GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. How does GivingBridge.net work?

Our merchant partners offer GivingBridge.net an affiliate fee (commission) for purchases by shoppers who begin their shopping at GivingBridge.net. When you select your favorite cause and shop, GivingBridge.net receives a commission and then makes a royalty payment to its charitable partners. If a merchant can't confirm that a sale originated at GivingBridge.net, they won't pay us the commission and we can't pay your favorite cause.

2. Does it cost me anything to participate?

No, access to GivingBridge.net is free for you and for the nonprofit cause you want to support. When you shop, you pay the price you normally would pay and that merchant pays a commission to GivingBridge.net because you shopped with them. GivingBridge.net collects the commissions and sends payment to the appropriate cause.

3. Do I have to start my shopping at GivingBridge.net?

Yes. To get credit for your cause you must start your shopping at GivingBridge.net. Doing so allows GivingBridge to automatically track the commission and credit your cause with the appropriate donation. If you don't start your shopping here the merchant will not know to credit your cause and we won't be able to pay your favorite cause.

4. Is this a tax deduction for me?

No, the IRS limits tax deductibility for charitable contributions to the amount paid over and above the fair market value for the item. Since the prices you pay when buying from the merchants in our online mall are the same as if you purchased directly from the merchant, you will not be able to take a tax deduction.

5. Is shopping safe and secure?

Yes. All merchants accessed through GivingBridge.net offer security guarantees to ensure the safety of your credit card information and your privacy. We encourage you to check each merchant's website for details.

6. How much does my cause earn from my purchases?

GivingBridge.net relies on the commissions it receives from merchants to make payments to its charitable partners. The commission amount is listed with each merchant and varies from merchant to merchant and even from product to product within a merchant's store. The amount of commission can also vary based on the sales volume achieved by GivingBridge.net. The amount or percentage range you see listed is the collected commission range your group will receive. Remember, if the merchant can't verify the sale originated at GivingBridge.net they won't pay us the commission and we can't pay your favorite cause. So, please, if you want to earn a commission for your cause, begin each shopping session at GivingBridge.net.

7. What if I have a problem with my order?

Should you have a problem or question with your order you must contact the merchant's customer service department directly. Remember, GivingBridge.net just connects you to the merchant; all shopping transactions are between you and the merchant.

8. If I shop at the "bricks and mortar" store or click a link from a merchant's email message and can I still earn a commission for my cause?

No. To earn a commission for your cause, you must begin your shopping at GivingBridge.net. Some merchants will allow you to pick up merchandise you have purchased online, but you must pay with a credit or debit card online. To earn a commission for your cause, you cannot pay the cashier at the store.

9. How do I know GivingBridge.net will pass along the commissions to my cause?

Our cause partners have the right to audit our records to ensure they are receiving all monies due them at any time.

10. Do I have to join in order to earn commissions for my favorite cause?

No-not at all. You and anyone you know can shop and earn commissions for your favorite cause anytime, without joining-just select a cause before you begin shopping.

11. I don't see my favorite cause listed. Now what do I do?

You are able to register a nonprofit organization by clicking the "Register My Cause" link and completing the form.

12. Can I support more than one cause?

Yes! You can change your cause as often as you like, but you can only support one cause at a time.

13. What are cookies and why do I have to "allow cookies"?

"Cookies" allow merchants to track which organization has earned the commission. Without "allowing cookies" the merchant will not be able to verify the sale came from GivingBridge.net and that it is supposed to benefit the cause of your choice.

14. Are there any groups GivingBridge.net will not accept?

GivingBridge.net and its merchant partners have established a standard for participating nonprofits and we reserve the right to reject any cause that is engaged in, supports, or is publicly associated with any activity that is illegal or unethical or whose activities are not consistent with our mission.

ORGANIZATIONS' QUESTIONS

1. Why would an organization want to participate in this kind of opportunity?

You will gain visibility. Each time your members and supporters shop for your organization, they will see your organization's logo and convenience links. You will be able to communicate more frequently with your members and donors. Each online shopper will generate passive income for your organization-without doing anything they are not doing anyway. Your organization has no products to sell, deliver, or return. There is no money to collect, no safety issues involving children selling products door-to-door. And, you will be providing your members an added service-at no additional cost to either of you.

2. What does our nonprofit organization have to do to participate in your complimentary service?

If you wish to partner with GivingBridge.net just complete the enrollment form and we will add you to our list of participating nonprofits usually within 48 hours. If you desire a custom shopping mall, you can upload your logo and links and select the colors. Once you register, we will provide access to the Partner Desk. However, your mall may begin earning commissions right away.

3. How do we access GivingBridge.net to post messages for our supporters?

Once your account is live, we will provide you with a password to access our administration area to begin communicating with your supporters.

4. What other control do we have over content on GivingBridge.net?

You may add up to 5 Affinity Group Links in the Convenience Links section of the desktop. Suggestions include links to your homepage, events calendar, news room, support us, etc. You may change these anytime you wish. In addition, you will have the ability to delete any online product category in your organization's mall.

5. What is the best way to "get the word out" about this is program to our members?

Any and all communications vehicles can prove effective. Communicating this fundraising opportunity via E-mail, website, newsletter, letters, posters and postcards as well as word-of-mouth will all work. Using your existing communications (letters, telephone, posters and announcements) is a no-cost way to "get the word out". Once you've completed the registration process and have your password you'll be able to access the Partner Desk where you will find many tools to help you get the word out.

6. How do we get paid?

You will be paid quarterly-January, April, July and October, 3-6 months in arrears. This allows time for receipt of funds from the merchants (including time for merchants to account for any returned merchandise-which will NOT generate a commission), accounting, auditing, and check dispersal, subject to a minimum of $30.00. (Should the commission earned be less than $30, funds will be carry over to the next quarter.) Reports will be distributed to the organization each January, April, July, and October, detailing activity in the "mall". Commissions payable are listed adjacent to the merchant name in the "mall" and are earned only via merchant transactions "in the mall."

7. What do we get when we sign up for a "Custom Mall"?

When you choose to have GivingBridge.net establish a "Custom Mall" for your organization, shoppers electing to support your organization will shop at your "mall". They will be greeted with your logo or banner, your colors, and descriptive copy furnished by your organization. They will also have access to five custom links you have selected for your "mall".