WIRE-Net - Donor Opportunities

4855 W. 130th Street, Suite 1
Cleveland, OH 44135-5137
216-588-1440 • 216-588-1439 Fax

Frequently Asked Questions

1. WIRE-Net is a 501(C)3 tax-exempt organization.
2. WIRE-Net adopted the “Donor’s Bill of Rights” in 2001.

3. WIRE-Net’s Inside-Out Approach.

4. WIRE-Net Board of Directors, Executive and Finance Committees oversee operations.
5. An independent CPA audits WIRE-Net.
6. How to get WIRE-Net’s annual tax filing to the IRS.
7. WIRE-Net’s Fund Development efforts.
8. The design of WIRE-Net’s Annual Appeal.
9. It’s all organized around our Strategic Plan.
10. To get involved, please contact us.

1. WIRE-Net is a 501(C)3 tax-exempt organization: All contributions to WIRE-Net are tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor for answers to your specific tax questions.

2. WIRE-Net adheres to the “Donor’s Bill of Rights.”*

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in WIRE-Net, we declare that all WIRE-Net donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers of the organization or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

3. WIRE-Net follows the “inside-out” approach to fund development: Beginning with the people who know our work the best. This includes our Board of Directors, Staff, members and finally, stakeholders and supporters who share an interest in WIRE-Net’s mission. Historically, 100% of WIRE-Net's staff and Board contribute to the organization.

4. WIRE-Net Board of Directors, Executive and Finance Committees oversee operations: To ensure that WIRE-Net remains focused on our public purpose, and that the resources of the organization are managed with integrity, WIRE-Net has active leadership.

5. An independent CPA audits WIRE-Net’s financial statements annually: Copies of the audit are available by contacting WIRE-Net.

6. WIRE-Net’s annual tax filing to the IRS: Available for your viewing on-line at the Guidestar website, an independent organization which provides donor information for over 1 million non-profit organizations.

7. WIRE-Net’s Fund Development efforts: A volunteer-led Annual Appeal, which raises primarily unrestricted funds to support the organization’s services; efforts that identify private foundations in northeast Ohio and nationally that support our mission and programs; and sustaining efforts to attract public investment in programs and services that “reduce the burden of government” (such as our job training and youth development programs).

8. WIRE-Net Annual Appeal: Designed to ensure that potential donors are approached once; to maximize the relationships of our leadership and donors to identify others who may support our work; and culminates in an Annual Celebration. Please join us!

9. WIRE-Net’s 2006-2008 Strategic Plan: Articulates the the Mission, Vision and Strategies of the organization. Our fundraising (and friend-raising) efforts are designed to help us effectively implement this plan. For a summary of the plan, click here.

10. Our Board and staff would be happy to talk with you about our work and your interest in supporting it financially or by volunteering. Please contact us.

* Organizations who developed the Donor Bill of Rights are the American Association of Fund Raising Council (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE).