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FAQs: Online Donations

  1. Can I give to the charities I find on GuideStar directly from the GuideStar Web site?
  2. What is Network for Good?
  3. Can I give to any nonprofit on the GuideStar Web site?
  4. Does it cost the charities anything to receive donations through GuideStar and Network for Good?
  5. 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?
  6. Is my contribution tax deductible?
  7. Can I cancel my contribution if I change my mind?
  8. How can I be sure that my donation will go to the charity I designate?
  9. How can I be sure that my donation will be secure?
  10. How can I be sure that my personal information will be secure?
  11. Can I give anonymously?
  12. Can I designate how the charity uses my gift?
  13. Can I give in honor or memory of someone?
  14. My password isn't working on Network for Good. How do I complete my donation?
  15. Where can I get more information?
  16. How can my nonprofit receive donations electronically from Network for Good?

  1. 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/button that appears beside its name in the search results or at top of its GuideStar report. You will go directly to that charity's donation page on Network for Good, where you can make your donation using your credit card, PayPal® or a gift card.

  2. What is Network for Good?

    Network for Good is a not-for-profit organization and Web site dedicated to providing real opportunities for you to donate, volunteer, and get involved with issues that matter to you. As one of its key activities, Network for Good enables donors to make on-line donations to individual charities.

    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 has long partnered with GuideStar to obtain charity information. We are pleased to extend our partnership so that our users can give to charities directly from the GuideStar Web site.

  3. 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.

  4. Does it cost the charities anything to receive donations through GuideStar and Network for Good?

    No. The charities pay nothing to be listed on either GuideStar or Network for Good, and there is no charge to them for receiving contributions made through the Network for Good Giving System.

    Network for Good does deduct a 4.75% processing fee for each credit card or PayPal® donation. Many donors increase their donations to cover these costs.

    The fees are used solely to offset processing costs. Neither GuideStar nor Network for Good profits from the fees.

  5. 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 report, and we link to thousands of charities' Web sites from their respective reports. Many of our users, however, prefer the convenience of on-line giving.

  6. 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.

  7. 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 info@guidestar.org. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  8. How can I be sure that my donation will go to the charity I designate?

    Neither GuideStar nor Network for Good will ever refuse to distribute a contribution to a valid public charity recognized by the IRS because of philosophical differences or charitable preferences.

  9. How can I be sure that my donation will be secure?

    Network for Good uses industry-leading Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to protect your information and works with partners that provide a safe and secure environment for on-line donors.

  10. How can I be sure that my personal information will be secure?

    GuideStar and Network for Good value your privacy; your information will be used only to complete your transaction. Neither GuideStar nor Network for Good will sell, trade, or rent your information to other individuals or organizations.

  11. Can I give anonymously?

    Yes. Just click the appropriate radio button in the "Privacy Preferences" section of the donation form. You must select this option for each donation you make.

  12. Can I designate how the charity uses my gift?

    Yes. Provide the information in the "Designation" section of the donation form. The request will be passed along to the charity with your donation. It is up to the charity, however, to honor your request.

  13. Can I give in honor or memory of someone?

    Yes. Provide the information in the "Dedication or Gift" section of the donation form. At the end of the transaction, you will have the option to send an eCard about the gift.

  14. My password isn't working on Network for Good. How do I complete my donation?

    You need to create a separate account on Network for Good, because your GuideStar log-in does not pass through to Network for Good. Once you have created your Network for Good account, you will be able to complete your donation.

  15. Where can I get more information?

    For more information, read Network for Good's FAQs.

  16. How can my nonprofit receive donations electronically from Network for Good?

    Sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). 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, you will 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.

    To sign up for EFT, complete this form >