Frequently Asked Questions

Remember to Pick a Cause to Support
Click Here to Choose One



What is Shop4theCause.com?
This site was started by a former youth director from Riverview, Florida, who dreaded the notion of fundraising, because every summer he faced the uphill climb of raising funds for trips and camps.  The idea of Shop4theCause.com came from the need for creative ways to raise funds.  Since fundraising is a movement of people, Shop4theCause.com offers something back to the people willing to support a specific cause or cause program.


How does this work?
Fundraising for a cause is always a movement of people.  This idea is no different.  However, Shop4theCause.com offers you a variety of ways to help raise funds for your cause.  The simplest way is that you purchase products you normally buy, and the cause receives a percentage of the total sales price.  You might not think this is all that exciting until you see the deals that we find everyday.  Often, well-known stores offer internet specials where you can save 50% or even receive something FREE after a rebate.  Your cause benefits from your purchases, and you find great deals on products you want.

Another way to raise funds quickly is to find stores that offer sign up bonuses.  These stores are looking for new customers who desire their product.  Some sites offer sign up bonuses up to $70 for the first time you do any type of business with them (including receiving a free promotional offer).  Please continue to shop at these establishments in order to thank them for this generous offer.


Why is this a better way to raise funds?
Are you tired of the same old fundraisers?  Bake Sales, Car Washes, Yard Sales, Auctions? 
Shop4theCause.com revolutionizes fundraising.  Instead of you feeling guilty and buying brownies you really don't want, this site offers you a way to support your cause and get things you actually want.


Is there a cap of how much your cause can earn?
No. The only cap is a cause's creativity in getting people to support it through this site.  This is the internet.  Why limit your fundraising efforts only to the people that can drive by for a car wash?  Since it is internet based, there are no constraints on the number of people that can support your cause.  Spread the word.  Email is a very powerful tool since we all have at least 100 contacts in our address book.  Therefore, if 30 people go on a band trip, they have more than 3000 personal contacts.

How do the numbers grow?
If 100 people produce $10 each, then your cause receives $1000.
If 300 people produce $10 each, then your cause receives $3000.
If 3000 people produce $10, then your cause receives $30,000.


Why would stores give away money for your first transaction with them?
They want customers.  They would rather pay a one-time referral fee rather than try to advertise over and over in order to find customers.  If you sign up with these stores, please continue to use their services.


How does my cause benefit?
Your cause will be paid based on the sales and sign ups that are designated for it.  Click on Pick a Cause in order to select the cause you desire to support.  If your cause is not yet on the list, you can Add a Cause and start supporting it immediately.


When does the cause get paid?
Your cause will be paid at the end of each month.  Most retailers pay out percentages and fees at the end of the month.  When Shop4theCause.com receives your cause's funding, a check will be sent the next day to your cause.


What if I am supporting a special program like the band at a school?
We encourage you to support special programs for your cause.  They will be listed on the Pick a Cause page.  The cause name will be listed in the "Organization" column and the "Special Program" will be listed second.


Who am I buying from?
You deal directly with well-known stores.  Shop4theCause.com has established relationships with many of the top retailers in the country.  When you click on our links, you go directly to the store's web site.  All aspects of a purchase (personal information, credit card information, etc.) occurs with the retailer.  The only information that Shop4theCause.com receives from the retailer is a detailed report of the funds your ministry has earned.  We do not have access to any of your personal information.


How do I add a cause to support?
Click Here: Add a Cause


Can you email me when certain deals come out?
Every night we send out an email showing the deals that were posted that day.  If you desire to be added to the email list, provide us with a valid email address.  Click here to add you name to the Daily Email list.  You can unsubscribe to this email at any time.


Is there anything technical I need to know?
In order to credit your cause with the proper funds, we attach a code for your cause to the links to the stores.  The stores are able to track this code and ensure that your cause gets credit for your purchases and sign ups.  For best results, enable cookies to Medium security.


Are these purchases tax deductible?
Even though you are supporting a cause, these purchases are not tax deductible since you are receiving something back for your online activity or purchases.


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