FAQ

How do I become a member?

Please visit the “Become a Member” section of our website found at 100neighbors.org to complete our Membership & Commitment Form.

As a member what is my commitment?

Membership in 100 Neighbors Who Care includes making an annual, tax-deductible donation of $400 ($100 per meeting) to local charities serving Penobscot Valley. You commit to fulfilling that donation amount even if the charity you voted for is not the selected charity in that meeting. Attendance at the meeting is not mandatory but your donation is. If you are unable to attend a quarterly meeting, you agree to make your donation, by check or online, immediately following the meeting.

When does this group meet?

We meet on a quarterly basis with meetings scheduled in March, June, September, December. The meetings will generally fall on a Monday or Tuesday within the first two weeks of the month. Specifics regarding dates will be provided at the end of the previous quarter’s meeting and will be widely advertised on our Facebook page and website. Additionally, emails with all the information you’ll need will be sent several weeks before the scheduled date to allow you time to plan.

I’m a new member, what should I expect at a meeting?

We are committed to providing a networking opportunity for members prior to the one-hour business meeting, venue and pandemic restrictions permitting.

Business Meeting– This is where the action happens:

The charity receiving the funds from the previous meeting will tell the group how our donations were/will be used and what the impact our donations made on the organization and the community.
The three (3) nominated charities selected randomly at the previous meeting and the members who nominated those three (3) charities or person of their choosing will each have ten (10) minutes to present their charity to the group (no PowerPoint or collateral materials, please). Presenters will allow for a brief Q&A in that 10 mins.
Members will submit their anonymous ballot and the votes are tabulated.
The charity with the most votes is announced.
Checks are written by each member to the selected charity. Donations made through our online giving option are also acceptable.
Checks are collected and you feel great! You just did something amazing and impactful!

How long do meetings last?

We are committed to completing our business meetings in one hour. We will start promptly but if you wish to come earlier, there will be opportunities to socialize before the business meeting.

What if I cannot attend a meeting?

If you cannot attend a quarterly meeting you may submit your donation in one of the following ways:

Give your blank $100 check to a trusted friend who is attending the meeting, ask them to fill in the name of the selected charity, and turn it in for you.
Mail your $100 check once the recipient charity is announced to 100 Neighbors Who Care, 38 Johnson Mill Road, Orrington, ME. 04474. Absent members will receive an email with the pertinent details.
Submit your donation via the online link provided on our “Ways to Donate” page and in the email announcing the charity recipient. If you nominated a charity and it has been approved for consideration, the charity will not be put “in the hat” if you are absent. The nominating member must be in attendance to present the charity to the group. Charity representatives may not present if the nominating member is not present.

May I bring a friend to the meetings?

Yes! We are always looking for people who want to join and support our efforts. However, only registered members are allowed to vote at the meetings. Your friend can complete the Membership & Commitment Form before voting begins if they would like to become a member and vote. They are, of course, able to donate to the selected charity if they feel moved to do so, with or without becoming a member.

Is membership limited to 100 people?

Absolutely not! If we can make a substantial impact with one hundred people, why not grow and make an even greater difference? The more the merrier we say!

What do you do with my personal information?

100 Neighbors Who Care collects your personal information (including name, email address, phone number, and mailing address) strictly for the purpose of keeping in contact with our members. We will not sell, give, or otherwise share your personal information with any third party. Ever. With permission, we may occasionally recognize members via social media and other media. If you want to remain anonymous you must let us know at the time of joining.

How does 100 Neighbors Who Care communicate with its members?

We value your email space! The website will have the most up-to-date information at all times. New members will receive a confirmation/welcome email and the membership will receive emails related to meeting information. We also maintain a Facebook page we recommend you follow for sharing information and photos related to our activities.

Note: Should you wish to discontinue membership at any time, please contact us indicating your withdrawal from the chapter.

How do I nominate a charity?

Once you join our chapter you may nominate a charity. You may have one (1) charity attached to your name at a time. You may change your charity on record at any time. For more information, please visit the “Charities” page of our website.

Do I have to nominate a charity?

No. Many people like to just show up and give. While all members have the opportunity to nominate a charity, it is not a requirement of membership.

Which charitable organizations are eligible for consideration by the chapter?

Please review our “Charities” section for eligibility requirements.

What Standards Must A Charity Meet?

For the purposes of 100 Neighbors Who Care, all charitable organizations up for consideration must be local. A local project associated with a national charity may be considered if 100% of the donated funds stay in the Penobscot Valley community. In addition, the charity must be a 501(c)(3) in business for 24 months, with a history of filing IRS form 990.

Can a charity nominate itself?

No, a charity may only be nominated by a member. If a member has an affiliation with a charity, i.e. they are an officer, board member, employee, or volunteer, they are allowed to nominate that charity and present on its behalf.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, to the extent permitted by law. Your $100 donation is made directly to the charity, NOT to 100 Neighbors Who Care. Currently, IRS tax law requires only a canceled check or bank statement as a record for charitable donations of $250 or less. If, however, you require a tax receipt you may request one directly from the charity itself.

Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?

Sorry, no. The goal of 100 Neighbors Who Care is to make one donation on behalf of our group and its members. To make a BIG impact, our goal is to give thousands of dollars at the end of each meeting. The only way to do that is to make each member’s donation part of the larger donation. This is the power of being a member. We also need to be able to track your donations so you get credit for the donation and remain in good standing. Only members in good standing can nominate and vote.

How much of my donation goes to the administration costs of 100 Neighbors Who Care?

Absolutely zero! 100 Neighbors Who Care is organized and operated entirely by people who volunteer their time. We have no employees. We do not collect any money from our members. Our operating expenses are offset by generous sponsor donations. 100% of funds donated at a meeting go directly to the selected charity! The online donation platform will add a small administrative fee (usually less than $4) to cover its costs and send your full $100 donation to the recipient charity.

Can I donate less than $100?

The short answer is no. The commitment you make as a member is to donate $100 four times per year.