How Does a Non-Profit Sign Up for AmazonSmile?
In today’s digital age, online shopping has become increasingly popular. Amazon, being one of the largest e-commerce platforms, offers a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations to raise funds through its program called AmazonSmile. By signing up for AmazonSmile, non-profits can receive a percentage of the purchase price when customers shop through the AmazonSmile website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how non-profits can sign up for AmazonSmile:
1. Eligibility: Before signing up, ensure your organization meets AmazonSmile’s eligibility criteria. Only 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS are eligible to participate.
2. Create an AmazonSmile account: Visit the AmazonSmile website and sign in with your existing Amazon account or create a new one.
3. Enroll your organization: Once signed in, search for your organization’s name in the AmazonSmile Charity List. If your organization is not listed, you can enroll by clicking on the “Register Now” button.
4. Provide organization details: Fill out the necessary information about your non-profit, including its legal name, address, and mission statement. You will also need to provide an official email address associated with your organization.
5. Verify your organization: Amazon will send an email to the provided email address to verify your organization’s authenticity. Follow the instructions in the email to complete the verification process.
6. Banking information: Next, you will need to enter the banking information for the organization to receive donations. This includes providing the bank account number and routing number.
7. Agree to the participation agreement: Read through AmazonSmile’s participation agreement and click on the checkbox to indicate your agreement to the terms and conditions.
8. Promote your organization: After completing the sign-up process, it’s crucial to spread the word about your participation in AmazonSmile. Encourage your supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries to shop through AmazonSmile and select your organization as their preferred charity.
9. Monitor donations: Once your organization is enrolled in AmazonSmile, you can track your donations and see the impact of your supporters’ purchases on the AmazonSmile dashboard. Payments are made approximately 45 days after the end of the calendar quarter.
10. Stay engaged: Regularly communicate with your supporters, reminding them to use AmazonSmile for their online shopping. Consider including the AmazonSmile link on your website and social media platforms to make it easier for supporters to find and select your organization.
11. Thank your donors: Express your gratitude to those who choose to support your non-profit by shopping through AmazonSmile. Show your appreciation through personalized thank-you emails, social media shoutouts, or even physical thank-you cards.
Common Questions and Answers:
1. How much of each purchase goes to the non-profit?
AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the selected non-profit organization.
2. Can individuals choose more than one non-profit to support?
No, individuals can only select one non-profit to support at a time.
3. Can non-profits from outside the United States participate?
Currently, only non-profits registered in the United States are eligible for AmazonSmile.
4. Can non-profits on AmazonSmile receive donations from international purchases?
Yes, non-profits can receive donations from eligible purchases made by customers worldwide.
5. Are there any fees for non-profits to participate in AmazonSmile?
No, there are no fees associated with signing up for or participating in AmazonSmile.
6. Can non-profits see which supporters have selected them on AmazonSmile?
No, Amazon does not disclose individual customer information to non-profit organizations.
7. Can non-profits receive donations from purchases made through the Amazon app?
Yes, as long as the purchases are made through the AmazonSmile website or app.
8. Can non-profits view the total amount donated to them by AmazonSmile?
Yes, non-profits can view their donation reports on the AmazonSmile dashboard.
9. Can non-profits use AmazonSmile to raise funds for specific campaigns or projects?
Yes, non-profits can use the funds received through AmazonSmile for any purpose within their organization.
10. Can non-profits promote AmazonSmile by using the Amazon logo?
No, non-profits are not permitted to use the Amazon logo without explicit permission from Amazon.
11. Can non-profits receive donations from purchases made on Amazon’s international websites?
No, AmazonSmile donations only apply to purchases made on the AmazonSmile website or app in the United States.
By following these steps and promoting AmazonSmile to your supporters, your non-profit can generate additional funds to support your cause while your supporters shop on Amazon.