Hope For Haiti Now - Donation FAQ
By iParticipate on Fri, Jan 22 2010, 01:00:22
Here are answers to frequently asked donation questions:
CATEGORIES:
A. HOW DONATIONS ARE USED
B. CHARITIES/PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
C. PRIVACY & SECURITY
D. WAYS TO DONATE
E. TAX QUESTIONS
F. OTHER QUESTIONS
A. HOW DONATIONS ARE USED
1. Where will my donation go?
Donations made to Hope for Haiti Now will benefit these nonprofit organizations to provide Haiti earthquake relief:
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: www.clintonbushhaitifund.org
United Nations World Food Programme: www.wfp.org
Oxfam America: www.oxfamamerica.org
Partners in Health: www.pih.org or www.standwithhaiti.org
Red Cross: www.redcross.org
UNICEF: www.unicef.org
Yele Haiti Foundation: www.yele.org
2. How much of my donation will go directly toward helping people in Haiti?
100 percent of your donation will go directly to partner organizations on the ground in Haiti. No administrative costs or other program expenses are charged by “Hope for Haiti Now.”
B. CHARITIES/PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
1. What organizations are you partnering with?
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: www.clintonbushhaitifund.org
United Nations World Food Programme: www.wfp.org
Oxfam America: www.oxfamamerica.org
Partners in Health: www.pih.org or www.standwithhaiti.org
Red Cross: www.redcross.org
UNICEF: www.unicef.org
Yele Haiti Foundation: www.yele.org
About the participating charities:
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund www.clintonbushhaitifund.org
The earthquake that rocked the coast of Haiti killed or injured a devastating number of people. Even more were left in need of aid, making this is one of the great humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas. In the aftermath of the disaster, President Barack Obama asked President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush to raise funds for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of food, water, shelter, medical care, and support. In response, the two Presidents established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF) to identify and fulfill unmet needs in the region, foster economic opportunity, improve the quality of life of those affected over the long term, and assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and country. Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. One hundred percent of donations made to the Clinton Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts.
United Nations World Food Programme www.wfp.org
The World Food Programme (WFP) said it will bring urgently needed food assistance to thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. WFP already has stocks of food located in Haiti, and intends to first distribute nutritious high energy biscuits, which require no cooking to victims. In addition, there are plans to airlift 95 tons of food from the WFP's emergency hub in El Salvador that would allow them to feed 30,000 people in urgent need for food for up to seven days.
Oxfam America www.oxfamamerica.org
Oxfam has an emergency team in the Port-Au-Prince responding with public health, water, and sanitation services to prevent the spread of disease. Their first course of action is to provide clean water. As soon as their assessment teams have a fuller understanding of the emergency needs Haitians across the region face, Oxfam will work urgently to meet them.
Partners in Health www.pih.org or www.standwithhaiti.org
Partners in Health (PIH) is an aid organization that has a team in Haiti and aims to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In a chilling urgent e-mail, which was posted in part on its site, clinical health director Louise Ivers pleaded for help from other colleagues in the area. While PIH is still determining how best to help, financial contributions can be made at https://donate.pih.org/page/contribute/haiti_earthquake?source=earthquak...
Red Cross www.redcross.org
The ICRC is working closely with its Red Cross partners, especially the Haitian National Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is coordinating international Red Cross and Red Crescent relief efforts. Haitian Red Cross staff and volunteers are involved in the ongoing search and rescue efforts despite the fact that many of their co-workers remain unaccounted for.
UNICEF www.unicef.org
Shortly following the quake's eruption, the U.S. division of UNICEF issued a statement on its blog calling attention to some of the smallest victims of the emergency. The statement read "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF materials and advisors will assist so that children are able to continue learning and studying, and be provided safe recreation areas while their caretakers turn to rebuilding their lives.
Yele Haiti Foundation www.yele.org
Wyclef founded Yele Haiti in 2005, a foundation to build global awareness for Haiti and help drive transformation through education, sports, the arts and environment. While high traffic to the website has brought it down, the regular Yele Haiti website will resume in a couple of weeks. In the meantime their focus is on collecting donations to help those affected, providing real-time information about the situation in Haiti and gathering funds.
2. How did you choose your partner organizations?
The goal of Hope for Haiti Now is to raise funds for Haiti relief and recovery efforts and to deliver that support as quickly and responsibly as possible. Our partner organizations have been working on the ground in Haiti for years. These partners are well-respected within the nongovernmental organization (NGO) community and have a long-standing and productive relationship with either MTV Networks, CNN or George Clooney. The organizations will also continue to collaborate with each other. In response to the crisis in Haiti, The Clinton Bush Haiti Relief Fund, was recently co-created by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, at the request of President Barack Obama, to fulfill unmet needs in the region and improve quality of life over the long term.
3. What criteria did you use in evaluating the charities?
We were helped by The Bridgespan Group, a 501(c)(3) management consulting firm for nonprofit organizations. With Bridgespan, we developed the following criteria:
Clearly identified objectives and program activities
A detailed operating plan with a budget for use of funds
Ability to work in partnership
Basic tracking and reporting capabilities, with a commitment to a high level of transparency in publicly sharing information
Leadership team in place
Legal status in compliance as nonprofit entity
4. How will donations be distributed?
Donations will be allocated according to each organization’s capacity to accept the funds and to use them as quickly, effectively and responsibly as possible. The Hope for Haiti Now fund is held with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in California. EIF is a 68-year-old non-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars to address health, education and other issues on behalf of the entertainment industry. EIF meets all 20 U.S. Better Business Bureau Standards and has handled large-scale fundraising efforts like American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” and Stand Up 2 Cancer. On a pro bono basis, EIF is providing due diligence and philanthropic support for Hope for Haiti Now to ensure proper fiduciary oversight and administration of all donated funds.
5. What is the basis for distributing the donations to the charities? Will partner organizations need to apply for funds or to use the donations within a certain timeframe?
Funds will be distributed for immediate humanitarian relief and long-term recovery efforts in Haiti. Hope for Haiti Now is not taking requests or applications for funding. Each partner organization is required to meet specific criteria and will be accountable for all distributed funds. Funds must be used only for Haiti within a timeframe determined by each organization. The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) will provide fiduciary oversight to monitor how donations are used.
6. How will the donations be used by each charity?
Donations will support a wide range of relief activities in Haiti, from food and emergency food and clean water to medical supplies and basic health care. Donors can opt-in for an e-mail update from Hope for Haiti Now on how donations are being used.
7. How can my charity apply for funds?
Hope for Haiti Now is not taking requests or applications for funding. All donations made to Hope for Haiti Now will benefit these Haiti relief charities: The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (www.clintonbushhaitifund.org), the United Nations World Food Programme (www.wfp.org), Oxfam America (www.oxfam.org), Partners in Health (www.standwithhaiti.org), the Red Cross (www.redcross.org), UNICEF (www.unicef.org), and Yele Haiti Foundation (www.yele.org).
8. What is the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)?
On a pro bono basis, the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) is providing philanthropic support to Hope for Haiti Now to ensure proper fiduciary oversight and administration of all donated funds.
Founded 68 years ago by Samuel Goldwyn and other Hollywood luminaries, EIF has extensive experience in televised event fundraising and charitable grantmaking to create appropriate and secure systems for optimal efficiency, transparency, accountability and quality control. EIF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in California that meets all 20 U.S. Better Business Bureau standards. EIF harnesses the collective power of the industry to raise awareness and funds for critical health, educational and social issues in order to make a positive impact in our community and throughout the nation. People from every facet of the entertainment community – actors and executives; guild and union members; and employees of studios, networks and talent agencies – volunteer their time, talent and services to support the work of EIF.
9. Are the issues surrounding Yele Haiti a concern?
Since 2005, Yele Haiti has been working to improve the lives of people in Haiti. Established relief groups continue to partner with Yele Haiti on the ground because of Yele’s demonstrated capacity to reach remote communities and deliver vital services. Yele Haiti is dedicated to helping with the long-term recovery of Haiti by providing infrastructure support to build homes, schools, and roads.
C. PRIVACY & SECURITY
1. How secure is my credit card and personal information?
Hope for Haiti Now takes every precaution to protect the information of donors. Industry standard security measures are used to keep your billing and credit card information secure and private. As required by law, all contact information submitted will be held for three years. After that time, all data will be destroyed. The information will not be used for any purpose other than to send confirmation e-mails or letters regarding a donation and/or follow-up regarding questions about a donation. Please review the Hope for Haiti Now Privacy Policy. [include link]
2. Why do you need my e-mail address?
Your e-mail address is needed so we can send you a proper acknowledgement of your donation. Details of your donation are found in this e-mail, which you can print or save for tax purposes.
3. Do you share my personal information?
Your personal information will only be used to complete your donation transaction. Your e-mail address will be used by Hope for Haiti Now to send you an update only if you have opted-in and expressly given your permission to receive this information. Please review the Hope for Haiti Now Privacy Policy [include link].
D. WAYS TO DONATE
1. How can I make a donation?
There are four methods of donation:
Internet: www.hopeforhaitinow.org
Phone: (877) 99-HAITI
Text: 5055 GIVE
Mail: Hope for Haiti Now
FILE 1372
1801 West Olympic Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91199-1372
If you need more information on how to donate, please call the Entertainment Industry Foundation at (213) 240-3900.
2. Can I use my credit card to donate?
You can use your credit card to donate immediately online. We accept VISA, American Express, MasterCard, or Discover. You can also make a secure donation on our website via PayPal.
3. Will I receive a confirmation of my donation?
Once your donation has been processed, we will notify you via e-mail. If you have any questions, please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
4. I made a donation online and now I have questions about it. Who can I contact?
Please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
5. Can I donate by check or money order?
Yes, Hope for Haiti Now accepts donations by check and money order. Please make your check or money order payable to Hope for Haiti Now and send it to:
Hope for Haiti Now
FILE 1372
1801 West Olympic Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91199-1372
6. Can I make a donation by phone?
To make a donation over the phone, please call (877) 99-HAITI.
7. Can I make monthly donations?
A monthly donation is currently not available. However, you are encouraged to visit our website in the future and make additional donations: www.hopeforhaitinow.org.
8. I have been charged the wrong amount or need to revise my donation. What do I do?
If you have a question about your donation, please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
9. How do I find out if my employer offers employee matching contributions?
Many companies encourage employees to support charitable efforts like Hope for Haiti Now by offering to match employee donations. If your company has such a program, you may be able to get a matching gift application form from your company’s human resources office, personnel department or website for you to download. Please fill out your employer’s form and mail or e-mail it to:
Hope for Haiti Now Fund
c/o Entertainment Industry Foundation
1201 West 5th Street, Suite T-700
Los Angeles, California 90017
Via e-mail: support@hopeforhaitinow.org
10. Do you accept donations of products or services?
Hope for Haiti Now is not collecting in-kind donations. However, we encourage you to contact well-established Haiti relief organizations in need of products, goods or services.
11. How are my donations used?
Donations made to Hope for Haiti Now will support these nonprofit organizations providing Haiti earthquake relief: The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, the United Nations World Food Programme, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
12. I haven’t been able to donate by phone. How else can I make a donation?
We are so grateful for the overwhelming response. There are several ways to donate:
Internet: www.hopeforhaitinow.org
Phone: (877) 99-HAITI
Text: 5055 GIVE
Mail: Hope for Haiti Now
FILE 1372
1801 West Olympic Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91199-1372
E. TAX QUESTIONS
1. Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations from U.S.-based donors to Hope for Haiti Now are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. You will be given a receipt for U.S. tax purposes.
2. I donated, but did not get a tax receipt. What do I do?
E-mail receipts are sent within 10 days of donating. If it has been longer than that and you still have not received an e-mail, please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
If you did not provide an e-mail address, your receipt will be sent via U.S. Postal Service regular mail. This can take several weeks. If it has been longer than 4-6 weeks since you donated, please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
3. What is the federal tax identification number for Hope for Haiti Now?
The Hope for Haiti Now Federal Tax ID number is 95-1644609. This number is also known as the employer identification number or EIN. Hope for Haiti Now is a special fund established at the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
4. I live outside the U.S. Can I get a tax credit for my donation?
Generally, no. As the fiduciary for the Hope for Haiti Now fund, the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Under limited circumstances, residents of other countries may be able to take a tax deduction against their income. We suggest you consult with your tax advisor.
F. OTHER QUESTIONS
1. I have a question about making a donation that isn’t answered on this page. Who do I contact?
Please contact our Donor Services department at (800) 846-7346 or by e-mailing support@hopeforhaitinow.org
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