How to Send Money to Foreign Charities

 

Help the Russias is not directly involved with any of the charities linked to the site. Occasionally we will receive an email letter from the director of a charity which we link at the top of our front page. The different charities have different modes of receiving money. When they are based in the countries of the former Soviet Union, as is usually the case, it is often much easier for funds to be transferred electronically. There are at least three basic methods:

 

· Online credit card donations. One simply provides credit card information and the amount of the gift. However, these types of funds are generally restricted to procedures and supplies directly relating to the charity, for example, medical supplies and procedures if the charity is devoted to helping very sick persons.

 

· Paypals - if the funds are earmarked for a particular person (orphan or sick child for example) there is a mode of transferring funds electronically through the 'Paypals' system. This is an international online service and its logo will be seen on Internet sites that accept this mode of giving. One needs to first set up an account with the Paypals organization, including information for financial transaction - where money is to be given from - bank account or credit card.

 

· Direct wire transfer to foreign bank account set up for the recipient. For example, a bank account will be set up specifically for the transferring of funds for the orphan or sick child. If there is a family involved it may be in the name of the family. This allows funds to go to the special needs of the children such as for toys and food.

 

· It is also possible to contact the charity and request them to send literature via paper mail. Some charities will take checks through the mail for those who do not wish to give electronically.