Frequently Asked Questions
Can Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) issue a receipt for donated goods or services?
Can MSF issue a receipt for purchases of admission tickets, drawing tickets, and auction items?
Can you provide background information and materials for our event?
Can information about my event be posted on the MSF website?
Can MSF provide me with a list of local supporters?
Can I organize a raffle or an auction for MSF?
Can MSF refund me for some of my expenses?
Can MSF send a representative to my event?
Can I use the MSF logo to advertise my event?
What is MSF's corporate giving policy?
Can I read more about MSF's financial information?
If I have further questions, who should I contact?

Can Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
issue a receipt for donated goods or services?

MSF can issue tax receipts for monetary donations (and donations of securities) only. The value of an individual's time or services donated to MSF is not deductible under federal tax law, and therefore is not eligible for a tax receipt.

- back to top -

Can MSF issue a receipt for purchases of admission tickets,
drawing tickets, and auction items?

Yes, however a donor may only claim a deduction for the amount of the payment that exceeds the value of the benefit the donor receives. MSF will provide a receipt for the donation in excess of the fair market value for merchandise, goods, or services received in return, once we are provided with documentation estimating fair market value.

- back to top -

Can you provide background information and materials for our event?

Yes, we have brochures, posters, and videos available to send to you. Let us know your needs and we can work with you to provide materials or brochures for your event. Please let us know what you need by completing the online fundraiser proposal form

- back to top -

Can information about my event be posted on the MSF website?

Of course. We would like to feature your fundraising event on our website. We need to approve the event first, and then we can put it up on our page. Please contact us and we can discuss your event. To see our upcoming events calendar, click here.

- back to top -

Can MSF provide me with a list of local supporters?

In some instances, we can notify our supporters in your area of your event. However, we cannot provide an actual list of MSF donors as it is our policy to keep donor records confidential.

- back to top -

Can I organize a raffle or an auction for MSF?

Regulations governing raffles and auctions differ from state to state and are burdensome. Please check with your State Attorney General's office for your state regulations.

- back to top -

Can MSF refund me for some of my expenses?

MSF is not able refund any expenses related to externally instigated fundraising events.

- back to top -

Can MSF send a representative to my event?

MSF can sometimes provide a speaker for a special event. Due to the demand for our representatives, however, we cannot guarantee a speaker. Please click here to submit a speaker request form. Note that MSF requires at least four weeks' notice to provide a speaker for events.

- back to top -

Can I use the MSF logo to advertise my event?

No problem. If you would like to use our logo for the purpose of advertising your event, please be sure to submit your material beforehand for approval.

- back to top -

What is MSF's corporate giving policy?

To ensure our strict neutrality, impartiality, and consistency MSF does not accept contributions from corporations or industries whose core activities may be in direct conflict with the goals of the medical humanitarian work of MSF, or in any way limit MSF' ability to provide humanitarian assistance. In keeping with this policy, Doctors Without Borders cannot accept contributions from fundraisers sponsored in whole or part by businesses that derive their income from the production and/or sale of tobacco, alcohol, arms, pharmaceuticals (including: medicines, medical equipment, diagnostic and biotechnical materials, and research), and/or mineral, oil, gas, or other extractive industries.

MSF recognizes the potential conflict between receiving corporate donations and fulfilling our humanitarian mandate. In the interest of protecting the independence of our operations, which directly affects the well-being of our patients, we feel it necessary to take this step to avoid any potential conflict of interest. 

For further information, please click here.

- back to top -

Can I read more about MSF's financial information?

Yes. Please click here to learn about our financial independence and accountabilty.

- back to top -

If I have further questions, who should I contact?  

For further information, please contact:
Charlie Kunzer
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières
333 Seventh Avenue — 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
msf-usa.events@newyork.msf.org
Tel: (212) 679-6800 Fax: (212) 679-7016

- back to top -

 

 



contact us | donate | other MSF world offices | link to us | copyright statement | privacy policy
This site is maintained by the U.S. section of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
©2006 MSF All rights reserved.