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Frequently Asked Questions for Donors

Thank you for your interest in helping us end hunger here. Your generosity is much appreciated, and we hope to make your giving experience as streamlined and easy as possible. Below is a list of frequently asked questions to simplify the process.

Where can I find a copy of your W-9?
A: Click here to view and download our W-9.

Where can I find a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter?
A: Click here to view and download our 501(c)(3) letter.

What is the GBFB Tax ID #?
A: 04-2717782

How can I get a tax acknowledgement letter for a gift that was already made?
A: For donations made online, you will receive an email receipt that functions as tax acknowledgement within a few minutes of completing the transaction. If you have not received it, please check your spam or junk folder.

For donations made by check or credit card (by mail), an acknowledgement letter will be sent by mail for all donations of $5 or more. Due to COVID-19 and USPS delays, acknowledgement letters may take up to four weeks to be received.

Otherwise, you can request a reprint of your acknowledgement letter here by contacting development@gbfb.org with your name, address, and the date and amount of your contribution.

How can I update my mailing address or opt out of future mailings?
A: Please email us at development@gbfb.org with your name and address.

Our company would like to fundraise from our employees. Do you have some stories about how our gift makes a difference that we can share with our employees?
A: Read our Stories for Hope to learn more about our impact and the many faces of hunger in Eastern Massachusetts. For more information on setting up a fundraiser from your employees, click here.

I want to hold an event to raise money for GBFB. How do I do that?
A: Please reach out to our events department at csingmaster@gbfb.org with specific details about your fundraiser.

What is the mailing address for checks?
A: Please Make checks payable to: The Greater Boston Food Bank

Mailing Address:
70 South Bay Ave.
Boston, MA 02118

We kindly ask that you include your name and address with your gift, so that we can properly recognize and acknowledge your support.

Why is my reply device a Washington D.C. address?
A: The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) changed the partner we use to process donations from generous supporters like you in order to improve our donor experience and operations. Please be assured that although there will be a change in our donation processing center, your gift will still be processed with care and efficiency. To read more about the change please click here.

My company would like to volunteer at GBFB. How can we arrange that?
A: We are currently accepting groups of 15 or fewer volunteers per shift. For more information on our current volunteer opportunities, click here.

What is GBFB’s fiscal year?
A: October 1 through September 30.

How do I give through a Donor Advised Fund?
A: For more information on giving through a Donor Advised Fund, please click here.

We would like to do a food/can drive. Do you accept food at your warehouse?
A: In an effort to enforce social distancing standards and limit traffic in our lobbies and warehouses, we are no longer accepting walk-in food donations. This decision was made for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and partner agencies. We hope you will consider making a financial donation instead.

If you have already organized a food drive or have food you’re interested in donating, visit our Need Food page to find a partner agency in your area. We recommend calling ahead to find out if they’re accepting donations.

For questions, please contact us at 617.427.5200 or food_drive@gbfb.org. For more information, click here.

How do I ask GBFB to confirm my matching gift?
A: Please click here or email matchinggifts@gbfb.org for more information.

Should I donate food or money?
A: Based on our years of creating long-lasting relationships with the food industry and our significant buying power, the most impactful way to help provide food is to make a monetary contribution. For every dollar we receive, we are able to provide three meals.

Can we use your logo?
A: The Greater Boston Food Bank logo is a registered trademark and usage of the logo in promotional activities is limited to those activities preapproved by GBFB. For more information, contact us at development@gbfb.org.

Is my gift and/or my company’s gift taxable?
A: While GBFB is a federally approved non-profit organization, all tax specific questions should be posed to your personal or corporate financial advisors and accountants.

How do I make a gift in honor of or in memory of someone?
A: You can make a donation online in honor or in memory of someone by clicking here. Check the box that says, “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.” If you want a notification email sent, you can enter in the recipient’s name and email address. If you want multiple notifications for one gift, you will need to forward a copy of your acknowledgement from GBFB to those you want made aware of the gift, as the system only allows for one notified party.

What does a donation to the 'General Funds Project' support?
A: A donation to our ‘General Funds Project’, or Unrestricted Operating Support, helps us to purchase and distribute food, support our hunger-relief network across Eastern Massachusetts, protect our frontline workers, invest in digital and technological advancements, and more.

My credit card transaction wouldn’t go through, who do I contact?
A: Please contact us at development@gbfb.org.

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