FAQs

Does 100% of my money really go directly toward meeting the need of the person or family?
This is very important to the Selma’s Story team – to allow an individual to directly impact the life of someone who needs help. So, yes, 100% of your designated donation goes toward the need.
How can you do that?
We rely on Sponsors and Donors like you to help us cover PayPal fees and other operating and administrative costs. If you believe in what we are doing, consider making an additional donation to the Selma’s Story organization. Click here.
Why are you posting stories using Facebook only?
In order to get our organization up and running quickly and to control our start-up costs, we decided to initially communicate stories of need and connect Donors with Recipients using Facebook. We are in the process of developing a fully functional website and will alert our Donors and interested friends when it is launched.
Will I hear more about the Recipient’s need once I’ve donated money?
Yes, we will follow up to let you know about the resolution and, when possible, how the person or family is doing.
How do you find needs?
We work with trusted Field Partners (non-profit organizations already doing worthwhile work in the world) to find individuals and/or families with debilitating or life-changing needs that may fall outside of the partner’s services. For instance, a medical organization in Haiti may determine that a family they serve desperately needs a bicycle to retrieve medications. Or, an orphanage in Tijuana may determine that one of its children has a debilitating injury and requires medical attention to regain her ability to walk.
Where does my donation go?
Donated funds are held by Selma’s Story until the full amount required for the need is collected. Once collected, the funds are dispersed directly to the Field Partners who are responsible for using the funds in a strictly prescribed manner to resolve the Recipient’s need.

Field Partners are mandated to maintain full record of their use of funds in compliance with Selma’s Story requirements.
What qualifies an organization to become a Field Partner?
All Field Partners must
  • Be known and visited on-site by either a Board Member, Founding Member of the Selma’s Story organization, or a 1st generation relation of either, within the last 24 months. Be reviewed for their appropriateness, pass screening criteria, and be subject to on-site operational examinations
In addition, United States-based partners must
  • Provide 501(c)(3) determination letter
  • Submit two years of IRS Form 990s
And internationally-based partners must
  • Provide proof of non-profit status as appropriate for country of origin
  • Adhere to all US Patriot Act requirements
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Selma's Story is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
I have question that isn’t listed here, who do I contact?
We are happy to answer any questions. Simply send an email to info@selmasstory.org. We will respond as quickly as possible.