Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs

What is nonprofitshoppingmall.com?

Simply put, nonprofitshoppingmall.com (NPSM) is a fundraising tool that uses online shopping to drive a new revenue stream of unrestricted funds into a nonprofit organization's annual budget. NPSM is a safe and secure site where your ordinary shopping has extraordinary results. By simply shopping online everyday consumers have the additional benefit of making a contribution to a nonprofit organization of their own choosing, thus turning everyday shopping into everyday giving, everyday.

How does it work?

Nonprofitshoppingmall.com allows consumers to shop online for the things they would normally buy, from the brands they would normally choose, at the prices they would normally pay. When a consumer chooses to shop through NPSM, they're also making a donation to their favorite charity with every purchase. Here's what happens:

  • The retailers listed on the site determine their contribution level. The amounts vary from retailer to retailer and are fully disclosed on the mall pages, along with a direct link to their sites. The amount noted represents the contribution the retailer makes to the non profit via each consumer purchase.
  • All revenue is based on product sales and excludes state taxes and delivery fees. For more information with respect to a specific retailer, please click on the exceptions link in their shopping frame.

Does it cost more to shop through NPSM? Do I have to pay membership fees or anything extra?

No. Prices and services are the exact same you've come to expect from your favorite retail stores. No extra fees or memberships are required.

Must I begin my shopping from NPSM's site or can I just go directly to the retailers?

In order for the nonprofit organizations to benefit from your online shopping, you must begin on this site and choose an organization before you begin. This is the only way a retailer can recognize that your purchase originated from our site, and the only way to direct the proceeds from your sale to your chosen organization.

I bought something from a NPSM retailer and later received a special offer from them via email. If I go to their link via their direct email, will the nonprofit I selected still benefit from the sale?

No. Please remember that you must begin your shopping excursion from this site in order for your selected nonprofit organization to benefit. However, if you received a special coupon code or discount offer from that merchant in your email, you can still benefit from and use the coupon when you shop with that merchant from the NPSM site, just be sure to include their discount or coupon code in your checkout process.

Are the purchases I make on NPSM tax deductible?

No. The money that goes to your favorite cause is a sales commission from your shopping, therefore is not considered a direct donation and is not tax deductible.

I don't know a particular group to support, but I'm interested in certain issues. How can I choose a group without knowing a specific organization I might want to support?

We have provided an opportunity to discover a range of organizations whose work is focused on the issues that mean the most to you. Feel free to review them at your leisure and learn more by clicking on the "explore the issues" button. If you have specific questions, feel free to use the "become a partner" button and we'll try to assist you.

How safe is it to use my credit card when shopping on NPSM?

Each of the retailers listed on our site are well regarded and have been carefully selected based on their reputation. You will be purchasing directly from the retailer and their individual policies regarding security and privacy will be found on each of their unique sites.

My favorite non-profit organization isn't listed here. Can I donate to them anyway?

Not until they've become one of our nonprofit partners but we would love to have you tell us about them! Feel free to use the "become a partner" button located on the lower navigation bar and tell us about the organization you would like to support. We will do our best to add them to the site providing they meet our criteria for inclusion. In the meantime, we hope you'll choose to stay on our site, shop and give to the default organization that we've pre-selected each month to coincide with seasonal or national initiatives.

How long will it take the charities to receive their money from NPSM?

Checks are sent to charities on a quarterly basis, 90 days in arrears. The 90 days allow retailers time to report final sales and account for merchandise returns. NPSM does not issue checks for under $50. Any charity with a balance below $50 will have the balance carried forward quarterly until $50 accrues.

How does a nonprofit organization become a NPSM partner?

To be considered for partnership, please click on the "contact us" button located on the lower navigation bar and tell us about the organization -- please include its mission statement and a brief description of its work.