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Can I give to the charities I find on GuideStar directly from the GuideStar Web site?
Yes. Once you find a charity you want to support, click the "Donate Now" link that appears beside its name in the search results or the "Donate Now" button at the top of its GuideStar report page. A pop-up window containing that charity's donation page will appear; through it, you can make your donation using your credit card. Once you have made your contribution, the pop-up window will close, and you can continue your activities on GuideStar.
Can I give to any nonprofit on the GuideStar Web site?
No. Only 501(c)(3) public charities recognized by and in good standing with the IRS can receive donations through GuideStar.
How are the donations processed?
The donation page is powered by KIMBIA, an organization that empowers nonprofits and other organizations to increase giving and overall participation with the most powerful and flexible online fundraising and event management tools. Hundreds of cause organizations have raised millions using the KIMBIA platform. GuideStar and KIMBIA have teamed up to work together on providing fundraising solutions for various nonprofits.
Your donation is being processed by Network for Good, a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited nonprofit 501(c)(3) donor-advised fund. Network for Good re-grants the donation funds to your designated charity(ies). As of November 2011, more than 60,000 individual nonprofits have received more than $570 million in donations processed through Network for Good.
Does it cost the charities anything to receive donations through GuideStar?
No. The charities pay nothing to receive contributions through GuideStar.
When a donor makes a donation on GuideStar, a 4.75% grant is retained by Network for Good (GuideStar's donation processing partner) to fund its mission and help support the expense of maintaining the technology to process and distribute your donations. The remaining 95.25% is sent along to the recipient charity. GuideStar and KIMBIA provide these donation services free of charge for the benefit of the nonprofit community.
Why shouldn't I just save the processing fee and give directly to the charity, either by mailing a check or through its Web site?
That's always an option. We provide each charity's mailing address in its GuideStar pages, and we link to thousands of charities' Web sites from their respective reports. Many of our users, however, prefer the convenience and efficiency of online giving, which can lead to more donors and more total funds for charities.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes. As long as you itemize your deductions on your federal income tax return, your donation—including any amount you include to offset processing fees—is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Your credit card statement will show Network for Good as the recipient of your donation. Network for Good, in technical terms, is treated as a "donor-advised fund," a 501(c)(3) organization that collects contributions from donors and distributes such contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS recommended by you, the donor. Network for Good processes the resulting credit card charge, issues a receipt as soon as you complete your donation, then re-grants your gift to the charity you designated. This process meets IRS criteria for tax-deductible contributions.
Can I cancel my contribution if I change my mind?
No. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a contribution cannot be canceled or returned. If you believe there are extenuating circumstances, contact donations@networkforgood.org. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How can I be sure that my donation will go to the charity I designate?
GuideStar, KIMBIA, and Network for Good will never refuse to distribute a contribution to a valid public charity recognized by the IRS.
How can I be sure that my donation will be secure?
GuideStar has partnered with KIMBIA to provide a secure online donation form. All donations made using KIMBIA's donation forms use industry-leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to protect your information and provide a safe and secure environment for online donors.
How can I be sure that my personal information will be secure?
GuideStar, KIMBIA, and Network for Good value your privacy; your information will be used only to complete your transaction. We will share your information with the charity you donate to. We will not, however, sell, trade, or rent your information to other individuals or organizations. You may receive e-mail messages from GuideStar from time to time.
Can I give anonymously?
Unfortunately, we do not have this capability at this time. Your information will be shared with the charity to which you are donating. If you prefer to make an anonymous donation, you can search for the charity on Network for Good.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, read Network for Good's FAQs as well as KIMBIA’s Q&A section. If you created a recurring donation from GuideStar’s Web site before December 2010, you can log in to make modifications at Network for Good.
Can my nonprofit receive donations electronically?
Yes. Sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through Network for Good. It is a convenient and environmentally friendly option for receiving donations processed by Network for Good.
Not only will you be saving paper necessary to mail your funds but you will also save time and energy by receiving funds directly to your bank account in the middle of the month following donation activities. EFT also ensures that you will receive funds faster—no need to wait for the postal service—and helps you avoid trips to the bank.