FAQ


Q. What is the #GivingTuesdayNow?

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.


Q. When is it?

#GivingTuesdayNow will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.


Q. What is the New York State YMCA Foundation?

The New York State YMCA Foundation works to improve the quality of life in our state by supporting the 37 independent YMCAs of the Empire State. The Foundation operates with a board of directors and a board of trustees, who are responsible for allocating and distributing funds from for the support and development of YMCA programs and services in New York State. The New York State YMCA Foundation is an active partner to the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, which serves as the advocacy, public policy, resource delivery and program support hub for the YMCAs in New York State.


Q. Can I support my local YMCA or multiple Ys in New York State, or do I have to make my gift to the New York State YMCA Foundation?

You can absolutely support your local Y, and you can also support multiple local Ys if you wish. Simply choose your YMCA (or multiple Ys) on the main giving page and add each gift to your cart.


Q. Who can donate?

Anyone with a credit card and access to the internet can make a donation.


Q. What forms of donations are accepted?

MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express donations received through the website on the giving day will be matched from the bonus pool on a prorated basis. No donations via check, cash or stock will be accepted.


Q. Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. When donations are received through the website, a receipt is automatically generated for the gross amount of your gift and emailed to the address you provide. Your tax professional can advise you on the tax deductibility of the donation.


Q. Will I receive a receipt for tax purposes?

Yes. You will automatically receive an emailed receipt acknowledging your gift.


Q. Is there a minimum gift?

There is a $5 minimum donation.


Q. May I pay a pledge with my gift?

Since #GivingTuesdayNow is a special, statewide campaign designed to generate new support, we are unable to accept gifts to pay off existing pledges.


Q. May I designate how the YMCA uses my gift?

All donations made during the #GivingTuesdayNow are considered unrestricted gifts to the YMCA, other than they must be used for the benefit of the local Y to provide services to the community. However, you may express your desire that your gift be used for a specific program or project (in the notes field of the giving form).


Q. How much of the donation will go to the nonprofit?

All donations will be paid to the chosen charity net of payment transaction and processing fees - a total of 6.5% + 30 cents per credit card transaction, or $3.00 per ACH payment. Donors have the option to cover these fees in addition to their contribution, in which case the Y receives 100% of your base gift. Any donations processed outside of the Giving Day Period, through GiveGab.com, or subsequent recurring donations are subject to transaction fees outlined on the GiveGab.com pricing page: info.givegab.com/pricing.


Q. May I use my donation to buy event tickets, museum memberships, or other things that provide me a benefit?

No, donations may not be used to pay for anything that might be perceived as a material benefit to the donor, advisor or other disqualified person - including dinner tickets, membership fees, golf fees, admission tickets or other gifts.



Q. What if I can't find my local Y on the website?

If you can't find your Y on the site, they may not be participating in #GivingTuesdayNow. You can also reach out to your YMCA directly to inquire about their participation or to make a gift.


Q. Who is GiveGab?

GiveGab is an online giving platform that helps nonprofits raise money, engage donors, and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. GiveGab offers a full portfolio of simple and easy-to-use products that allow organizations to function in a more streamlined manner. Your profile on GiveGab is available 365 days a year for fundraising and volunteer management should you choose to use it beyond the giving day.


Q. Do I need to create an account with GiveGab?

No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.


Q. What organizations are eligible to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow?

Organizations must have a current 501(c)(3) status and providing direct services at YMCAs in New York State


Q. How will donations be distributed?

Each donation made to a participating nonprofit will be disbursed directly from GiveGab via direct deposit within five business days. Donations designated to a specific YMCA will be disbursed directly to each designated YMCA within three weeks from the receipt of funds from GiveGab. Funds donated to the New York State YMCA Foundation will support the Foundation’s work on behalf of the YMCAs in New York State. 


Q. Who will receive my contact information?

The YMCA to which you designate your gift will have access to your name and email address. This information is used solely to send thank you messages, provide the option to receive future notifications, and to notify you of future activities.


Q. Can I make donations via a mobile device?

Yes! Simply visit www.ymcaforgood.org