Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of Foundation Beyond Belief?

A: Our purpose is to focus, encourage, and demonstrate the generosity and compassion of atheists and humanists in the interest of a better world. Of these, our primary purpose is to encourage each other to embody the highest principles of humanism, including mutual care and responsibility.

THE CHARITABLE GIVING PROGRAM

Q: How does the charitable giving program work?

A: The Foundation highlights ten charities per quarter--one in each of ten areas (health, poverty, environment, education, human rights, peace, animal protection, child welfare, small charities, and the Foundation itself). Members join the Foundation by signing up for an automatic monthly donation in the amount of their choice, then indicate how they would like it distributed among the ten categories. At the end of each quarter, 100 percent of donations goes to the beneficiaries and a new slate is featured.

Q: What are the criteria for selecting a beneficiary?

A: Among other considerations, beneficiaries are chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget under $10 million), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care in this world and this life, and geographic diversity. In addition to direct research, FBB makes use of Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau, GiveWell, GuideStar, and other third-party sources of information and charity review. Featured beneficiaries founded in any worldview will be considered so long as they refrain from proselytizing.

Q: What is the process for selecting beneficiaries?

A: During the last month of each quarter, the Board of Directors selects the final slate for the next quarter from the list of nominations. In addition to the criteria above, member input through the discussion forums is among the most important considerations in this process.

Q: What if I don't like one of the beneficiaries you select?

A: That will certainly happen from time to time, which is why members can change their donation distribution at any time. Suppose you have 50 percent of your distribution in Child Welfare, then one quarter we choose an organization you do not wish to support. Simply go into your Account, move your 50 percent to another category, and you're all set.

Q: How can I submit an organization for consideration?

A: Click on Nominate a Charity. We will add a thread in the Forums within three days to begin member discussions of your nominee.

Q: Will you fund only charities at work in the US?

A: No. Though many of our beneficiaries may be headquartered in the US, most will be international in the scope of their work. We'd be happy to consider charities based anywhere in the world.  Click Nominate a Charity to suggest one.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?

A: Yes, in the United States. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in good standing with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  We will be investigating exemption requirements in several other countries at a later date. Early member feedback indicates that Canada, the UK, and Australia are of greatest interest.

Q: I keep seeing references to automatic monthly donations. Can't I make a one-time donation?

A:  We will always gratefully receive one-time donations to the Foundation itself (by clicking on One-Time Donation), and individuals can go directly to our featured charities if they wish to make one-time donations to them. 

Q: But a regular monthly donation is required for membership?

A: That's right. The Foundation exists for a very specific purpose -- not just collecting money for causes, but helping to create a systematic culture of giving among atheists and humanists. That's why actual Foundation membership requires a regular monthly commitment in the amount of your choice -- even $5 a month will do -- to build that culture of regular giving. We also hope to build an ongoing conversation around best practices for humanist philanthropy, and that requires an ongoing, connected community.

Q: How do I change my monthly donation amount?

A:  If you give via a credit card through our system at this time, we ask that you email us at administrator@foundationbeyondbelief.org with a request to cancel your current order prior to changing your amount. After this cancelation has occurred, please log in to your account and click on "Monthly Donation Levels" (under the Foundation logo on the home page). Choose a new donation level and complete your purchase as normal.

For PayPal purchases, the process is much the same. Log into your PayPal account, cancel your previous order, and then log into your FBB account to purchase your new plan.

Please note that if you do not log into your account prior to purchasing a new donation level, the system will assume you are a new member and add on the $9 member fee. Once you have logged into the system though, this will not occur. Please contact us with any questions.

Q: How do I cancel my account?

A: If you signed up using a credit card:  At this time, we ask that you email us at administrator@foundationbeyondbelief.org with a request to cancel your order. Contact us with any questions.

If you signed up using PayPal:  Cancel your automatic payment within your PayPal account.

WORLDVIEW QUESTIONS

Q: Why do you opt for "humanist" instead of "atheist" in the mission statement and elsewhere?

A: The two terms emphasize different aspects of the same nontheistic worldview.  Atheism is simply the absence of belief in a God or gods. Secular humanism describes the philosophy, ethics, and values that flow from this view. Since the Foundation is an expression of those values, "humanist" and "secular humanist" are primarily used. 

Q: What are the worldviews of your board members?

A: The Board of Directors consists entirely of atheists and humanists.

 FOUNDATION FUNDING

Q: If 100 percent of donations goes to the beneficiaries, how is the Foundation funded?

A: Through grants and direct donations to the Foundation itself. The Foundation is one of the ten choices in each quarter, and members may choose whether or not to allocate some portion of their monthly donation to the Foundation.

Q:  How will the Foundation itself provide financial transparency and accountability?

A:  During the first year of incorporation, the Foundation worked with The Foundation Group, a 501(c)(3) consultancy, to ensure that sound financial practices were established. We are currently in the process of selecting a permanent non-profit accounting firm to handle finances going forward. Several specific budget items, including staff compensation, will not be finalized until an income baseline is established. All compensation and expenditures will be set according to established best practices for non-profits, and regular financial reports will be posted on the website.

FOUNDATION STAFF

Q:  Is the Foundation run entirely by volunteers?

A:  The Foundation staff consists of a paid part-time staff of five, an unpaid Board of Directors, and approximately twenty volunteers. Compensated staff are paid through grants and discretionary donations only, not from donations to our beneficiaries. Compensation is currently on hold pending establishment of an income baseline; once established, it will be set well within non-profit norms and will be publicly reported on our forthcoming Financials page.

Q: Are you hiring staff/looking for volunteers?

A: The Foundation has several part-time staff positions, as well as several volunteer opportunities. Watch the Job/Volunteer Listings page.

Q: Why didn't you answer my other question? 

A: Send it here. We'll update this FAQ as needed.