Benevolent FAQs

What are the rules?

We expect our users and members to act with respect for themselves and others on this site. Our Terms of Use details those expectations, and Benevolent reserves the right to remove any and all content which is offensive or lacking in respect for those who share.  

How does the money flow?

  • Each donation is a contribution to Benevolent.
  • When a posted need has been met, Benevolent sends a grant to validator for that need. That validator then fulfills the need by paying the expense or making the purchase for the recipient. 
  • If a specific need isn't funded to at least 95% by its date of expiration, Benevolent will work with the validator to determine whether to temporarily extend the expiration date, partially fund the need, or allocate the donated funds to a similar need and let the donors know immediately. 

How much goes to the need?

100% of your donation goes directly to the need you're supporting. We hope you'll choose to add an additional bit on top of your donation to support Benevolent's work when you're making your contribution. Every little bit helps us cover those credit card processing fees and the cost of achieving the Benevolent mission.

Are donations tax deductible?

Benevolent, NFP is an exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 45-3136367). Each time a donor’s credit card is charged, Benevolent sends an email thank-you letter that can be used for tax reporting purposes.

Can I give something other than money or donate via PayPal?

  • If you'd like to donate more than money, we suggest reaching out to Benevolent's validator directly.
  • We're excited to say that now you can donate in support of needs using your PayPal account. If you'd like to simply make a gift in support of Benevolent, you can use PayPal to do that on our Donate page. 

What if I have a personal need?

If you’re an individual hoping to share your need on Benevolent, you can find a Benevolent validator in your area or you can suggest to a provider in your area that they sign up! 

Find the nearest validator »

Does Benevolent fund organizational needs?

Benevolent helps professionals from nonprofits, religious organizations and public agencies meet their clients' needs (known on Benevolent as "validators"). We don't currently post needs for organizations.

What types of needs does Benevolent help with? »

What makes a need successful?

  • Needs that will clearly and concretely move the person forward.
    People are eager to contribute when they believe their contribution will make a substantial difference. Because a clear action plan from the recipient shows potential givers how their contribution will remove a barrier in the recipient's life, people are more likely to help.
  • The recipient tells a compelling story. 
    Benevolent will only post needs told in the recipient's own words. A strong story helps potential givers understand the recipient's real circumstances and goals, which makes people more eager to help. 
  • $400 or less!
    The smaller the total amount, the bigger the impact a single gift can make. Needs under $400 are consistently more likely to be funded, and to be funded faster!
  • Clear photos people can connect with. 
    With clear and close-up photos, people see the real person they're helping, which makes them more likely to step in and help.

What else do I need to know?

State Nonprofit Disclosures

Certain states require written disclosures for nonprofit organizations soliciting contributions. Individual state disclosures are below.

    • New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
    • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
    • Registration with a state agency does not constitute or imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by that state.

More information about charity state disclosure requirements and nonprofit fundraising registrations.

For answers to other FAQs visit the Benevolent support center.