This is correct and something I've thought about since first dreaming about winning the lottery. In fact,I only started playing because of a promise I made my grandmother on her death bed when she asked me to start a foundation in her name.

I've since researched various types of foundations and decided that, if I should be lucky enough to win, I would let the foundation do "my" charitable giving for me. If I set the foundation up correctly, then any future donations from me to it will be deductible (not that it's the reason for me to donate ,but hey! If I can take it off my taxes legally, then I'm going to do it)

The bequests would be to local charitable organizations; Boys Ranch, Girlstown, the Good Samaritans, a consortium of local churches which provides food, clothing and utility assistance and a smaller share to her church. (b/c that money doesn't all stay in this area as it does w/ the others)

Thanks Mike. I hope you can do that because it sounds as if you've done your research into the good ones.