FAQ

Take a moment and read through our frequently asked questions below. For immediate assistance, you may contact a GiveGab Customer Success Representative by using the chat bubble located in the right-hand corner of your screen. 

Nonprofit FAQ

Q. If I have questions, who can I contact?

Please contact the GiveGab Customer Success team at support@givegab.com or via the blue chat bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the Giving DuPage Days website. Please note that using the chat bubble may not result in an immediate reply. They will be able to assist you with almost anything you might need or will connect you to the right person to help you. 

Q. What is Giving DuPage Days and what does Giving DuPage do?

Giving DuPage Days event is a 1-day online community fundraiser to support and create awareness for nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County. Donors can give online at givingdupageday.org on May 1, 2025. Giving DuPage is the organization that hosts this event. We serve as the DuPage County Volunteer Center, with a mission to promote giving and volunteering countywide. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a public-private partner of DuPage County

Q. How is this event different from other fundraisers taking place?

Giving DuPage Days is an online multi-charity fundraiser, to raise over $300,000 for over 80 local charities serving DuPage County. This event is the largest local fundraiser supporting so many nonprofit organizations in one event. Our intention is to provide capacity-building resources and send a resounding message of hope to our nonprofit community. 

Q. When is Giving DuPage Days taking place?

Giving DuPage Days is on May 1, 2025. Donors can give online on May 1 or donate by mail with a postmarked date of April 17 - May 1. 

Q. Is my organization eligible to participate?

To participate in Giving DuPage Days, a nonprofit organization must be: 

    • Legally recognized by the IRS as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (refer to IRS compliance here) 
    • Provide programs and services predominantly serving residents of DuPage County through their nonprofit organization 
    • Legally registered with the Attorney General’s Office to solicit donations in Illinois (learn about annual registration here) 
    • Be willing to provide their latest year 990 filing  


Organizations serving multiple counties are eligible to participate, as long as there are programs/services provided within DuPage County.  
Houses of worship and K-12 schools are not eligible to participate in Giving DuPage Days. However, distinctive, ongoing programs that benefit the community offered by faith groups or schools, that have 501(c)3 status, (e.g., childcare programs, food pantries, scholarship assistance) may be eligible. One-time faith or school projects are not eligible. 


Giving DuPage Days is not intended to raise funds for a capital campaign or for a donor to fulfill an existing donation pledge. As the host organization, Giving DuPage is not a regulatory agency. We do not, nor do our event partners, express or imply endorsement of any nonprofit organization through participation in this giving day event. 


Participating charities in Giving DuPage Days attest they have met the eligibility criteria and agree to the terms & conditions. 
 

If you have questions about whether or not your organization is eligible to participate, please contact givingdupage@dupagecounty.gov.  

Q. How much does it cost to participate?

Nonprofit organizations pay a one-time fee every year to join this event. This participation fee is based on whether the organization is based inside or outside DuPage County. The participation fee is paid during registration and is $135 for organizations based inside DuPage County and $250 for those based outside the County, but still serving County residents. Charity registration opens on February 17. The last day for nonprofit organizations to register is March 14.

Q. What is the benefit to my nonprofit organization to participate in Giving DuPage Days?

Nonprofit organizations receive a lot of resources, training, and tips as a part of their participation in Giving DuPage Days. These benefits include: 

    • Training Webinar and an On-Demand Video Library (short videos & includes slides!) - you will have so much help to ensure success for Giving DuPage Days. 
    • New supporters for your organization - Giving DuPage engages organizations, businesses, community organizations, and faith groups countywide to learn about participating charities. We serve as a connector agency and always want to link generous people with local causes! 
    • Nonprofit Toolkit - this toolkit contains so many resources for community engagement, building board support, sample emails, social media tips & tricks, communications milestones, and graphics to download. 
    • Increase your reach on social media, promote your organization, and create awareness for your cause - success for this day depends on driving engagement and reach on social networks. We expect thousands of people to visit and view the charity profiles during this event. 
    • Be a part of a countywide fundraiser - our goal is to send a resounding message of hope to the DuPage nonprofit community. Local charities serve DuPage residents and this event is about providing them with critical fundraising support for community organizations. We are lifting many charities up all in one awesome, feel-good event! 

Q. How much of the donation will go to our organization?

GiveGab, this donor platform, retains a 3.5% campaign management fee from all donations. Credit card processing fees are an additional 2.5% + $0.30. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. These fees are often paid by the donor with each online transaction. There is no fee for offline donations.  
 

For this event, 90% of every donation ($9 of every $10 dollars) will go to the charity of choice selected by the donor and 10% ($1 of every $10 dollars) will be distributed to Giving DuPage, as the host organization. Giving DuPage uses the funds to offset event expenses and to promote volunteerism year-round, as the County’s Volunteer Center. 100% of offline donations goes to the receiving organization.  
 

100% of every donation benefits nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County. All donations are issued a receipt for tax purposes. 

Q. What forms of donations are accepted?

MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express donations are received through givingdupageday.org. You can also donate directly from your bank account using Plaid with a donation minimum of $100. You can learn more about using your bank account for your donation by viewing this article. 

Q. What is the deadline to ensure my participation in Giving DuPage Days?

The deadline to register your nonprofit organization for Giving DuPage Days is March 14.

Q. How do I donate by mail?

Follow these steps: 

    • Complete the form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s). 
    • Write a single check for the total amount payable to “Giving DuPage.” 
    • Mail your check and form Giving DuPage, 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187. 


Mail-in donations must be postmarked April 17 - May 1 to be included in Giving DuPage Days. 

Q. When will mailed donations be visible on the website?

Donations will not appear on the website until the giving day on May 1. Depending on the number of donations, there is no guarantee that donations postmarked after April 24 will be visible on the website by May 1. As mailed donations continue to arrive after the giving day, they will be added to the website and the leaderboard and organizational totals will continue to increase. 

Q. What else should I know about mailed donations?

A few tips: 

    • Complete the donation form entirely and legibly - this makes a big difference when processing your gift. 
    • Double-check your math on the form so your total donation amount equals the sum of all your individual donations (if making multiple gifts). 
    • Be sure to include how you want your name to appear publicly or if you prefer to be anonymous to the public. 

Q. Can more than one staff person claim admin access to our organization's page?

Yes, pending approval from existing administrators. All administrators must create profiles on GiveGab. Every person who has administrative access will receive emails about updates to their page. Click here to learn how to add an admin and click here to learn how to remove an admin. 

Q. Can I preview the donation process that my donors will experience?

You cannot preview a donor's donation process before Giving DuPage Days, but you can watch this video to see how donors can make a gift and the options available to donors in the process. 

Q. How does my organization know who has donated and how much? Can I download a donor report?

Participating charities can access and download a .CSV file of donations received specifically to their organization via their administrative dashboard, with the ability to create a custom 'thank you' message for donors. The exception is if the donor chooses to remain anonymous. 

Q. When will we receive the donated funds?

Giving DuPage will mail checks within 30 days of Giving DuPage Days to participating organizations for the amount raised, plus Bonus Pool payout. Timeline is subject to change if unexpected circumstance arise.  

Q. Who issues the tax-deductible donation letter to donors?

All donations will be officially receipted with a tax-deductible letter automatically after the donation is processed. Since donations made for this event are hosted by Giving DuPage, any donation made will appear as a donation to ‘Giving DuPage’ on your credit card statement. These funds will then be distributed to the intended charity of choice.  

Q. How does the Bonus Pool Work?

The Bonus Pool is awarded to all participating nonprofits based on the percentage of the overall Giving DuPage Days total they raise. For example: If a nonprofit raises 2% of our giving day total, they receive 2% of the Bonus Pool…if they raise 5% of the grand total, they get 5% of the Bonus Pool. No single organization may receive more than 7% of the total Bonus Pool in a given year. Learn more here. 
 

Q. What is GiveGab/Bonterra?

GiveGab is an online giving platform that helps nonprofit organizations raise money, engage donors, and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. GiveGab is the platform used to process all online donations during Giving DuPage Days. 

Q. What portion of a donation made for Giving DuPage Days is tax deductible?

Donors usually cover processing fees associated with their gift. After fees, the entire amount is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donors will see the total amount they give to each organization reflected in their tax-deductible donation email receipt. The tax-deductible amount in the email receipt will include any additional amount to cover the fees. 

Q. What is state charitable solicitation registration?

Nonprofit organizations are held to a high standard of government regulation and public scrutiny. Eligible 501(c) nonprofits are exempt from federal corporate taxes and have access to public funding. Laws are in place to protect the public and ensure nonprofits do not abuse financial advantages. The IRS and the Illinois Attorney General have requirements for nonprofit organizations. 

Q. Why is state charitable solicitation registration compliance important?

While 501(c) nonprofit organizations receive key financial benefits, penalties for noncompliance can be serious. The IRS can revoke a nonprofit’s status and levy daily fines for penalties or non-compliance. 


If your organization is a participating charity of Giving DuPage Days, please ensure it is compliant with federal and state regulations and confirm your organization is in good standing. 

Q. Why is our organization asked to provide our 990 tax filing with registration?

The IRS provides tax exemptions to eligible nonprofits under IRC 501(c). Public charities and private foundations receive 501(c)(3) tax exemption. The IRS scrutinizes organizations when they apply for 501(c)(3) status and ensures organizations meet ongoing obligations to remain eligible. Nonprofits must file a 990 tax form each year with the IRS to disclose their financial data for the year. 


Giving DuPage may request a copy of the 990 form to ensure your organization is in good standing and compliant. This information is not shared with anyone but for our records only.


Donor  FAQ

Q. What is Giving DuPage Days and what does Giving DuPage do?

Giving DuPage Days event is a 1-day online community fundraiser to support and create awareness for nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County. Donors can give online at givingdupageday.org on May 1, 2025. Giving DuPage is the organization that hosts this event. We serve as the DuPage County Volunteer Center, with a mission to promote giving and volunteering countywide. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a public-private partner of DuPage County.

Q. When is Giving DuPage Days?

Giving DuPage Days is on May 1, 2025. Donors can give online on May 1 or donate by mail with a postmarked date of April 17 - May 1. 

Q. Who can donate?

Anyone may donate to one or more organizations participating in Giving DuPage Days!

Q. How can I donate?

Donors can give:

  • Online at Givingdupageday.org by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express, Mobile Wallet, or via ACH bank transfer.
  • By check using our mail-in donation form.
  • With a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA.

    • Learn more about Ways to Give and using your bank account for donations.

    Q. How do I donate by mail?

    Follow these steps:

    • Download and print a mail-in donation form.
    • Complete the form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s).
    • Write a single check for the total amount payable to “Giving DuPage.”
    • Mail your check and form Giving DuPage, 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187.

    Mail-in donations must be postmarked April 17 - May 1 to be included in Giving DuPage Days.

    Q. When will my mailed donations be visible on the website?

    Donations will not appear on the website until the giving day on May 1. Depending on the number of donations, there is no guarantee that donations postmarked after April 24 will be visible on the website by May 1. As mailed donations continue to arrive after the giving day, they will be added to the website and the leaderboard and organizational totals will continue to increase.

    Q. What else should I know about mailed donations?

    A few tips:

    • Complete the donation form entirely and legibly - this makes a big difference when processing your gift.
    • Double-check your math on the form so your total donation amount equals the sum of all your individual donations (if making multiple gifts).
    • Be sure to include how you want your name to appear publicly or if you prefer to be anonymous to the public.

    Q. What is the minimum donation amount?

    The minimum online donation is $10. Mailed donations can be made for any amount. There is no maximum donation amount.

    Q. Can I give to more than one organization?

    Yes! You can give to multiple organizations at one time by using the multi-give feature. Learn more about the gift basket here! You may add up to 10 organizations to your gift basket at a time.

    When giving to multiple organizations, your credit card will only be charged once; but your emailed receipt will itemize your donations. You can also give to multiple nonprofits when donating by mail.

    Q. Can I make donations via a mobile device?

    Yes! Simply visit Givingdupageday.org on your mobile device.

    Q. Can I preview how to make a gift through Giving DuPage Days online?

    While you can't preview the donation process for Giving DuPage Days, this video outlines how to make a gift and all of the options available to you!

    Q. Can I make my donation anonymously?

    Yes! You have three options:


    1. Please do not display my name publicly

    This option displays "Anonymous" in place of your name on the organization's page and on the Giving DuPage Days website. The amount donated is still displayed publicly, for example, "Anonymous $50."

    2. Please do not display my amount publicly

    This option removes the donation amount from the donor wall on the organization's page and on the Giving DuPage Days website. The donor name is still displayed publicly, for example, "Jane Smith."

    This is the default option for mailed donations, unless you indicate a preference to be anonymous on your donation form.

    3. Please do not display my name or my amount publicly

    You can choose both options to hide your name and the amount donated. In doing so, there is no public recognition of your gift on the Giving DuPage Days website. Both your name and your donation amount will be hidden.

    No matter which option is selected, the organization(s) you give to still have full access to your name, amount donated, email address, and other contact information.

    If you forgot to select the "Please make my donation anonymous" option, please contact the GiveGab Customer Success team at support@givegab.com or through the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of the Giving DuPage Days website and they will assist you.

    Q. Are donations tax-deductible?

    Donations made through Giving DuPage Days are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Consult a tax/financial advisor regarding your tax benefits for charitable gifts.

    Q. Will I receive a tax-deductible receipt for my donation?

    Yes! All donations are receipted by GiveGab automatically after the donation is processed. Since donations made during Giving DuPage Days pass through Giving DuPage, any donation made appears as a donation to Giving DuPage. These funds are distributed to the intended organizations. A receipt will be emailed to you at the address you provide when making the donation. You should print or save this receipt for your records. If you did not receive your thank you and tax-deductible receipt email, please contact GiveGab Customer Success at support@givegab.com or through the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of the Giving DuPage Days website and they will email you another one.

    Q. What if a mistake was made—can I secure a refund?

    Refunds are possible if you enter an unintended amount, direct your donation to the wrong nonprofit, or for similar issues. We encourage you to carefully review the information you enter when making a donation to ensure its accuracy.

    Q. How much of my donation goes to the nonprofit?

    GiveGab, this donor platform, retains a 3.5% campaign management fee from all donations. Credit card processing fees are an additional 2.5% + $0.30. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. There is no fee for offline donations.  

    For this event, 90% of every donation ($9 of every $10 dollars) will go to the charity of choice selected by the donor and 10% ($1 of every $10 dollars) will be distributed to Giving DuPage, as the host organization. Giving DuPage uses the funds to offset event expenses and to promote volunteerism year-round, as the County’s Volunteer Center. 100% of offline donations goes to the receiving organization.  

    100% of every donation benefits nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County. All donations are issued a receipt for tax purposes.  

    Q. Is my donation safe and secure?

    Yes! GiveGab/Bonterra is the hosting platform for Giving DuPage Days and uses a PCI Level I compliant payment service to ensure that all financial data is secure. Learn more about Stripe’s security precautions here and more about PCI compliance here.

    Q. May I pay a pledge with my gift?

    Giving DuPage Days is designed to generate new support for our nonprofit community, not pay off existing pledges. Giving DuPage Days donations are "unrestricted" gifts to the nonprofit (i.e., donations may be used for any purpose by the receiving organization). You may contact the nonprofit directly to express a desire that your gift be used for a specific program or project; but it is the responsibility of the nonprofit to follow that instruction, not the responsibility of Giving DuPage. 

    Q. How does the Bonus Pool work?

    Donated by Community Partners, the Bonus Pool allows you to leverage additional dollars when you donate during Giving DuPage Days! The Bonus Pool is awarded to all participating nonprofits based on the percentage of the overall Giving DuPage Days total they raise. For example: If a nonprofit raises 2% of our grand total, they receive 2% of the Bonus Pool…if they raise 5% of the grand total, they get 5% of the Bonus Pool. Basically, the Bonus Pool ensures that donations go further during Giving DuPage Days. No single organization may receive more than 7% of the total Bonus Pool in a given year. Learn more here!

    Q. Who will receive my contact information?

    The organization(s) you choose to support will have access to your name and email address. This information is used to send thank you messages, provide the option to receive future notifications, and to notify you of future activities. Giving DuPage also receives your contact information since donations pass through Giving DuPage.

    You have the option to make your donation anonymously. This means your name and/or donation amount will not appear publicly on the giving day website; however, the organization(s) you donated to still have your name and email address.

    Q. Do I need to create an account with GiveGab?

    No, you do not need to create an account to make a donation.

    Q. What portion of a donation made on GiveGab is tax deductible?

    GiveGab offers the option for donors to increase the amount they give to “cover the fees” associated with their online gift. Even when a donor decides to cover the fees, the entire amount is still tax-deductible as allowed by law. The total amount donated to each organization is reflected in a tax-deductible donation letter. The tax-deductible amount in the letter includes any additional contribution they made to cover the fees.

    Q. If I have questions, who can I contact?

    Please contact the GiveGab Customer Success team at support@givegab.com or through the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of the Giving DuPage Days website for assistance. Note that using the chat bubble may not result in an immediate reply. If GiveGab Customer Success Representatives are unable to respond via chat, they will follow up with you by email.