Here’s how CareGifters works:

• You must be a member of Caregiving.com in order to apply for CareGifters. The application asks for your member page (www.caregiving.com/members/YourUserId). To register at Caregiving.com, just go to Caregiving.com.
• We select recipients of CareGifters funds based on need. When we review the applicants, we ask: Who needs this most? Then we choose a recipient.
• Our selection committee chooses the recipients. Want to be on the selection committee? Submit an application here.
• If you receive our funds, we ask that you use the money to resolve or minimize one (or more) of your top three challenges. Your challenge may be that you need to make changes in the house, so you’ll use the money to offset the costs of renovations. Or, your challenge may be that you’re strapped for cash and can’t hire help so you can take weekly breaks. So, you’ll use the money to hire weekly help. Or, your challenge may be that you’re overwhelmed by the costs of your caree’s medications. So, you’ll use the money to offset those costs.  Or, you feel like you’re losing your mind because of caregiving so you’ll use the money to hire a therapist or coach. Or, you hate the state of your house but can’t find the time to clean, so you’ll use the money to hire a cleaning service. Bottom line: CareGifters funds your solutions.
• Don’t worry about whether or not your challenge sounds serious enough to apply for funds. It just has to be a challenge for you.
• If you are selected, then we’ll ask you to share how you used the money you received and its impact by telling your story on Caregiving.com, CareGifters and Your Caregiving Journey talk show. This is important for two reasons:
  • 1. You show the gifters that their money went to good use.
  • 2. You share with other family caregivers how you resolved a challenge. You’ll note that, in the application form, you agree to this provision. Your agreement is required in order for you to receive funds.
• We will keep applications on file so if you’re not chosen immediately, you may be chosen at another time.
• Our goal is to raise $500 for each family caregiver chosen. We’ll do our best to get as much as possible.
• To the best of our knowledge, recipients of CareGifters funds do not have to pay tax on what they receive. You can check with your tax advisor for any questions you have.
• CareGifters.org is operated by The Center for Family Caregivers, non-profit organization registered in Illinois. At this time, donations are not tax deductible. We are working on establishing a tax exempt status with the IRS.
• Recipients receive funds raised online except for the PayPal transaction fee, which is it is 2.9% plus $0.30 USD. For each $5 donation, PayPal will take about 45 cents.

Finally, please be flexible with us. We may have to modify or revise our guidelines as we go. We’ll keep you posted of any changes.

Questions? Email denise@caregifters.org.