Hello,

What is the monetary deduction limit that I can donate to a non-profit organization? Also, are there different limits for federal and state?

The limit for deductions on your federal income tax depend on the type of property you are donating and to whom you are donating it. In general, you can't deduct more than 50% of your Adjusted Gross Income. However, you may be limited to only 30% if the organization is not a "50% limit organization," or to only 20% if the property is a certain type of appreciated security, but there are exceptions to these limits. Take a look at Pub 526 - it explains all the gory details:

Publication 526 (2007), Charitable Contributions

I can't answer your question regarding state taxes, since you don't tell us what state you live in.

Agreed.

Also, knowing which state in which you live would be helpful.

Contribution to a non-profit organization may not be deductible at all.
Only the contribution to registered 501(c)3 charities is deductible up to certain percentage. That too as itemized deduction.

Thanks for your replies. I'm in California

Of course churches are exempt from having to register by IRS rules unless they are large enough to meet certain requirements. On the application for a 501C3 it clearly states churches are not required to file.

It does help if they wish to get grant money or larger corporation awards, but donations to them are just as tax deductable even though they are not registered. This does not apply to ministries and other non profit work that are required to file.

MukatA is right; not ALL non-profits are charities.