Question 1

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Where does my donation go?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Who receives assistance from the Neighbors Fund?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

How does the Neighbors Fund differ from other charities?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How are clients screened?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do clients receive funds?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Will I receive a receipt?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Can I donate in honor or memory of someone?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 10

How do I make a gift through my Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Can I use my DAF for recurring gifts?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

How do I donate appreciated stock or securities?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I start a monthly recurring gift?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How do I change or cancel my recurring gift?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Can I make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from my IRA?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Can I include the Neighbors Fund in my estate plans?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can my employer match gifts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How is financial transparency maintained?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Can I remain anonymous?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

What if I have additional questions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

How do I know my donation is making an impact?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Are there other ways to give besides cash?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

What is your Candid rating?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 24

How can I stay updated on your work?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 25

Can my company become a corporate sponsor?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

How long has the Neighbors Fund been serving the community?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

What if I have other questions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently Asked Questions