We know it’s not all cut and dry
Here are some answers to the questions we hear most often.
When giving to the adoption grant fund, Do donations go directly to a specific family?
No. Waiting families apply for matching grants from Dwell Orphan Care. On a regular basis, the Dwell Adoption Assistance Grant Team reviews and awards grants to waiting families based on available funds and eligibility as outlined in our application. Donations made by donors cannot be designated to a specific family at this time.
How much of my donation goes to the adoption assistance grant fund?
When a donor makes a donation designated specifically for Dwell’s Adoption Assistant Grant Fund, 100% of their donation is used to fund future grants for waiting families. There is a small transaction fee that Dwell incurs. When making your donation, you do have an option to cover this fee along with your donation should you wish to do so. If you would like to donate directly to Dwell Orphan Care, please click here.
Can a family donate to their own Dwell Adoption expenses?
No, a family may not make a donation designated specifically to their own adoption expenses to receive a tax benefit. A family may make a tax-deductible contribution to Dwell’s General Fund to support other families.
Can we donate cash?
No, unfortunately there is no way to provide a receipt for a tax write off. We accept checks and credit card donations.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Dwell Orphan Care is an approved 501c3 organization. You should consult your tax advisor for specific tax advice.
Do we get a tax receipt after donating?
Yes, you get a receipt immediately if you donate using a credit card or do an ACH transaction. If you donate by check, we will send you a receipt at the end of the year. You can always email us and ask us for a copy!
Do donors need to create an account to donate?
When first-time donors donate, they will be asked to provide their name, email address, and payment information. After they donate, an account will be created for them and an email will be sent that will allow them to “claim their account”. If donors “claim their account” they will be taken to a page where they can set a password that they will use moving forward to access their account with. Donors MUST claim their account in order to access their payment sources, statements, or any other personal information attached to their profile. Please
Note: If donors choose to give a second time, they’ll be asked to sign in with the email address and password associated with their profile. Reasons that an account is created for donors: It allows donors to give a second donation easily and quickly because their payment information is tied to their account. It allows donors to view transactional history, as well as download their monthly and year-end statements. Donors can edit any personal information as well as set privacy levels for what information is passed to the fundraiser organizer.
When are payments posted?
Credit card donations are posted immediately; Check donations are posted as they are received and processed.
What kind of documentation is needed for reimbursement of adoption related expenses already paid out of pocket?
When requesting reimbursement, you must attach invoices and/or receipts to substantiate your incurred adoption expense. The key here is to provide evidence of adoption expenses to support the request. When requesting a payment to be paid directly to an adoption agency, no additional documentation is required. Email clear copies of supporting document(s), in pdf format, that reflect your adoption expense.
How long will it take to be reimbursed for adoption related expenses we have paid out of pocket?
Individual requests are reviewed regularly by the Board, normally once per month. After the Board has approved the requests, it can take 5-10 business days for the check to arrive.
If you don’t see the answer to your specific question, please reach out to us!