Before giving online, ask these questions!

1. 

Am I donating to a nonprofit organization?

Some online giving services are for profit, but this isn't always obvious. Be sure to investigate the site thoroughly or even contact the organization to make sure you understand how its business model works.

UniversalGiving™ is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.

2. 

Will the organization take a cut on my donation?

Many organizations take a cut on your donation.  The percentage varies, often from around 10-15%, or even higher. This information could be buried in fine print or FAQs, so be sure to do thorough research.

UniversalGiving™ passes 100% of your donation on. All funds go directly to the NGO of your choice.  Donors, volunteers and NGOs all use our site for free.

If you give online using a credit card, there is a small administrative cost for PayPal. UniversalGiving does not receive any of this money.  If you prefer not to use PayPal, you can mail us a check, and we will send the money directly on to the recipient NGO.

3. 

Do nonprofits receive every donation given to them through the site?

If you are a donor, be sure to find out if the funds you pledge are guaranteed to go to the project or organization of your choice.

If you are a nonprofit, find out if you must raise a specific amount of funding in order to receive any of the donations given to you. Some websites require you to raise a certain percentage of the overall funds requested. If you don't raise that percentage of the money, you don't receive any of the funds committed.

On UniversalGiving, 100% of your donation goes direct to the NGO; whether your donation is $5 or $5,000, we’ll send that money to the NGO of your choice to support its work.

4. 

If an organization doesn't take a cut on donations, how does it sustain itself?

UniversalGiving™ is a social entrepreneurship nonprofit, which means we have a social mission, but also generate revenue.  UniversalGiving Corporate (UGC) is a customized service, helping Fortune 500 companies scale Corporate Social Responsibility programs worldwide.  UniversalGiving Corporate handles the strategy, operations and NGO vetting for corporations, to ensure the success of their international giving and volunteering programs. 

UniversalGiving’s mission is to connect people to quality giving and volunteer opportunities worldwide.We are also supported by individual donors and foundations.  Please help us spread our service to more countries this year by contributing to our work.  We so appreciate your support!

5. 

How does an organization ensure the quality of projects on its site?

Quality is of the utmost importance.  UniversalGiving™ provides the highest standards of vetting in the industry.  We have a proprietary Quality Model™ which we use to vet every NGO before it appears on our site. Aspects of our Quality Model include verification against terrorist lists imparted by the U.S. Treasury Guidelines and compliance with the Patriot Act, a leadership review and an independent review of finances. UniversalGiving works with a Worldwide Advisory Board of international experts who recommend NGO Partners. Quality and trust are paramount to the UniversalGiving mission and vision.

6. 

How can I get involved through the site?  Can I give and volunteer?

Most services offer either giving or volunteering opportunities. Your giving options might also be limited only to projects - you may have to do some research to find out more about the sponsoring organization and their affiliates.

UniversalGiving™ provides a variety of options for giving and volunteering.  You can donate to a specific project or give to an organization.  We provide you with detailed profiles, including mission, vision, financials, board, pictures, testimonials, and additional funders, so you can fully understand where your time or money is going.  Read more about our different ways to give.