As long as the donation meets certain criteria you will be allowed to take a deduction for your charitable contributions. In general the organization must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. If you are unsure the organization qualifies, the IRS has a database you can search through at the following website:

apps.irs.gov/app/eos/mainSearch.do?mainSearchChoice=pub78&dispatchMethod=selectSearch

You are required to maintain substantial documentation to prove your donation if selected for audit. Substantial documentation is understood as a statement or letter from the organization stating the amount of donation made or a bank record. Check registers and personal itemized notations are not considered sufficient enough. Bank records should show the date paid or posted, the name of the charity, and the amount paid.

Any donation over $5,000 will need an appraisal prepared by a qualified appraiser.