Frequently Asked Questions From Donors
WHAT IS THE SOLIDARITY CENTER?
The Solidarity Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in the U.S. as the largest worker rights organization worldwide with a focus on the Global South. Our mission is to empower workers to raise their voice for dignity on the job, justice in their communities and greater equality in the global economy. Our vision is that all people who work will receive the reward of their work — decent paychecks and benefits, safe jobs, respect and fair treatment. Workers can collectively improve wages and workplaces, and be a force for democracy, shared prosperity and inclusive economic development.
WHAT IS THE SOLIDARITY CENTER EDUCATION FUND?
The Solidarity Center Education Fund is the 501(c)(3) public charity arm of the Solidarity Center with outreach and education campaigns for working people in their communities all over the world.
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Since its founding in 1994, the Solidarity Center has worked in more than 60 countries in the Global South. The Solidarity Center currently has more than 30 field offices with more than 200 dedicated staff working to strengthen and support worker rights around the globe. Our staff include labor activists and local labor organizers with expansive regional expertise and knowledge on global supply chains and labor issues including just transition, climate change, gender-based violence and harassment at the workplace.
“The work of the Solidarity Center has never mattered more."
“The work of the Solidarity Center has never mattered more. I especially want to applaud the courage and determination of your organizers around the world. Your staff is not only building the next generation of labor organizers abroad, but often doing so in difficult and sometimes even dangerous conditions. So, thank you all for what you’re doing to build a brighter future for workers worldwide.”
— Senator Menendez, Ranking Member, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, March 9, 2020 at the AFL-CIO
How is the Solidarity Center funded?
The programs of the Solidarity Center as a trusted force for democracy and worker rights have been supported by several institutions, such as international labor organizations, the AFL-CIO, progressive private foundations, the National Endowment for Democracy, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other international development agencies. Over the past 20 years, the Solidarity Center has become a deeply trusted partner for local unions and civil society organizations worldwide with a recognized team of 200+ labor organizers and activists standing side by side with them for social justice.
We are thankful for funding from progressive private foundations that are aligned with our values. Private funders include the Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, Humanity United and Laudes Foundation.
The Solidarity Center is also supported by charitable contributions from individuals who wish to support the Solidarity Center’s mission to promote worker rights for a just economic development. You can make your own gift here.
Is the Solidarity Center independent from the U.S. government?
Yes. The Solidarity Center is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization.
Do you adhere to the principles of the Association of Fundraising Professionals?
The Solidarity Center adheres to the principles of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, such as the Code of Ethical Standards and Donor Bill of Rights.
DO YOU OFFER GRANTS?
No. The Solidarity Center is not a grant-making organization.
HOW CAN I MAKE A GIFT?
We accept gifts online through our website here.
By phone: call 202.834.8725 to charge by phone
By mail: Please mail a check directed to the Solidarity Center Education Fund to our Washington, DC office: ATTN: Arina C. Lester, Lead Development Officer, 1130 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036
What are my Donation Options?
Read about your donation options here.
WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING?
Planned giving includes a variety of ways you can help Solidarity Center while also advancing your own financial and personal goals. For more information, please contact our Lead Development Officer, Arina C. Lester at [email protected]
WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF PLANNED GIFTS?
- Bequests: Bequests are made primarily through gifts of cash, securities, real estate, and tangible personal property.
- Retirement Plans: Solidarity Center is designated as a beneficiary of the remainder or a percentage of the remainder of your retirement plan.
- Other Ways to Give: In-kind donations are appreciated, such as legal counsel, marketing designs, and event spaces.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DONATING ONLINE?
Online credit card donations allow Solidarity Center to receive funds faster, without having to spend time processing checks, and save you from spending money on a stamp. In addition, you will receive your tax-deductibility letter confirming your donation immediately after making a donation.
ARE INTERNATIONAL DONATIONS ACCEPTED?
Yes. The Solidarity Center accepts both checks and credit cards.
ARE DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES?
Yes (gift donations only). The Solidarity Center Education Fund as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization can accept tax-deductible donations.
WILL I RECEIVE A RECEIPT?
Yes; anyone who donates a gift of any amount will receive a receipt. If you need a duplicate receipt, please contact our Lead Development Officer at [email protected] .
WHAT IS THE SOLIDARITY CENTER EDUCATION FUND’S EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN), ALSO KNOWN AS A FEDERAL TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER?
52-1984719
HOW QUICKLY WILL MY DONATION BE PROCESSED?
Typically, donations are processed within two weeks from when they are received at Solidarity Center.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY COMPANY WILL MATCH MY GIFT?
The Benefits or Human Resources Office of the donor’s employer (or the donor’s spouse’s employer) will be able to provide necessary information on the company’s Matching Gift Program and the method the company uses to process matching requests.
CAN I MAKE A CONFIDENTIAL DONATION?
Yes. Please let our Lead Development Officer, Arina C. Lester at [email protected] know if you wish that your gift remain confidential.
CAN I MAKE A GIFT IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE?
Yes. Gifts in memory or in honor of an individual can be made during one’s lifetime or through bequests. You can indicate this either in writing or online.
WHO CAN I CALL IF I NEED HELP MAKING A GIFT OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAMS?
If you have questions, please write the Lead Development Officer, Arina C. Lester at [email protected] and 202-974-8357.
