Donor FAQ

Are my contributions to Speak Up tax-deductible?

Speak Up is incorporated in the State of California, and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.  All contributions are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law.

How do I know my donation is being used wisely?

Speak Up for the Poor works hard to keep administrative costs low so that your donation has as high an impact on the lives of the girls we serve as possible. Click here to view our financial records.

What percentage of your budget goes to administration?

Currently about 87% of contributions go to program costs, 5% to administration, and 8% to fundraising.

> View Form 990’s showing our financial records

How can I give online?

Make a donation to Speak Up for the Poor via our secure website. Donate here.

How can I contribute by check?

To contribute by check, please make your check payable to Speak Up for the Poor, and mail it to Speak Up for the Poor, PO Box 5595, Pasadena, CA 91117.

Will my employer match my gift to Speak Up for the Poor?

Many companies match employee contributions to charitable organizations. Please check with the personnel office of your company to find out if your contributions to Speak Up for the Poor can be matched, or select Speak Up for the Poor as the recipient of your contributions through the employee giving platform used by your company. Thank you!

If a representative of your company has questions about matching giving to Speak Up, they may contact Dave Palmer, dpalmer@speakupforthepoor.org, or by phone at (909) 589-9065.

Can I make a gift of stock to Speak Up for the Poor?

Yes, Speak Up can accept gifts of stock. And, when stock is donated directly to a charitable organization such as Speak Up for the Poor, no capital gains taxes are assessed. For instructions on how to transfer a stock gift to Speak Up, please contact Dave Palmer, dpalmer@speakupforthepoor.org, or by phone at (909) 589-9065.

Can I make a gift to Speak Up for the Poor from my IRA?

Yes, Speak Up is able to receive IRA charitable contributions (also known as Qualified Charitable Distributions, QCDs). Individuals who are 70 ½ years old or older, and who contribute from their IRA to a qualified organization such as Speak Up for the Poor pay no income tax on the money donated, and the contribution can satisfy all or part of your required annual minimum IRA distribution. Contact Dave Palmer, dpalmer@speakupforthepoor.org, or by phone at (909) 589-9065 for more information.

Does Speak Up for the Poor share donors’ information?

Speak Up will never share or sell your information.

Can I help raise funds for Speak Up for the Poor?

Yes. Many of our donors have created birthday fundraisers, or other fundraisers on social media, in support of Speak Up. Donors have also hosted events with friends and family at which a Speak Up staff does a presentation about our work, and donors have shared about our work directly with friends, family, and colleagues in order to find new sponsors for girls in our Girls Education Program.  If you are interested in hosting an event (in person, or online), or helping raise funds or find new sponsors for Speak Up, please contact Dave Palmer, dpalmer@speakupforthepoor.org, (909) 589-9065. 

How can I get updates from Speak Up for the Poor?

Sign up for our email newsletter using the form in the footer of our webpage. You can also follow the Speak Up Girls Education Program on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

What if I have other questions?

Please contact Dave Palmer, dpalmer@speakupforthepoor.org, or by phone at (909) 589-9065 with any questions, or for more information about Speak Up for the Poor. Thank you!