Questions You May Have

 

Which organizations are eligible for donations?

In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must be based in and serving the Interior of Alaska. The organization must be a nonprofit entity recognized as a 501(c)(3) and must have been previously established (no start-ups).  No national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered as the contributions are intended to stay 100% in the community. Exceptions are national nonprofits which have a local chapter and serve local communities, where donations will remain in the community (ie. Red Cross).

 

What is a 501(c)(3)?

A 501(c)(3) is defined by the IRS as “exemptions that apply to corporations, and any community chest, fund or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational purposes, to foster national or international amateur sports competition, promote the arts, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.” 

 

Is my contribution tax-deductible?  

Yes, contributions are tax deductible if made payable to a 501(c)(3) organization.  Checks are written directly to the local organization, NOT to 100+ Golden Heart Women Who Care.  Please contact a tax advisor or visit the IRS website for further information.

 

How is the organization that receives the donation chosen?

A member who has signed a Commitment Form can put the name of a local organization into the hat for a random drawing at the meeting.  The organization must be pre-qualified before it is eligible. The organizers of the meeting will collect the names of the organizations from the members as they arrive.  At random, three organizations will be selected from the hat.  The members who nominated the selected charities will each be asked to give a 5 minute presentation on the organization and why she feels it is the most deserving. There will also be a few minutes for questions from the audience.  We encourage all members to participate by submitting the names of local, needy charitable organizations in the Interior of Alaska.

 

Are there guidelines for how often a 501(c)(3) charity can be awarded a donation?

Yes. Because we want to give as many charities as possible an opportunity to be awarded at least $10,000, and because there are only four meetings each calendar year, each awarded charity can win only once every THREE years (from the month of their win.)

 

What if I cannot attend a meeting?

If a member cannot attend a meeting, she can do one of two things:

1. She can send in a blank, signed check with a trusted friend to the meeting (preferred).  The friend will write in the name of the charity that is chosen on the check and give it to the organizers on her behalf.  The friend, however, may not vote on behalf of the absent member.  We can only count the votes of members who are present at the meeting.  

2. The member can check the website or contact one of the organizers to find out which charity was selected, and then send a check to the organizer. If you are mailing a check after the meeting, please make it out to the chosen organization and mail it to: Elizabeth Schok, Somers & Associates, 711 Gaffney Road, Fairbanks, AK, 99701. The check should be sent within 30 days of meeting so that we may deliver all of the checks together.

 

Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?

The goal of the 100+ Women Who Care organization is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group.  We want to be able to support this endeavor and give $10,000+ at a time to make a large impact in our community, with each member’s donation being part of the larger donation.

 

How long do the meetings last?

Meetings are intended to be very short, generally lasting approximately 45 minutes but no longer than 60 minutes. Doors will be open thirty minutes for the meeting starts for networking and socializing.

 

Can I bring a friend to the meeting?

Of course guests are welcome!  However, in order to vote she will need to sign a Membership and Commitment Form and become a member first.

 

May I attend a meeting before I decide to join?

Yes, but you will be asked to commit one way or another after the meeting. If you prefer to learn more before deciding to attend, please feel free to contact us.