FAQ

WHAT ARE DONATION MYTHS AND MEGA CHARITIES?
Every time a disaster hits, the general public hear the same old refrain. “Beware to whom you give your money…“ or “Only donate to this charity or the next….” Usually donors are asked to BLINDLY donate to the same ole Mega-Charities. What about the smaller non profits with decades of service to their communities OUT OF THE GLARE OF THE TELEVISION CAMERAS!!!!
As result, the Donation Myth generate millions of dollars in donations for bloated mega “charities”. The donor completely forgets or do not even think about their local charities, churches and organizations that have been there for them before the disaster. The donor is guided away from the smaller local and regional charities that do not have million dollar public relations budgets to raise millions dollars. Smaller charities often pay for their own transportation and supplies out of already depleted budgets that are often normally under $25,000 per year due to the fact that they concentrate on using volunteers to complete their missions.

What happens to my donation?
If you are concerned about what will happen to your donation, VOLUNTEER, to work with the charity. They will welcome your time and your donation. Working-at-home on your computer would be helpful to any small non profits. Offer to serve on their Advisory Board of Directors, if they have one. It is Simple as that.

HOW TO CHECK OUT A CHARITY?
To check to see if the charity, you are thinking about assisting, is in fact a tax exempt non profit recognized by the United States, simply go the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and locate the charity using their Employment Identification Number (EIN). There you will find out if they are a legitimate 501 (c) (3) tax exempt charity. It is NOT complicated as the media sometimes makes it sound. The IRS are very stringent on 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) non profits in their requirements and rules.

WHAT ARE PAY-To-PLAY CERTIFYING COMPANIES?
These internet based Pay-to-Play certifying services, target mega-charities with the funds to pay them to be listed on their “websites”. Smaller charities do not have the expendable funds to give to a for profit company to prove that they are GOOD charities. In most cases the listed charities on these websites must have OVER $1,000,000 in assets to even apply to be listed by these companies. Most charities do not have a MILLION DOLLARS in assets. The large majority of non profits are small and use their funds for direct service to the public and NOT to pay companies to get rich. DO NOT be deterred from helping a smaller charity even if they do have a million dollars in their budget. Keep in mind that over decades of service to their communities these small non profits may have expended millions of hours of volunteer time, which is far more long lasting and effective.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MY DONATION GOES TO DIRECT SERVICE PROGRAMS OF A CHARITY?
The programs and projects of the Help USA First Foundation use volunteers and in-kind services where ever possible. The service to the public formula used by the Foundation has worked for over 30 years. At present, the percentage is approximately 80% of every donated dollar goes directly to programs . The foundation is always looking for at home volunteers, in every profession, to assist in its mission.