Frequently Asked Questions About Help This Jew
FAQs for those applying for assistance:
Who is eligible for assistance from Help This Jew?
You must be over 18, and Jewish.
Are there tax ramifications for receiving assistance?
We recommend you speak with a qualified accountant to get an individual answer to this question. There are too many factors for us to give a blanket answer.
How many times can I or a member of my household apply for help?
Just once. We try to offer temporary help to people in need, not ongoing help. However, if you received help from us before and it has been some time since you did so, contact us and explain why you need help again.
How many people in my household can post an application for help?
One. We will take down requests from multiple people in the same household.
How do I apply for help?
Just fill out our online form. It’s very easy to get started.
How long does it take for my application to be fully funded?
It’s impossible to say. We do not make the grants. We simply make your story available for others who may choose on their own whether to help you. Therefore, it is in your interest to try to offer as much information as possible.
How long will it take for you to evaluate my application?
Generally, we try to offer turnaround within one week.
How will you communicate with me?
We will set up a private e-mail box for you at our site. All correspondence will go through that.
Do you help people who are not Jewish as well?
No. At this time, Help This Jew is dedicated only to helping Jews in need. If you are not Jewish and need assistance, please contact us and we can give you the name of other organizations who may be able to help.
Do I need to be a member of a particular branch of Judaism (i.e. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform) to qualify?
No. As long as you are Jewish and can provide a letter from your community rabbi certifying that you are Jewish, you can apply for assistance from us.
FAQs for Donors:
How do you screen people to make sure they really need help?
We have an extensive online form where we ask many probing questions from our clients before they are allowed to post their requests for help on Help This Jew. In addition, all requests for assistance must be accompanied by a letter from the community rabbi.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. We are a registered 501(c)3 corporation and as such, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
How do I make a donation to Help This Jew?
Just fill out our easy form and arrange a way to pay. It won’t take long. You can choose to donate any amount and then distribute it to whomever you feel deserves help.
Is my credit card information secure?
We use industry standard encryption to ensure that all transactions are secure.
Who decides where my money will go?
You do. You can look over the list of requests on our site and choose whom you would like to help.
What is a "point"?
A "point" is equal to $1.
Do I have to be Jewish to contribute?
No.
How long will it take for my money to help a person in need?
Once a request has been fully funded, we immediately issue a check to cover all costs for whatever the project request was.
Can I just give you some money and let you choose whom to give it to?
Yes. Just send us an e-mail and let us know. We’ll distribute your money to whomever we feel could us it most.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Absolutely! Gift certificates are a wonderful way to offer that special someone a gift that they will remember. Our gift certificates do not expire either. The money you donate can always be donated to someone whenever your special someone chooses to do so.
Can you accept matching grants from my employer?
Absolutely. Just send us an e-mail with the details and we’ll work with you to make sure your money does the maximum amount of good possible.
Can I donate tangible goods to Help This Jew?
No. Our program is designed to operate via the Internet and as such, we cannot accept donations of physical goods.
Can I make a recurring donation?
Absolutely. Simply indicate that when you put in your donation.
I have questions that weren’t answered here. Where can I get help?
Just send us an e-mail. We’re happy to talk to you any time.