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How can I donate?
What percentage of my donation will be
used for relief?
How does UUSC distribute the
aid?
Is my contribution to tsunami relief
tax-deductible?
How does UUSC choose which
organizations to support?
(More questions on
next page)
How can I donate to the
UUSC-UUA Tsunami Relief Fund?
You
can donate to the fund by visiting our
online donation page, or by sending a check made out to "UUSC"
to:
UUSC-UUA Tsunami Relief Fund
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
P.O. Box 845259
Boston, MA
02284-5259
Please write "Tsunami Relief Fund" in the memo line.
If you wish to donate by phone, please call UUSC at 800.766.5236.
What percentage of my
donation will be used for disaster relief?
UUSC's policy is that at least 92 percent of funds collected go
directly to relief efforts. The remaining 8 percent or less cover
the expenses associated with collecting the funds, researching their
best use, and ensuring that we make as great an impact as possible.
The additional costs of the relief effort -- and with a disaster of
this scope there will certainly be additional costs -- must be paid
out of our general operating fund. This is why
membership dues and other unrestricted contributions to the
Service Committee are so important. They not only are the means by
which we do our everyday work of advancing human rights, but also
allow us flexibility and depth in our response to disasters.
How does UUSC
distribute the aid?
After assessing reports from the region, the Service Committee
approves grants to grassroots organizations working to provide
humanitarian assistance and livelihood rehabilitation.
Special attention is given to where the most severe devastation has
occurred, such as Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. We will continue
to receive and evaluate reports. In keeping with our principles and
values as a human rights organization, we are directing the relief
aid to where we can be most effective in assisting women poor and
marginalized populations in rebuilding their shattered lives.
Fishing
communities in all areas have been hardest hit. Already struggling
with poverty and an uncertain livelihood, they now find themselves
completely destitute. Their dwellings are destroyed, their boats,
nets and livelihoods lost and their families destroyed.
One of our partners in India, Sahanivasa, reports that just a
relatively few dollars can go a long way to restoring the
livelihoods to the fishing communities in the affected area of Adhra
Pradesh. According to Sahanivasa, the approximate cost of each fiber
boat is $1,144; each mechanized boat, $458; each catamaran, $229;
each general net, $275; and the estimated cost to rebuild each house
destroyed, $458.
More detailed
information about specific relief efforts is being updated regularly
under How your donations are being used.
Is my contribution to tsunami relief
tax-deductible?
Yes, cash donations to the UUSC-UUA Tsunami Relief Fund are
deductible from federal income taxes. Also, the U.S. Congress
approved legislation to allow taxpayers to claim the deduction for
the 2004 tax year for donations made prior to
Jan. 31, 2005. Donations
made after Jan. 31 can be claimed on 2005 tax returns.
How does UUSC choose
which organizations to support during the current crisis?
UUSC will provide funds to organizations:
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Working with the poorest and marginalized in
South Asia, those people who often fall between the cracks.
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With a vision or mission that conforms to UUSC
history as a human rights organization.
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Working with populations consistent with our
focus on women, children and oppressed ethnic and indigenous
groups.
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That are established UUSC and Holdeen Trust
partners if they work in affected areas.
FAQs continued...
Will my donation make me a member of UUSC?
What does your rating on charity
watchdog websites mean?
Can I make an in-kind donation?
Can I volunteer at UUSC?
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