Commons × Terraset: Tax-deductible giving for Commons-vetted Offsets

Commons helps individuals access best-in-class carbon credits usually reserved for only the largest and most discerning corporate buyers.

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We evaluate and curate portfolios of leading climate solutions—from protecting vital ecosystems to scaling innovative technologies—to ensure your dollars deliver proven climate impact.

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Through our tool and partnership with Terraset, you can fund the same high-quality carbon projects — but get a tax deduction. You donate to Terraset, Terraset grants the funds to Commons, and Commons allocates and retires the carbon credits.

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By integrating Terraset’s charitable funding model with Commons’ diligence and portfolio management, we’ve created a new way for individuals and groups to fund high-quality climate solutions.

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Why Should I Choose Tax-Deductible Offsetting?

• You’re considering a larger purchase and want the tax benefit. This approach is best suited to individuals or communities who want to make a large contribution to carbon offset projects. Instead of purchasing carbon credits, you donate through Terraset and receive a charitable tax receipt. Commons allocates and retires the corresponding carbon credits from the portfolio you select. 
• You want the same trusted climate impact. Your contribution still supports Commons-vetted projects. Choose from three portfolios, designed to balance near-term reductions (e.g., forestry, refrigerant destruction)) with long-lived removals (e.g., biochar, enhanced rock weathering, direct air capture).
• ‍You don’t need to make a net-zero claim. Because this is a charitable donation, no credit ownership is transferred to you. You get the same climate outcome: the carbon in our atmosphere is reduced or removed, retired on your behalf, and not resold. The only difference is that instead of receiving the carbon credit certificate, you get a tax receipt.

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Together, Terraset and Commons maintain clear records of every donation and retirement, ensuring no double-counting, transparency, and accountability from start to finish.

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Early donors have already tested this model and are excited about the opportunity to deploy more capital effectively in carbon markets. To join them, you can donate at the link below.

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Donate to the Commons Offset Portfolio →

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How it works

• Donate.
  Give via the Terraset × Commons donation page. Select the dollar or tonnage amount you want to donate, and the portfolio you'd like to support.
• Receive your tax receipt.
  Terraset — the nonprofit providing the philanthropic infrastructure for this partnership — processes your contribution and emails your official tax receipt (EIN 88-1122351).
• Terraset delivers funds to the offset portfolio of your choosing.
  Terraset grants your donation to Commons, which applies those funds to projects in the portfolio you selected.
• Commons retires the carbon credits
  Commons retires the associated carbon credits and provides Terraset with confirmation of timing, projects, and total tons.

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FAQs

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Is this the same as buying an offset?

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This is a charitable donation to Terraset that funds the Commons Offset Portfolio. Commons will retire the carbon credits associated with your donation, but no credit ownership is transferred to you. The same amount of carbon is reduced or removed due to your purchase.

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Can I use my donation toward net-zero accounting?

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No. Terraset donations are designed for individual and philanthropic giving, not for emissions accounting. If you have questions about net-zero offsetting strategies, please contact kristina@thecommons.earth for more options.

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Is my donation tax deductible if I'm not in the U.S.?

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Anyone can donate; tax treatment varies by country and your individual situation. U.S. donors receive an automatic tax receipt. If you’re in Canada or the UK and wish to receive a tax deduction, please contact taylor@terrasetclimate.org for available options. We don’t yet offer tax deductible donations for other countries at this time.

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Can I donate through my Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? ‍

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Yes — you can donate through your DAF by entering Terraset’s EIN (92-0588475) and specifying the purpose as “Commons [Portfolio Name],” with the Terraset contact listed as Adam Fraser (adam@terrasetclimate.org).

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Do I still get transparency on where funds go?

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Yes. Commons provides Terraset with confirmation of projects supported, total tons, and dates. Both Commons and Terraset keep a clear audit trail and can share a summary view. Any donor can inquire for further information. 

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What happens to my donation?

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Terraset uses your donation to support the Commons Offset Portfolio. Terraset receives a 5% fee on any donations made, and the remaining 95% is used to support carbon offset projects. Visit Commons’ website for the latest portfolio overview and profiles of the projects your donation supports.

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how will this purchase show up in my Commons app?

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If you’ve downloaded and linked your spending history to the Commons app, your purchase via this partnership will show up as a “Climate and Environmental Donation” rather than a “Carbon Offset”. If you are a Climate Stewardship Subscriber, making a donation via Terraset will not change your monthly offset cost. If you have any questions, please contact info@thecommons.earth for support.

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Take Action

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Support the Commons portfolio today with a tax-deductible donation through Terraset.

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Donate to the Commons Offset Portfolio →

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