Before giving online, ask these questions!

It's difficult to know the difference between various online giving services. Here are some questions you'll want to ask! ...and some answers about UniversalGiving!

1.	Are you a non-profit organization?
	Some online giving services are for-profits. This isn't always clear up front. Be sure to investigate the site thoroughly, or even contact them! Yes, UniversalGiving is a social entrepreneurship non-profit organization, a registered 501(c) 3.
2.	Do you take a cut on my donation?
	Some organizations take a cut on your donation - around 10-15%. Again, this information is often buried in fine print or FAQs be sure to do thorough research. UniversalGiving does not take a cut on your donation. All funds go directly to the non-profit of your choice. (If you give online using a credit card, there is a small cost for the Paypal transaction usually 3% percent. UniversalGiving does not receive any of this money.)
3.	Do non-profits receive every donation given to them through your 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. Through UniversalGiving, you receive 100% of every donation committed through our site. There are no stipulations or limitations.
4.	If you don't take a cut on donations, how do you sustain yourself?
	UniversalGiving is supported by individual donors and foundations. UniversalGiving also provides a customized service for companies and their international giving and volunteer programs. This revenue-generating service is based on proven experience and client request (in work with more than 20 Fortune 500 companies.) UniversalGiving Corporate wisely supports our nonprofit mission, and helps provide sustainability. Read more information or email us at info@universalgiving.org to recommend a company!
5.	How do you ensure the organizations and projects on your site are quality?
	There are varying degrees of quality for different sites. Most other sites accept registrations from any non-profit. UniversalGiving has built a unique Quality Affiliation Model. Quality and trust are paramount to the UniversalGiving mission and vision. Some of the elements in our Quality Affiliation Model include an advisory board of international experts who recommend nonprofits from firsthand experience and verification against terrorist lists imparted by the U.S. Treasure Guidelines. We will be sure to provide additional updates on our Quality Model.
6.	In what ways can I get involved internationally through your site?
	Most services offer either giving or volunteering opportunities. And, your giving options may be limited to only 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 donors and volunteers. Through the UniversalGiving website you can donate to a specific project or organization. These options include U.S. Based Organizations, NGO partners, independent organizations and projects. (For NGO terminology, click here) You can also volunteer with an organization. We provide you with detailed profiles, including mission, vision, financials, board, pictures, testimonials, and additional funders, so you can find the best way for you to get involved!

UniversalGiving is committed to direct international giving and volunteering through our nonprofit status, no cut on donation policy, quality model, and variety of U.S-based and international offerings. Feel free to visit our FAQ or contact us with questions at info@UniversalGiving.org.