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FAQs
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Seller Questions
Who can be a FundGiver?
Anyone 13 and over. The FundGiving Marketplace is open to individuals, groups or businesses. The only requirement? A FundGiving account and a desire to do good!
What types of things can I list for sale?
Just about anything of value. Be creative! If someone will pay for it, list it! Tickets to an NFL game you can't attend, housecleaning services, your pet turtle, a vacation week at your villa in France, last year's winter coat, tax preparation, a year's supply of toothpaste, or lawn maintenance.
Are there any exceptions to what I can list?
Yes. If you think it's iffy, it probably can't be listed or sold in the FundGiving Marketplace. There's quite a long list of prohibited items, courtesy of Uncle Sam!
What if shoppers have questions about my listing?
They probably will. They can contact you through FundGiving message center, which alerts you via email when you have an inquiry.
What constitutes a good listing?
Use our checklist to make your listing as self-explanatory and appealing as possible. Your items will create more interest, and prospective buyers will ask fewer questions.
How many parameters can I set?
As many as necessary. Use the item's description to make the buyer aware of any guidelines (i.e. expiration dates, usage requirements, age limits, etc.)
How do I know when I have a buyer?
Once FundGiving has the buyer's payment safely in hand, FundGiving notifies you via email, instructing you to check your FundGiving account for details.
Who facilitates delivery of the item or service to the buyer?
It's your responsibility to coordinate delivery with the buyer within five days of purchase. You can communicate safely and anonymously through the FundGiving message center.
Who collects the money?
You don't have to worry about collecting payment for the items purchased. The buyer pays online at FundGiving.com, which deducts a minimal transaction fee and donates the balance of the item's cost directly to the GoodCause you specified when you listed it.
How does FundGiving know which causes I support?
When you list an item for sale, you specify which GoodCause you'd like to receive the sale proceeds. (If none is selected, FundGiving assigns a cause at random.)
Is my donation tax deductible?
That decision is ultimately up to your accountant. FundGiving verifies the status of all GoodCauses using GuideStar Charity Check, and not all of them are tax deductible. If deductions are important to you, be sure to donate to organizations we've marked as such. We'll email you with the details of your transaction. The rest is up to you and your trusty tax man.
How much of my donation is tax deductible?
That's another call for your accountant, but here's how it works. The seller is allowed a deduction based on the fair market value of the item sold. The buyer can take a deduction IF the purchase price exceeds that value.
Will I have proof of my donation?
Yes. Within 30 days after your donation, FundGiving emails you an acknowledgement letter to file with your next income tax form.
Who are the buyers?
Typically, buyers are the fellow supporters of your favorite cause. However, the FundGiving Marketplace is open to anyone who visits the site.
Can I refuse a buyer who wants to purchase my item?
Yes. When you set up your account, indicate that you'd like the ability to approve each buyer. Any purchases of your item will remain pending until you respond with approval. We are committed to providing a safe environment, and recommend that you require approval, especially if you are planning to sell services (i.e. babysitting, housecleaning, lawn care, etc.)
Will I be critiqued on my participation?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it! No sales transaction can be officially closed until the buyer rates the quality of the sale item or interaction.
Can I remove a listing from the FundGiving marketplace?
Yes, go to your FundGiving account page, find the item and click the link to remove it.
Is your site secure?
Yes, FundGiving.com adheres to best practices allowing you to feel safe and secure in placing an e-commerce order. Our site is protected with an SSL page for any transactions, and our merchant processer (authorize.net) is PCI compliant.
Buyer Questions
Who can buy things from the FundGiving Marketplace?
Anyone (18 and over) with an account on FundGiving.com. Register here to set up an account.
Can I ask a question about an item I'm interested in?
Every item posted in the FundGiving Marketplace features the seller's name and a link to contact that person through the FundGiving message center.
Who do I pay for items I want to buy from the FundGiving Marketplace?
You pay online with a credit card at FundGiving.com.
What forms of payment does FundGiving accept?
Visa, Mastercard, Discover. The charge will appear on your statement as "FundGiving."
What happens after I pay for my item?
FundGiving emails the seller, who then approves or rejects the transaction. Within five days, the seller gets in touch with you to coordinate delivery. (A record of the purchase, including the seller's name and contact information is accessible from your Account Summary page.) If the seller denies the sale, FundGiving refunds your payment.
How can I be sure the seller will hold up his/her end of the bargain?
FundGivers by nature have big hearts and really want to do right by their causes, so any default on their part is most likely an oversight. If you haven't heard from your seller within five days of your purchase, use the FundGiving message center to send a gentle reminder. (We'll be sending them nudges via email as well!) Our GoodCauses also see all open transactions involving their supporters; Since they don't get paid until the transaction is complete, they help us keep things moving along as well. Keep in mind that your money is going directly to the GoodCause and not the seller, so it's literally impossible for the seller to "take the money and run."
What if there is a problem with my purchase?
After you've contacted the seller directly through the FundGiving message center, your next step is to file a dispute. Our dedicated staff (and if necessary, our legal team) will help you resolve it. FundGiving is not liable if a buyer is not satisfied with the purchase, but we will do everything in our power to make sure that isn't the case!
Is the purchase price of the item I buy tax deductible?
Only if you pay above fair market value for the item. Within 30 days after your donation, FundGiving emails you an acknowledgement letter to discuss with your tax accountant, who can make that determination. (The seller gets the bulk of the tax benefit, so make sure you list items as well!)
Is there a way to tell which sellers are the most reliable?
Our FundStar rating system lets buyers rate the quality of their transactions. More stars means a history of excellent service. You can view specific buyer feedback from the FundGiver's account page.
What do I do if I see an inappropriate listing while shopping?
Select "Report an Inappropriate Listing" from the Contact page.
Can I provide feedback on my interaction?
Yes, by all means! In fact, we encourage it. Once you have received the item you bought, look for a message from us asking you to rate the seller.
Is your site secure?
Yes, FundGiving.com adheres to best practices allowing you to feel safe and secure in placing an e-commerce order. Our site is protected with an SSL page for any transactions, and our merchant processer (authorize.net) is PCI compliant.
What is a "Security Number/CVV"?
On a credit card or debit card is a 3 digit code on VISA, MasterCard and Discover branded credit and debit cards, and a 4 digit code on American Express credit and debit cards. CVV numbers are NOT your PIN (Personal Identification Number), and you should never enter your PIN number when asked to provide a CVV. PIN numbers allow you to use your credit or debit card at an ATM or when making an in-person purchase with a debit card. CVV numbers are also known as CSC numbers ("Card Security Code"), as well as CVV2 numbers, which are the same as CVV numbers, except that they have been generated by a "2nd generation" algorithm that makes the numbers harder for credit card thieves to "guess".
Good Cause Questions
What are the requirements for registering as a GoodCause?
Any worthy cause can register. Acceptance is at the discretion of FundGiving administrators. Both for-profit and not-for-profits may apply.)
What are some examples of organizations who could benefit by using FundGiving?
-Churches
-Schools
-Classroom Teachers
-Youth Groups
-Daycares or Preschools
-Boy Scout / Girl Scout Troops
-Sports Teams
-Individuals (i.e. cancer patient undergoing expensive treatment, a participant in a local 5K race, etc.)
-Groups (i.e. informal charity groups, a high-school class raising money for a classmate's family in need, etc.)
-Businesses (i.e. a corporate philanthropic committee raising money for a co-worker affected by a flood, a corporate-sponsored team running a marathon, etc.)
How much does it cost to be listed as a GoodCause?
There is no charge to register your cause and start raising money. The first $300 you raise will be directed back to FundGiving.com to cover your annual subscription fee. There is also a transaction fee of 15% per donation to cover the cost of administering the site, distributing donation acknowledgement letters on your behalf, resolving disputes between buyers and sellers, etc.
Am I obligated to pay the $300 if my donations never reach that amount?
No! You won't owe us a penny. Having no obligation allows you to test this model for your organization risk-free.
How can I lower the transaction fee?
Yes! Our FundCentive program is designed to reward GoodCauses who've done a stellar job raising money. The higher the fundraising totals, the lower your transaction fee.
Can I accept direct cash donations through FundGiving?
FundGivers can donate to your cause without selling or buying anything in the Marketplace. There is a minimal 5% processing fee.
How much money could our cause raise?
The amount is unlimited! Your success depends directly on how well you promote FundGiving to your supporters. As with your other fundraising efforts, communication, encouragement and incentives make or break your donation totals.
Can my cause make money without doing a full-blown fundraiser?
Yes! FundGiving can be an ongoing source of revenue. Every time a new buyer or seller sets up an account, they are asked which GoodCauses they want to support with the sale of their items. Every day you are NOT on the list you could be leaving money on the table. Encourage your supporters to sell their unwanted items here to raise money throughout the year – tell them to Just Say No to yard sales and consignment!
How do I get my current supporters involved?
Use our FundTools to promote your FundGiving campaign to your supporters. Once you register, we'll send you this electronic marketing toolkit with the materials you need to generate support.
