FISHER HOUSE FAQs

Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering
Q. Do Fisher Houses need volunteers? What skills or background are needed?

A. Fisher Houses™ have full-time salaried managers, but depend on volunteers and voluntary support to enhance daily operations and program expansion. Volunteering is done at the local level. Please complete the Volunteer Application or request further information by telephoning:   850-883-8072

Q. Is there a charge to stay at a Fisher House?

A. No. Fisher Houses at VA medical centers do not charge a room fee; and effective October 1, 2006, all room fees for guest families at all Army, Navy, and Air Force Fisher Houses are paid by Fisher House Foundation.

Financial considerations:
Q. I have seen statements that no government funds are used for the program. Is this true?

A. There is unique legislation for the Fisher House program. For building new houses, the Foundation has received Congressionally appropriated funds. Once an individual house is given to the military, it is supported by three sources of funds: (1) from the income generated by a Congressionally approved trust fund maintained by each military service. (These funds are referred to as "nonappropriated funds.") (2) from the daily fee each family is asked to pay (although the fee is waived at many houses) and (3) voluntary donations, from individuals and organizations. Included in this category is the annual Combined Federal Campaign. Houses located at VA medical centers do receive support from tax dollars.

Q. Why are we asked to donate if the government pays?

A. The government pays only a portion of the costs. Ours is a "unique private ­ public partnership," and in many instances, because the funds benefit a specific individual or family, laws or regulations prohibit the expenditure of government funds, but do permit the expenditure of privately donated funds.

Q. What percent of the money spent is for administration?

A. When nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt file their annual federal tax return (IRS Form 990), they are required to categorize each expenditure in three categories: program expense, administration, and fundraising.  For more information, contact us directly.

Donating:
Q. Where do I mail a donation?

A. Please visit our Donation page, print the Donation form and mail it to:
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast
P.O. Box 2007
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida 32542

Designating a donation
Q. Can I designate a donation "in honor of" or "in memory of" an individual or organization?

Q. Will you notify the person being honored or a relative of an "in honor of" donation?

A. Yes. If we are provided the name and address of the individual to receive an acknowledgement, we will send a card telling that individual of the donation, but not specifying the amount. We will also send an acknowledgement to the donor so the donor will have a record for tax purposes.

Tax Deductibility:
Q. Are donations tax deductible?

A. Yes, for those who itemize deductions when filing their tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a receipt only if a donation is $250 or more. For further information, please contact the IRS.

Securities:
Q. Can I donate stock or other negotiable securities?

A. Yes. Mr. Joe Oder, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Vice President, is the point of contact. Please telephone: (850) 502-0496, or by email at joe.oder@joderconsulting.com

In Kind Donations:
Q. Do you accept in-kind donations?

A. Not routinely. We never accept used furniture, toys, clothing, etc. for health reasons.

Mailing Lists:
Q. Is my personal information (name, address, amount of donation) kept private?

A. Yes. We do retain your information in our data base, but only so it is available for review by our auditors who ensure we are in compliance in all laws affecting nonprofit organizations. We do not sell or trade names of donors, nor do we do direct mail or telephone solicitations.