Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions for Gift Card Purchasers Q. What is it? A. Like any other traditional retail gift card it can be purchased as a gift. The difference is that instead of the recipient receiving a tangible item or service the funds on the card can be used to make a charitable contribution to any of the organizations in the catalog. The purchaser receives the tax deduction and the recipient gets to direct the funds to a program that is most meaningful to them.     Q. When I purchase my gift card is it 100% tax deductible? A. Yes, the gift is tax deductible to the gift card purchaser. The charitable contribution will be made to the Shared Community Benefit Foundation and you will receive a tax donation acknowledgement letter for the amount contributed. The foundation will distribute the funds to the organizations.     Q. What happens if the gift card is not completely used or not used at all? A. The gift card will be issued by a nonprofit organization so the tax deduction is not dependent on if it is redeemed. In addition, the purchaser of the gift card can direct the funds of the unused gift card to the organization of their choice, or equally to each of the participating charities. The gift card funds must be directed by the recipient by April 15, 2010, otherwise the donation will be divided among the charities.     Q. Can I direct the gift card to be used for programs at a specific charity? A. No, not at this time. If you wish the funds to go to a specific program at a specific charity we would suggest that you make a contribution in honor of someone through the web site or by calling the Foundation at 817-922-8297. The Honoree will be sent a recognition letter.     Q. If I give a gift card will I receive the tax deduction or will the recipient? A. The person or organization who purchases the gift card receives the tax deductible letter. That transaction goes to a nonprofit organization.     Q. The gift card idea is great! Can I buy them in bulk to give out? A. give as gifts. Just call the Foundation at 817-922-8297.     Frequently Asked Questions for Gift Card Recipients Q. Where do I redeem the gift card? A. It can be redeemed at www.thegreatestgiftcatalogever.org, or by calling 817-922-8297.     Q. If I am the recipient of a gift card and use it, is the amount of the gift card tax deductible to me? A. No, the amount on the gift card is not tax deductible to you as you are acting as a charitable fund or charitable program director not a donor.     Q. If my gift card is for $50 and I decide to add a contribution of $10.00 to purchase a $60 item in the catalog, is the $10.00 additional contribution tax deductible? A. Yes, and you will receive a tax donation acknowledgement letter for the $10.00 contribution.     Q. If I do not use all of the funds on the gift card what happens to the money? A. The unused funds will be divided among all of the organizations or the organization the gift card purchaser designated.     Frequently Asked Questions for the Greatest Gift Catalog Ever™ Q. Do 100% of the donor contributions go directly to the charity? A. Yes, 100% of the funds give through the catalog go directly to the organization. This is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and supporters. In addition this year we have created mailing labels so that if you are contributing to a single organization you can make your check out to that organization and mail it directly to them using the convenient mailing labels.     Q. Is my donation tax deductible? A. Yes, all of the organizations in the gift catalog are nonprofit organizations, and everyone will receive a gift donation acknowledgement letter from the Shared Community Benefit Foundation.     Q. What if I cannot afford the smallest gift item but want to contribute to a specific charity? A. You can do one of three things. You can either call the charity directly and donate, or the order form or web site that allows you to donate any amount you would like to any of the participating organizations.     Q. I would like to be included in next year’s catalog how do I apply? A. Any 501c3 with a least 5 years of 990s and a final determination letter from the IRS are welcome to apply. Please go to www.thegreatestgiftcatalog.org and download the application. Please remember that applications are due by January 30th for the year you are interested in being included.     Q. How were the charities chosen? A. This year the organizations were chosen by a local advisory board of business, media and community leaders.     Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions When you make a contribution to these organizations you put a big smile on the face of a person in need. I wanted to try to do the same for our donors. We created this least frequently asked questions list to make that happen. My wife limited me to 5 LFAQs and insisted on the (NONE OF THE BELOW IS TRUE) all caps disclaimer. Q. Is it true that the easiest way to take off the 10 pounds you gain during the holiday season is to donate to one of the fantastic organizations in the catalog? A. Yes the donation combined with diet and exercise are a sure fire way to take the 10 pounds off.     Q. If I make a very large contribution do I have to deal with the diet and exercise part? A. Well if it is a sizable donation call us and I will possibly get you a personal trainer.     Q. If I do something to anger my significant other can the gift catalog help? A. Yes. The Gift Catalog is a guaranteed fix all with someone by making a contribution. The procedures to follow would go like this: Step one- forget to mention how wonderful his or her home cooked meal was. Step 2-See the scowl on their face. Step 3-Immediately recognize it as a “I did not get a to compliment on dinner scowl.” Step 4- Go to your desk and pull out donation receipt for a recent contribution made through the catalog. Step 5- Explain to them your absent mindedness was caused because you were distracted because you were thinking about all of the wonderful programs in the catalog to support. Step 6- All is forgiven.     Q. The catalog is creative and people love it. Have you had any other ideas that did not work out as well? A. Two come to mind. During the mid 1970s I tried opening a large nauga farm to capitalize on the increasing demand for nauga hide and in the early 1980s everyone got a Chia pets for the holiday. However like bunnies after Easter no one thought about what happens if they are left outside by themselves and escape. I tried to open a Chia pet animal rescue shelter. Both ideas went down in flames.     Q. If I forget to get that special someone a holiday gift can I blame you for not delivering my gift cards on time. A. Yes for all contributions over $100.00 we will accept full responsibility. For $250.00 we will hand write an apology note and for $1000.00 we will come over and grovel and ask for forgiveness in person. These service are quite popular on December 26th so get your requests in early.