What other forms of payment do you accept for donations?

We accept gifts of stock and some other property or electronic payments as well as a check in the mail. If you are interested in these forms of payment, please contact us directly, toll-free at 888-422-1161 or email at info@heiferfoundation.org for more information.

Are my gifts tax-deductible?

Yes, because Heifer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, each gift is tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(b)(1)(A).

How much funding is made available to the causes or countries I support with my Micro-Endowment®?

Your donations are invested, and each year a percentage, which is currently set at 5.5%, is made available to Heifer International. However, some years the organization may choose not to pull from their endowments, allowing them to grow until a time when the funds are most needed.

After a gift is made can the donor transfer, trade or withdraw the funds in their Micro-Endowment®?

No. Donations cannot be transferred, traded or withdrawn. When you make a gift through your Micro-Endowment®, it is invested so that it may grow and provide more funding for countries and causes you have selected.

What if there isn’t an endowment for the cause I want to support?

You can create a general endowment for a cause that is part of the movement to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. 

How can I create a “named” endowment, i.e., an endowment named after my family?

Named endowments can be created with a gift of $25,000 or more. Please contact us through info@heiferfoundation.org for more information on how to set up a named endowment.

How much does Heifer Foundation take out for administrative costs?

For gifts benefitting Heifer Project International, there are no administrative costs. All other gifts are subject to an administration fee of up to one percent to serve as fiduciary for these endowments - only to cover our actual costs incurred. Financial transparency and accountability are important to us. Learn more about our stewardship here.

What is Heifer Foundation and how does it relate to Heifer Project International?

Heifer Foundation is a nonprofit organization started in 1991 to develop and manage endowments to primarily support the work of Heifer Project International. While Heifer Foundation and Heifer International are separate non-profit charitable organizations with distinct purposes, they are global partners that work closely together to support a common mission of ending hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth, while meeting the unique individual needs of donors. For more information about Heifer Foundation, visit our About Us page, and for more on Heifer Project International, visit www.heifer.org.

Who manages the endowment funds? Are the funds managed internally or through an investment or banking firm?

The President and CEO of Heifer International Foundation is responsible for investment of all funds under the governance of the board of trustees and guidance of a professional investment consultant. 

Can I have more than one Micro-Endowment®?

You can have as many Micro-Endowments® as you choose. We understand that you may have a business, organization or other group that would want to address separate causes or would want to give through their Micro-Endowment® in different ways, such as a percentage of a retail product or other service.

How many endowments can I include in my Micro-Endowment®?

You can include as many endowments as you would like support through your Micro-Endowment®.

How many people can donate to my Micro-Endowment®?

It’s up to you. You can make your Micro-Endowment® either private or public. So, you can decide if you want just to invite your friends and family to donate to your Micro-Endowment® or allow anyone to donate to it.