How do I donate?
Donating is easy, and can be done in one of several ways:
1. Donate online here and now! Click the orange "Donate" button in the right-hand column. Your online donation is processed securely through PayPal
2. Write us a check or give us cash. Checks can be made out to St. Raphael Church, and should be marked ReNew Orleans or NOLA in the memo field. Your donation can be dropped in the St. Raphael Parish Office, or mailed to us at:
Attn: ReNew Orleans
1104 Fifth Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901.
3. Visit one of our fundraisers and support us there! Check our main blog page for details on upcoming fundraisers. We have bake sales, car washes, T-shirt sales, and dining nights at local restaurants planned -- join us for any or all of these FUNdraisers!
Is my donation tax deductible?
YES!* Your donation is made to St. Raphael Church, in the Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco. We do not have a 501(c)3 Tax ID number, but are recognized by the Federal and State governments as a tax-exempt organization, making your donation tax deductible.
*If you are receiving something in exchange for your money -- purchased goods or services, such as dinner, baked goods, or a car wash, that is unfortunately NOT tax deductible. However, by paying ReNew Orleans for these things instead of another group or organization, you can still feel good about supporting our Mission Trip, even without the tax savings.
Can my donation credit a specific trip member or members?
Definitely! If you write a check, add the person or persons' name(s) in the Memo area. If you donate online, you can add a name or names in the final screen before your PayPal checkout. Each participant is asked to raise their $1,000 through a combination of individual donors and participation in group fundraisers, so this helps us track who is raising money and how close each person gets to his or her goal.
How does the money get used?
The biggest piece of our budget goes toward airfare, about half. After that, our next biggest expenses (in order) are housing, ground transportation, and food -- we eat a couple of meals out, but mostly cook for ourselves in kitchen facilities provided in our volunteer housing. We also allocate a small amount per person for incidentals -- doing laundry, buying Tylenol for a youth with a headache, etc.
As of July 4, 2012, we have raised $37,000 of our $40,000 goal.
Do you have a question not listed here? Ask us directly! Email us at reneworleansbayarea@gmail.com!
