FAQs
What is One Call for All?
One Call for All is an umbrella, non-profit organization providing needed funding to more than 85 essential non-profits serving Bainbridge Island. Our annual campaign begins in October with the arrival of the “red envelope” in mailboxes throughout the island and ends on December 31 – although contributions are welcome throughout the year.
The One Call for All annual “red envelope” campaign helps reduce direct mail solicitation for every Bainbridge household and fundraising costs for island non-profits through our annual island-wide mailing.
If you do not receive a red envelope from us every fall, you can make your donation right here on the web site. By donating you will be joining a uniquely Bainbridge Island tradition.
Did you used to be called the Bainbridge Foundation?
Yes. Our “old” operating name has been given to the Bainbridge Community Foundation, a non-profit that handles long term funds for individuals, many of whom set up trusts and foundations that eventually give money back to local non-profits. But rather than disperse all their funds annually, they keep their monies invested long term and only give out the income earned on those funds each year.
One Call for All carries on the same mission and work we did when we started almost 50 years ago as the Bainbridge Foundation. We continue to conduct an annual fundraising campaign via an island-wide mailing. We collect and disperse all the funds we raise every year and 100% of the money you donate goes directly to the non-profit(s) you designate.
What is One Call for All’s mission?
Our mission is to enrich and improve the lives of our neighbors by coordinating an annual fundraising campaign that supports non-profit agencies serving Bainbridge Island.
How do you fulfill your mission?
By conducting an annual fundraising drive via an island-wide mailing noted for its familiar “red envelope.” In the red envelope is a description of the 85-plus non-profit beneficiaries of that year’s fundraising effort and an easy-to-complete donor form.
Supporters can make tax-exempt donations safely and securely online here at www.onecallforall.org, by mail during our annual drive, and all year long. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 10487, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. To contact us by phone, please call 206.842.0659.
What percentage of my donation goes to the agencies I select?
100% of your donation goes to the agency(s) you select.
How and when does my donation get to the non-profits I’ve selected?
We collect funds through the end of the calendar year and make a distribution of about 85% of the funds collected to the non-profits you have selected by check in late January. We distribute the balance of the monies they will receive for the campaign year, primarily from donations trickling in through winter, spring and summer, at the end of August.
Why do I receive an Annual Report?
One Call for All wants to make sure our supporters know what we do and why we do it. We hope that by providing you more in-depth information about our organization you will serve as community ambassadors on our behalf. By doing so you can help raise awareness about One Call for All, broaden our supporter base and help increase the dollars we raise for more than 85 non-profit agencies that provide the island with essential services.
Who pays for the Annual Report?
One Call for All proactively seeks funds from island businesses and long time private donors through our Raise the Bar campaign, established to raise funds for operations and awareness building efforts, including the Annual Report. In addition, supporters can make donations to One Call for All operations by designating money to the One Call for All Operating Costs line item on the pledge card provided in the red envelope mailing and online at www.onecallforall.org.
What is the BI-Based Agency Pool?
Funds given to the BI-Based Agency Pool, which used to be called “undesignated funds,” are shared among non-profit organizations that are based on Bainbridge Island. We distribute the BI-Based Agency Pool funds based on the number of donations a non-profit receives compared to the total number of donations made to the drive overall. For bookkeeping purposes, we use a minimum donation of $20 to “count” as a donation to a non-profit. Non-profits that are not based on the island do not receive funds from the BI-Based Agency Pool; they receive donor designated funds only.
Why has One Call for All hired part-time paid staff and rented offices after all these years without it?
One Call for All’s all volunteer board of directors determined a part-time executive director and office space was necessary to help us broaden our supporter base and increase fundraising results. Neither has kept pace with Bainbridge Island’s growing population and the associated increase in social service needs.
Does part of my donation fund staff and office space?
No. 100% of your donation goes to the agency(s) you designate.
The costs of One Call for All’s one part-time staff member and office space is funded by donations made directly to One Call for All’s Operating Costs (the category is listed on the pledge card), or through separate funds raised by our Raise the Bar campaign, an effort targeting island businesses and long time private donors. Contributions to the Raise the Bar campaign are specifically earmarked for One Call for All operations, including part-time staff and the development of outreach materials designed to raise awareness about our work and ultimately increase donations to our annual “red envelope” campaign.
I’ve been receiving a lot more correspondence from One Call for All than I’ve ever received in the past. Why is this happening and who is paying for it?
We realized we were losing 10-15% of our donors each year and working with non-profit expert advisors determined it was because we failed to stay in touch with donors to thank them, educate them on how their donations where being spent and what we were doing as an organization to meet our mission.
The costs of these new communications are paid for by donations to One Call for All’s Operating Costs (the category is listed on the pledge sheet), or through separate funds raised by our Raise the Bar campaign, mentioned previously.
Is it true I can give to One Call for All any time of the year?
Yes! Simply go to Donate Now and follow the instructions to make a donation online easily and securely. You will find the exact same pledge card and format as the one that you receive in the red envelope every October.
To make a donation of stocks, bonds or real estate simply contact Executive Director Bob Linz at 206.842.0659 or via our Contact Form.
How much should I give to an annual campaign like One Call for All?
A rule of thumb is to give what you wish to give and can afford. Research indicates that American households on average give $1,620 a year to charities and the average person gives 3.1% of their pre-tax income. (Source: www.justgive.org/html/don-info/howmuch.html)
Is there a minimum donation?
No. We and our non-profits are happy and appreciative to receive whatever you can give.
Will my privacy be protected?
Yes. If you wish to remain anonymous simply check the circle on the donor form that says “Please check here if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Will my private information be protected?
Yes. We do not sell or share email addresses. Additionally, only the donors you designate will receive your name and address so they can thank you for your contribution. If you do not want even that information shared, please be sure to check the circle on the donor form that says “Please check here if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Will I receive a donation confirmation?
Yes. Generally you will receive a confirmation of your donation by mail two weeks after your donation is received. We also will provide you with a tax letter by the end of February for your IRS records.
What are my payment options?
We accept cash, checks and VISA or MasterCard. You may make your entire annual donation all at one time or call Bob Linz, Executive Director, to discuss options that might serve you better.
What if I have a problem making a donation?
Contact Executive Director Bob Linz by phone at 206-842-0659, by mail at P.O. Box 10487, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or via the Contact Form.
How can I get more involved with One Call for All?
We are always looking for volunteers. To sign up as a volunteer contact Executive Director Bob Linz at 206.842.0659 or send him a message via the Contact Form.