Frequently Asked Questions:
Which charitable organizations are eligible for consideration by the group?
In order to be considered at a meeting, the organization must be based in Greater Victoria, with a focus on the Western Communities and it must be a registered not-for-profit or charitable organization eligible to provide tax receipts for donations. It must be previously established (no start-ups). No national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered at this time as the current focus is on contributing to our local community. An organization that is selected for the group donation may not be considered again for three years. The exception is a specific program within a large organization (for example a specific department or program within a hospital), which may be considered again after one year for a different program or department. Any member wishing to submit a charitable organization for consideration must complete our online "Nominate a Charity" form, at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Absolutely. Only registered not-for-profit and charitable organizations will be sponsored by the group. Cheques are written directly to the charitable organization and NOT to 100 Women Who Care Westshore. Tax receipts will be issued directly by the charitable organization.
How is the organization that receives the group donation chosen?
A member can submit the name of a local organization 1 week (preferably more than one week) prior to the next meeting. These nominated charities will be drawn at random from a hat during the meeting. Once drawn, the nominating members will be asked to come up and give a short 5 minute presentation as to why the organization they are nominating should receive the donation. After listening to three presentations, we all vote. At the next meeting, representatives from the winning charity will come and make a presentation (up to twenty minutes) about what they are accomplishing, and how our donations made a difference. This presentation is always wonderful to witness. We encourage members to participate by submitting the names of local, needy, charitable organizations!
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
It is very important that all cheques are received by the day of the meeting! A big impact can not be made for our charities if many of the women back out last minute.
If a member cannot attend a meeting she can do one of two things:
1. She can send in a blank, signed cheque with a trusted friend to the meeting. The friend will write in the name of the charity that is chosen on the check and give it to the organizers on her behalf. The friend may not vote on behalf of the absent member. We can only count the votes of members who are present at the meeting;
2. She can drop her blank cheque off in a secure lock box located at -currently undetermined-.
If a member cannot attend a meeting she can do one of two things:
1. She can send in a blank, signed cheque with a trusted friend to the meeting. The friend will write in the name of the charity that is chosen on the check and give it to the organizers on her behalf. The friend may not vote on behalf of the absent member. We can only count the votes of members who are present at the meeting;
2. She can drop her blank cheque off in a secure lock box located at -currently undetermined-.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
Because the goal of 100 Women Who Care Westshore is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group, the answer is no. We want to be able to support this endeavour and give $10,000+ dollars at a time to make a large impact in our community with each member's donation being part of the larger donation. This is the power of joining forces! We also need to be able to track your donations so that you get credit for the donation and remain eligible for submitting charities and voting at meetings.
How long do the meetings last?
Meetings are organized to be an hour of your time, with an optional half an hour to stay and mingle at the end.
Can I bring a friend to the meeting?
Of course you can! We are always seeking women who care! However, in order to vote she will need to sign a Commitment Form and become a member. Otherwise she is free to observe and contribute a donation if she likes.
Does any of my donation go to administration costs of 100 Women Who Care?
Absolutely not! 100 Women Who Care Westshore is organized and operated entirely by volunteers. 100% of the money raised at our meetings goes directly to the selected organizations (cheques are only written to our chosen charities).
What do you do with my personal information
100 Women Who Care Westshore collects your personal information (including name, address, email address, phone number) strictly for the purpose of maintaining our membership list. We will not sell, give or otherwise share your personal information without your express consent, unless required by law.
