Does anyone know if there is a place I can look, which I doubt, where people donate unused miles/tickets? My sister in law passed away last month. We have her 2 children now. They lived in poverty before and I'd like to take them on a vacation this summer. Trying to do something within driving distance, but for future notice, would there be any places I can find people willing to donate FF tickets (for them)? They could get a donation for it because we've set up an endowment fund for their benefit.

any ideas? thanks

If you google

donate miles charity

you will find many stories to the airlines and other programs that are set up for donated miles. Many will be out of date because of the mergers, etc, but it's a start.

I think in most cases though you will find that most programs do not donate to individuals, but it's a start.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister-in-law. People who agree to raise the children of others are selfless heroes in my book...you've clearly given those kids a gift in what must be a horrific time in their lives.

However, I do want to caution: In the United States, a 501(c)(3) charity cannot exist for the benefit of one or two people. You say you've set up an endowment fund to benefit these kids--endowment funds typically are held by non-profits. You've probably set up a trust fund, and unlike a charitable donation, there are no tax benefits to the donors when they give to a trust fund.

(Obviously, you should always view with skepticism things you read on the internet. I'm not an accountant or tax lawyer, so before anyone decides they can't take itemize a donation to one organization or another, they should check with a qualified tax professional.)

the way the endowment is set up, the donors will receive a deduction they are contributing to a fund that is benefitting children "like" my nieces. Thank you for both comments, they are appreciated.

http://www.miledonor.com/

And deductions on donations of miles is very much a gray area.