if you itemize your deductions. Generally, you may deduct up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income, but 20 percent and 30 percent limitations apply in some cases. You can read more about the tax benefits here, on the IRS website.

Our current non-profit status is available for your viewing here. We truly appreciate your support. Your tax deductible contributions to our organization are always welcome. If you click on the bright yellow button at the bottom right, you can make a donation online. If you prefer, you can send a check to us at our new address:

African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC)
10265 Rockingham Drive, Suite 100 PMB 6081
Sacramento, CA 95827

We appreciate and need your support. So help yourself while helping your AAGSNC!