Frequently Asked Questions
While we are always available to answer your questions in person, you may find some answers by clicking on the following questions:
- How do I make a donation?
- Who donates to Lutherwood?
- What percentage of my donation goes to service the clients?
- How many dollars in grant money has the Foundation given in the last 5 years?
- Why doesn’t the Government fully fund these programs if they are such good programs?
- Do you sell or rent or trade your fundraising lists?
- What information do you collect on donors and why do you collect it?
- I wish to give to Lutherwood but I do not want my name to be published in a Donors List or other publications – what should I do?
- What can I do if I am concerned about the way my personal information has been handled or if I have further questions or concerns about the Foundation’s privacy policy and /or practices?
- I prefer not to receive information or fundraising requests from the Foundation-what can I do?
- What is the difference between Sponsorship and a Gift-In-Kind? When would an income tax receipt be issued?
- Is Lutherwood a United Way Agency?
- I would like to learn more about volunteerism….Who do I contact?
1. How do I make a donation?
It’s easy to make a donation – choose the way that works best for you - by mail, phone using a credit card or online.
2. Who donates to Lutherwood?
Over the past 28 years, more than 10,000 different donors have given gifts to the Foundation. The majority are generous individuals who believe in the mission of Lutherwood. We also have supportive partnerships with corporations, churches, service clubs, employee groups and other charitable foundations. Our Board members and staff are also donors to the Foundation.
3. What percentage of my donation goes to service the clients?
As a registered charitable organization, we must follow Revenue Canada's guidelines which state that 80% of all dollars donated by individuals and companies must go directly to Lutherwood’s services.
4. How many dollars in grant money has the Foundation given in the last 5 years?
Over the past five years the Foundation has provided Lutherwood with grants of 2.7 million dollars. This revenue comes from our generous donors and the investments we have been able to make over the years.
5. Why doesn’t the Government fully fund these programs if they are such valuable programs?
The government recognizes Lutherwood as a worthy social service partner and they do provide us with the base funding. However, Lutherwood provides additional supports that do not qualify for government funding. These supports allow us to provide enhanced service and are effective in supporting the needs of the children.
6. Do you sell, rent or trade your fundraising list?
Absolutely not.
7. What information do you collect on donors and why do you collect it?
The only information we retain on donors is name, address, telephone number and email address. We only use this information to communicate with our donors and in the issuing of tax receipts.
8. I wish to give to Lutherwood but I do not want my name to be published in a Donors List or other publications – what should I do?
We honour all donor privacy requests and we do not publish the personal information of our donors without their consent.
9. What if I have further questions or concerns about the Foundation’s privacy policy and /or practices?
You can read more about our Privacy Policy, or contact the Foundation directly.
10. I prefer not to receive information or fundraising requests from the Foundation-what can I do?
If you let us know by phone, written request or email that you do not wish to receive any further information from us we will honour your request.
11. What is the difference between Sponsorship and a Gift-In-Kind? When would an income tax receipt be issued?
Sponsorship
This is when a company provides funding and receives a benefit in return, such as public profile for its corporate citizenship (i.e. as sponsor of a major foundation event). In this case, an income tax receipt is not issued.
Gift-in-Kind
This may be a donation of a material good that can be used by Lutherwood in its delivery of services to the community. Any in-kind donation would have to come with written evidence of its current value for us to issue a tax receipt. Contact us for more information on the appraisal process.
12. Is Lutherwood a United Way Agency?
Yes and no. United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries provides support to Lutherwood Family Counselling Services. Lutherwood is not a member agency of United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo and does not receive any financial support through them.
13. I would like to learn more about volunteering… Who do I contact?
Lutherwood relies on the energy and contribution of over 300 volunteers a year who help make our programs and services stronger. Read more about volunteering at Lutherwood or if you are interested in volunteering with the Child and Family Foundation please contact us directly.
