RULES & FAQs
What is SML Gives?
SML Gives is an online giving event that provides nonprofits the opportunity to fundraise, gain exposure and build relationships. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together to raise as much money as possible to make a big impact for the participating nonprofits.
When is SML Gives 2023?
SML Gives 2023 is on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 12:00am to 11:59pm Eastern Time.
Why was SML Gives created?
A previous regional giving day was discontinued and a local nonprofit, SML Good Neighbors, decided to launch SML Gives in 2022 to provide a continued opportunity for local nonprofits to raise funds and exposure in the Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia area.
Which organizations can participate?
Organizations that are verified 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) charitable nonprofits and that are headquartered or provide services in Bedford or Franklin County, Virginia may apply to participate. Participating organizations must apply by January 13, 2023 and meet the requirements outlined in the application. Space is limited. Applications can be obtained by contacting llietz@smlgoodneighbors.org or director@smlgoodneighbors.org.
Who may donate?
Anyone may donate. Donations made through SML Gives are made directly to the donor’s chosen charity. Donations made to 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations are tax deductible and cannot be refunded. If donating to a 501(c)(4) organization, please check directly with that organization to find out if your donation will be tax deductible. Contributions may be made through the SML Gives website using the donate button on each organization’s respective page. Donors may choose to donate to a participating charity via check or cash but must designate that the donation is to be applied to SML Gives in order for it to be counted towards the total raised through SML Gives. Check and cash donations may not be taken into account for any prizes or incentives that may be offered. Each participating organization is responsible for providing receipts and donation acknowledgements.
How will SML Gives sponsorships be distributed?
SML Gives Event Sponsorship funds will be used to cover any costs incurred by the hosting organization (SML Good Neighbors) for hosting the event. Charity obtained sponsorships will be applied to that charity’s funds raised for SML Gives 2023.
How much of my donation will go to the nonprofit?
Most participating charities will use PayPal for SML Gives. PayPal offers a discounted transaction fee of 2.2% + $0.30 per domestic transaction to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and maintains a 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction fee for all other organizations. All nonprofits must apply through PayPal to be considered for the discounted fee. Participating organizations may set up their PayPal to give an option for donors to cover the fee. Participating organizations may use other applications to collect donations during SML Gives. If an organization is not using PayPal and you would like to know how much of your donation will go to that nonprofit, please reach out to that nonprofit directly.
Who will receive my contact information?
The participating organizations that you choose to support will have access to your name, email address and mailing address and/or phone number if you choose to share that information when making your donation. This information is used to send receipts, donation acknowledgements and future information about the organization.
Do I need to create a PayPal account?
No. You do not need to create a PayPal account to make a donation through PayPal on the SML Gives website.
Can I make donations via a mobile device?
Yes. Just visit the SML Gives website from your mobile device.
Can I pre-schedule a donation for SML Gives?
No. SML Gives will not be arranging for scheduled donations. However, you may contribute to the participating organization of your choice before or after the event by contacting the organization directly or via the SML Gives website.
What if my preferred organization is not listed?
If you cannot find your preferred organization on the SML Gives website, then the organization is probably not participating. You can encourage them to apply by passing along our contact information.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
No. Every dollar counts! You may make donations of any size during SML Gives.
What is state charitable solicitation registration?
Nonprofits are held to a high standard of government regulation and public scrutiny. And that is with good reason. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits are exempt from federal corporate taxes and have access to public funding. These benefits are not typically available to for-profit businesses, so laws are in place to protect the public and ensure nonprofits do not abuse their financial advantages. The IRS and states all have requirements for nonprofits. Every participating nonprofit is responsible to ensure they are in compliance with any federal or state laws regarding solicitation. When a nonprofit applies to participate in SML Gives, they are attesting that they are in compliance with Virginia charitable solicitation law.