Donor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are the most frequently asked questions about donating to the Internet Society.
What is the Internet Society?Â
The Internet Society is a global charitable organization empowering people to keep the Internet a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. We believe the Internet is for everyone, and people are at the heart of our mission. Learn more about us.
Where can I find more financial information about the Internet Society?
The Internet Society is committed to transparency. Our latest financial reports are on our Organizational Reports page.Â
Why is the Internet Society asking for donations?
The Internet Society is committed to diversifying our worldwide community of supporters while improving general awareness about our status as a global charitable organization. Contributions help us keep the Internet a place of opportunity for everyone. It is up to us to secure its future.​
What are the Internet Society gift acceptance principles?
The Internet Society is a public charity. We rely on donations for our operations and solicit and accept funding, gifts, and contributions consistent with our mission and vision. Read our gift acceptance principles.
Am I supporting the Internet Society or the Internet Society Foundation with my donation?​
All donations go to the Internet Society, a US 501c3 charity (EIN 54-1650477). As a supporting organization to the Internet Society, the Internet Society Foundation offers funding to our global community and acts as a central, expert source for administrating all grant programs.
How will my donation make a difference?
All gifts support the Internet Society mission. Take a look at our Impact Report to see what we’ve already achieved together.
Do I have to be a member to donate?Â
No, you don’t have to be a member to donate. There are many additional ways to help build the Internet and make it stronger. You can follow us on social media or look at our Get Involved page.Â
Are my donations tax deductible?
Internet Society is a tax-exempt organization under IRC code 501(c)(3). No goods or services have been provided in connection with this gift. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions. Internet Society’s federal tax identification number is 54-1650477.
If I donate, will I receive a confirmation email and tax receipt?
When you contribute through our online donation page, you will receive an email with a PDF tax receipt once your donation is processed. Please retain this email for your records. (Check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see that email arrive in your inbox.) This email will also contain a link to your secure donor portal where your information is stored. The donor portal is a self-service dashboard where you can manage any recurring plans, view donation history, and update your profile information. You can access your portal using a secure link, which is emailed to you each time you want to view their dashboard. For checks, a receipt will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.
If you’re having any trouble, we’re here for you! Email us at [email protected].
Can I get another tax receipt if I lose the one I was sent?
Yes, no problem! If you made a contribution through our online donation page, you will receive a confirmation email. That email will have a link to your secure donor portal where you can download your tax receipt again.
Can I make a recurring donation?
Yes, you can. You can simply choose the “monthly†option on our online donation page. We can also accept checks for recurring payments. Please be sure you mail them to our United States office at Internet Society, 11710 Plaza America Drive, Suite 400, Reston, Virginia, USA, 20190.
How do I update or cancel my recurring donation?
After you donate, you will receive a confirmation email. Please retain this email for your records. The email will have a link to your secure donor portal. The donor portal is a self-service dashboard where you can manage any recurring plans, view donation history, and update your profile information. You can access your portal using a secure link, which is emailed to you each time you want to view their dashboard.
Each recurring plan in the portal includes an option for canceling the plan. When you select the “Edit payment details†option for a recurring plan, it launches a modal with payment settings. From this modal, you can change the amount of your donation, opt in or out of covering transaction costs for the donation, and modify the plan’s frequency, charge date, and payment method.
My payment failed, what do I do?
If your donation payment fails, please attempt to make the donation again with the same method or a different payment method. If your recurring donation failed, please update your payment information on your secure donor portal page.
I would like to donate, but I don’t have any form of online payment. How can I contribute?
Visit our More Ways to Give page to see the many ways you can donate to the Internet Society.
Can I start a fundraiser?
Yes, you can start your own fundraiser or join an existing one. Visit our Start a Fundraiser page and follow the instructions on the page.
How can I get my company to match my donation?
Many companies offer payroll deductions or matching gifts that can double or triple your donation. You may also convert volunteer hours into a cash donation. Check if your employer offers these programs.
When I make a donation, how long do you keep my personal data?
At the Internet Society, we take your privacy seriously. We only keep your personal data for as long as we need it to do our work—and no longer. Read our privacy policy for more details.
How does Internet Society ensure my information is protected?
The Internet Society is committed to the privacy of our members, website visitors, and event attendees. Read our privacy policy.
Can I also make a personal donation directly to a specific Internet Society chapter? ​
Some chapters are able to accept charitable donations, and others welcome support through membership dues. To learn more, we recommend you speak with your local Internet Society chapter directly. Learn more about chapters.Â
I donated! How else can I get involved?
Thank you! You’ve just helped to support a global movement of people dedicated to keeping the Internet open, global, and available to everyone everywhere. There are lots of ways you can get involved. Start by following us on social media and having a look at our Get Involved page.
Who can I contact with questions about my donation?
If you have a question about your donation, contact [email protected].
Image copyright: © Nyani Quarmyne