Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Good Samaritan Missions a private organization?
A: Good Samaritan Missions is open to everyone and has to be by law. GSM will provide sponsorship letters for any student for any bonified project.
Q: Why do I only receive 85% for my trip, don’t my friends get a deduction for the full amount?
A: All non-profit organizations have administrative costs and most of them keep up to 30% of the donation to cover their costs. GSM only uses 15% to cover costs, which include, medical, dental, optometric, and veterinary supplies and medicine, humanitarian projects, and administration costs. Leaving 85% of the donation to go toward the costs of the trip you are traveling with. The donors receive full credit for tax deductions.
Q: Why should I use the GSM Sponsorship Program to fund my trip?
A: You're not asking for money - we're asking for sponsorships. People respond very well to the Sponsorship Program because so many today want to help internationally but don't know how. This gives them a welcomed opportunity to get involved through you and to do so in a completely safe and accountable manner.
Q: What kind of organization is Good Samaritan Missions?
A: GSM is a 501c3 non-profit whose IRS approved mission is to raise funds for international projects and students working on those projects. GSM also partners with other organizations to provide humanitarian services in underserved areas. Examples include InFocus and the Orphanage at Ometepe.
Q: Will the IRS let me take a tax deduction credit for donations that I make on behalf of my child?
A: The IRS will not let us give tax deduction credit for something that benefits immediate family. We can normally give 2/3 tax deduction as we figure about that much of the trip benefits others. The balance benefits your child and therefore, we simply give you the appropriate letter and you work it out with the IRS. We cannot guarantee that it will be tax deductible as we have been informed by the IRS that it is not if it benefits immediate family.
Q: If I receive donations personally can I send in a check to GSM and receive a tax deduction?
A: This is basically the same as above. The IRS will not let us give a tax deduction credit for something that benefits you directly. Also, your donors will not receive a tax deduction if they give directly to you.
Q: I'm signed up for a team but I'm getting more donations of children's vitamins and meds than I can fit in my one mission/service supply bag. Now what?
A: First of all -- good job!! Unfortunately, supplies cannot be sent down separately as the import costs (not to mention shipping costs) are prohibitive and half of it will be stolen before it arrives anyway. Distribute your excess to fellow team members from your area. Our office can provide that information. Prioritize what you do bring: 1. Meds. 2. Children's chewable vitamins. Of what you can't arrange to transport, send meds and vitamins by UPS to ISL. Best, most effective, option: ask your generous friends/family to send a donation of money instead to Good Samaritan Missions so we can use the funds to buy needed meds on site
Q: If I receive more donations than I need to cover the cost of my trip, can I use it towards my airfare?
A: According to the IRS, donations can only cover a portion (approximately 2/3) of the trip cost because part of the trip is "recreational" in nature. The Sponsorship Agreement states "....Funds secured through this sponsorship program can only be used for the balance of expenses. The $200 deposit may be refundable after the trip, if sufficient sponsorships are raised to cover the total trip cost." The airfare, like the application fee, is not part of the cost of the trip and therefore donations cannot be used for that purpose. However, the airfare is part of the student's cost for the trip and can be counted as the "1/3" that is not allowed by the IRS.
Q: How are Good Samaritan Missions and International Service Learning related?
A: International Service Learning (ISL) is incorporated as a non-profit organization in Costa Rica and operates under Good Samaritan Missions, a 501c3 non-profit organization, in the United States.
Q: If donations are sent in after I have paid for my trip will I be able to get a refund?
A: All funds received after you have paid in full will be credited to you. When the team is "closed" at 45 days after your return the amount of donations will be calculated and you will receive a refund based on the amount credited. Remember, you can only receive a refund amount based on the amount you paid in.
Q: What if I paid my deposit and I received enough donations to cover the cost of the trip, do I get my deposit back?
A: If your donations cover the full cost of your trip you will receive a refund for the deposit after the trip.
Q: Can I use donations to cover my deposit?
A: If you receive enough donations to cover the cost of the trip prior to the deposit due date you will not need to send in the deposit. However, you are responsible to contact ISL ten days prior to the deposit due date in order for this to be arranged. ISL does not contact GSM for an update on your donations until the final payment is due. If you know the donations are coming but GSM has not received them you will still be required to cover the deposit and to send it in on time.