Some of the Frequently Asked Questions

About VIDE

1. What type of an entity (i.e. qualified Not-for-Profit, Corporation or Partnership) is VIDE?
   VIDE is an independent Not-for-Profit Organization (NPO) incorporated in the state of California. It's a 501(c)3 organization with tax-exempt status and EIN is 76-0726182.
2. Is VIDE an open forum?
   Yes, it most certainly is. Anyone can join. We encourage like-minded people from all walks of life to help us in achieving our goals.
3. Does VIDE have any political, religious affiliation?
   NO. VIDE is working towards India development and there is no place for political, religious inclinations in it.
4. Does VIDE have any regional bias?
   NO. As mentioned before, VIDE works for India development and tries its best to work in as many regions as possible. As we grow as an organization, more can be done. Of course, money collected for a particular cause (such as Orissa Cyclone Relief, Gujarat Earthquake) will be used for that purpose only.
5. Who are the current VIDE executives?
   Romil Khansaheb is the President. The other office bearers are Murali Gandluru and Vibhu Pratap.

About Projects and NGOs

1. What checks does VIDE make about the NGOs it works with?
   VIDE makes sure that any NGO that it partners with, does not discriminate based on religious, political lines in the execution of the joint project. This is a very important criteria in NGO/project selection. Any selected project is also continuously monitored for the above mentioned principles by VIDE members and independent monitors.
2. Who is an independent monitor?
   An independent monitor of a project is someone who can give an unbiased report about the progress of a project. He/she will provide VIDE with more insight into what is actually happening at the ground-level.
3. Does VIDE, or the NGOs that it works with, have any admin. overheads?
   VIDE volunteers work with very minimal overhead cost to the donor. Infact, a lot of times volunteers pay for administrative costs from amongst themselves. VIDE makes maximum efforts to choose NGOs that also work with as less an overhead as possible. This is an important criteria in project selection.
4. What are the other criteria that VIDE keeps in mind when selecting an NGO?
   Usually we work with 80-G status NGOs in India (80-G in India is similar to 501(c)3 that we get in US for NPOs). Such organizations are monitored by India Tax Bureau. We have a set of guidelines in selecting projects with NGOs conforming to both US and Indian laws. (In relief time, we may be flexible are money is needed urgently).
5. Will the donor be kept informed of the distribution of the funds?
   YES. All the information will be uploaded on the website and through newsletters that will be sent once in a while to all donors. Donors are encouraged also to subscribe to vide_team@yahoogroups.com where project updates, weekly meeting announcements are posted.
6. What is meant by a "project update"?
   Project updates will be in the form of installment disbursement information by VIDE, progress reports (quarterly/half yearly) from the NGO, independent monitor reports, photos, news-clippings and any other project related updates.

About Donations

1. What forms of monetary donations are accepted?
   We accept checks ONLY. For more details on donation methods, please click here.
2. Where do I send my checks to?
   Please mail to: VIDE, P.O. Box 640271, San Jose, CA 95164-0271
3. Can I donate clothes, blankets etc.?
   Sorry. Transport of clothes, blankets and other materials is very difficult and not very feasible for us.
4. Can I donate stocks?
   Sorry. Not at this time. We are working on setting this up.
5. Can I donate via credit-card or cash?
   Yes you can donate online using Network For Good
    

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6. Whom should I make the check out to?
   Please make the check out to VIDE. In the memo section, please mention your e-mail id.
7. Are my donations tax-deductible?
   Yes, they are. Your donations are 100% tax-deductible.
8. Would I get receipts?
   Yes. Receipts would be issued to you within a few weeks after we realize your check.
9. What is the minimum amount?
   None at this moment. But, we prefer to get at least $25 per check.
10. What is the maximum amount?
    :-)
11. What would the money be used for?
    Relief and Rehabilitation. VIDE is coordinating with other NGOs who are currently working in the affected areas to provide food, shelter, clothing and medicines. VIDE is also focusing on projects that would help in long-term re-habilitation of the victims.