Donations

Donations to Software in the Public Interest, Inc.

Donations of money

Software in the Public Interest, Inc. is a non-profit corporation under the laws of New York State. Tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the United States Internal Revenue Code was granted on May 23, 1999.

Money that is donated will be distributed to the various projects and efforts that SPI is affiliated with, and to pay for SPI's operating expenses. SPI has no paid staff, but occasionally retains the services of professionals on a contractual basis (accountants, bookkeepers, etc.) If you intend for the money you donate to be used for a specific project or purpose, please note that in the memo field of your check or money order, or in the body of your email message for wire transfers. Please note that while SPI does communicate donors' earmarks to member projects, and sets aside funds for each project's use, the disposition of funds allocated to a given member project is the prerogative of that project. Member projects are free to use the funds allocated to them at their discretion, as long as such usage is consistent with U.S. laws and regulations, and within the constraints of SPI's certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Note that the identities of donors are kept confidential to SPI, and only disclosed to members of SPI. Some additional information, such as the donor's city and state of residence, and amount and type (e.g., check or money order) of donation may also be disclosed to members of SPI. Donors' full mailing addresses are retained by the Treasurer but may be disclosed to the SPI Board of Directors if circumstances require such disclosure. SPI does not sell the names or addresses of its donors to any party. SPI does not circulate the names or any identifying information about donors except among its own membership (which includes member projects). Members of SPI are expected to keep such information confidential. All of that said, these are statements of SPI policy only, and do not constitute a guarantee or legal contract of any sort between donors and SPI. If you have concerns about this policy, please contact the SPI Board of Directors.

If you require a letter from SPI documenting your donation for tax purposes, please note this fact in a letter enclosed with your check or money order, and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please allow 3-4 weeks for paper mail acknowledgement. Note that this period is above and beyond delivery time for your donation, and for return mail delivery time via postal services. SPI accepts no responsibility for failure of postal services to deliver your tax information. You may wish to request email acknowledgement in conjunction with tax information letters (see above).

If you have special needs or questions, please feel free to contact the SPI Treasurer; however, please keep in mind that the duties of the SPI Treasurer are at present undertaken by a volunteer, not by a paid employee of SPI. Furthermore, communications with the SPI Treasurer may be shared with the Board of Directors and/or membership.

Donations made through employee giving programs

Some companies allow their employees to make donations to SPI or an affiliated project as part of their annual charitable giving campaigns.