Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund, Inc. (formerly the Needy Fund) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tax ID (EIN): 22-2480332 Contributions are tax-deductible as charitable contributions under state and federal law. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Gifts made through a Donor Advised Fund, however, are not tax deductible.

On average, 90% of your gift will be used to directly assist year-round Cape & Islands residents. All donations stay local and financial assistance is paid directly to essential service providers. Administrative and fundraising costs are managed responsibly to ensure strong stewardship and sustainability.

We serve year-round residents of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket who are facing a financial crisis. This includes: Working families struggling with unexpected medical expenses Seniors on fixed incomes facing emergency home repairs Single parents dealing with sudden job loss Veterans needing assistance with basic needs Individuals recovering from illness or injury Families affected by domestic situations or family emergencies

The Neighbors Fund provides targeted, one-time assistance to stabilize individuals and families during or immediately after a crisis. Our goal is to prevent a temporary setback from becoming a long-term hardship. What makes us different: 90 years of service (established in 1936) Crisis-based, urgent assistance model to prevent utility shutoffs or evictions. Direct vendor payments only—no cash to clients Strong collaboration with regional partner agencies Donor-funded and community-rooted Focused on immediate stabilization to prevent deeper hardship We do not duplicate services. We fill gaps. Our approach preserves dignity while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Every request goes through a structured intake process that includes: Income verification Household budget review Crisis assessment Referral coordination We ensure assistance is appropriate, necessary, and stabilization-focused.

Clients never receive direct cash payments. All assistance is paid directly to landlords and essential service providers (utility companies, medical providers, fuel companies, etc.) on behalf of clients. This ensures donations are used for their intended purpose.

We accept: Credit and debit cards Checks Donor-Advised Fund grants Stock and securities IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions Corporate checks Online giving platforms, such as PayPal and Google Pay. For other arrangements, please contact us directly.

Yes. Online gifts generate an automatic confirmation followed by a mailed letter if we have your address. Gifts made by check will receive an acknowledgement by mail. DAF or stock gifts receive a written acknowledgment if we are made aware of the donor’s name and address. Year-end giving summaries are automatically sent to monthly donors and are available to all donors upon request.

Absolutely. We welcome memorial and honorary gifts. Please provide the person’s name and, if you'd like, the name and address of a family member who should be notified of your gift (we do not share the gift amount).

You may recommend a grant to: Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund, Inc. EIN: 22-2480332 P.O. Box 36 Hyannis, MA 02601 Most DAF sponsors (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, community foundations, etc.) allow you to recommend grants online. Grants from a DAF are not tax deductible because the donor already received the full charitable deduction when they contributed to the fund. If your DAF requires additional documentation or verification, contact us at giving@neighborsfund.org or 508-778-5661 x105. Many DAF sponsors do not share donor names, if you would like to be acknowledged, please contact us directly. Your gift can remain anonymous if you choose.

Yes. Many DAF platforms allow you to schedule recurring grants. Check with your sponsoring organization for specific options.

Gifts of appreciated stock may provide significant tax advantages, including: Avoiding capital gains tax Receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value (if held more than one year) To initiate a stock transfer: Contact your financial advisor or brokerage firm. Request our stock transfer instructions by emailing giving@neighborsfund.org or calling 508-778-5661 x 105. Please notify us when a transfer is initiated so we can properly acknowledge your gift. Stock gifts are processed at the average value on the date received.

Monthly giving provides steady, predictable support for neighbors facing crisis throughout the year. You can: Set up a recurring gift online through our website using a credit or debit card, or checking account (ACH) Call us at 508-778-5661 x 105 Email giving@neighborsfund.org for assistance Monthly donors play a critical role in sustaining year-round stabilization efforts. Monthly donors receive a total giving statement at the end of the year vs. monthly acknowledgement.

To update, increase, decrease, or pause your monthly gift: Call 508-778-5661 x105 Email giving@neighborsfund.org We are happy to make adjustments at any time.

If you are age 70½ or older, you may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA to the Neighbors Fund. Benefits may include: Satisfying your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Excluding the gift amount from taxable income Consult your financial advisor for details. Our EIN: 22-2480332

Yes. Planned gifts such as bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable trusts ensure that future generations have access to crisis stabilization support. For more information, contact giving@neighborsfund.org or 508-778-5661 x105.

Yes, many employers offer matching gift programs that can double the impact of your donation! Check with your Human Resources department or check to see if your organization has a matching gift program. If documentation is needed, we are happy to assist.

The Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund, Inc.: Is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN: 22-2480332 Holds a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency Publishes annual financial and impact reports on its website Stewardship is central to our mission. Funds are directed responsibly, and assistance is paid directly to essential service providers on behalf of clients.

Yes. You may request anonymity at the time of your donation.

We welcome direct conversation. 508-778-5661 x 105 giving@neighborsfund.org Strong communities endure because people invest in them consistently. Your generosity sustains stability when it matters most.

On average, 90% of your gift will be used to assist Cape & Island neighbors in need. We provide: Annual impact reports showing total households helped and dollars distributed Regular impact stories on our website and social media Detailed financial transparency through our Candid Platinum Seal rating Community updates Stories demonstrating measurable outcomes Last year alone, we helped 4,871 neighbors and answered 7,836 calls for help. We believe trust is earned—and maintained—through accountability and results.

Yes! Ways to support the Neighbors Fund include: One-time donations Monthly recurring gifts Employer matching gifts Planned giving and bequests Stock or securities donations Donor-advised fund grants Corporate sponsorships Fundraising events on our behalf Contact us at giving@neighborsfund.org or 508-778-5661 x105 to discuss these options.

We are proud to hold a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit accountability and transparency.

Email newsletter: Sign up here Social media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theneighborsfund Annual reports: Available on our website here Call us: 508-778-5661 or email: info@neighborsfund.org

Yes! We welcome corporate partnerships. See some of our current partners here. We are also supported by hundreds of individual donors, civic and ecumenical groups, community clubs, and local businesses committed to supporting our neighbors in need. Contact is at giving@neighborsfund.org to discuss corporate giving opportunities, sponsorships, and employee engagement programs.

The Neighbors Fund has been helping Cape & Islands neighbors for 90 years - since 1936. What began as the "Neediest Families Fund" serving just 10 families has grown into a trusted community safety net helping nearly 5,000 neighbors annually.

We're here to help! Contact us: Phone: 508-778-5661 Toll-free: 800-422-1446 TTY: 711 Email: info@neighborsfund.org Mail: Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund, P.O. Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601 Phone lines are open on weekdays.