Frequently Asked Questions
(1) WHEN AND HOW WAS RAKLIFE FOUNDED?
RAKlife was created in February of 2014. Founder Matthew Foster desired to create a non-profit that allowed for a maximum impact to people in need across the world with little overhead. The idea that large amounts of people donating small amounts of money is a significant departure from traditional charity mentality, but one we believe can change the world be creating an organization and cause that anybody can give to.
(2) CAN I TRUST RAKLIFE AS A REGISTERED NONPROFIT?
RAKlife is currently functioning as a charity under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations to the organization are deductible as charitable contributions.
(3) WHO DOES RAKLIFE SERVE?
In a nutshell, we serve anybody in need around the world. We have already traveled to over 23 countries and continue to find new locations where our help is needed. If you have any ideas for us to plan a trip to, please write to info@raklife.org
(4) HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER AND JOIN A RAKLIFE TRIP?
We embrace all that would like to experience the RAKlife actions firsthand. Because of our commitment to maximize financial gift donation to the RAK’s, we cannot financially support those that desire to join. But if you have the funding to join us for a week, a month, or even the full year, we are happy to send you our trip brochure! Please feel free to reach out to info@raklife.org if you are interested in joining an amazing experience for any amount of time! Learn more about joining us HERE.
(5) I HAVE A GREAT IDEA FOR A RAK. HOW CAN I SUBMIT THIS FOR POTENTIAL INCLUSION?
The RAK’s we have listed are just a start based on our research. We want our organization toresonate with the passions of the donors. If you have a great RAK idea that we haven’t thought about, please submit via email to info@raklife.org. Please give as much detail as possible and we will reach out to you if we have any questions.
(6) HOW CAN I HELP FUNDRAISE?
Thank you in advance! There are many ways to raise funding for acts of kindness around the world. Hosting a local fundraiser is a great way to help as well as get the word spread about how easy it is for people to make a difference in this world.
If you would like to host a fundraising event, please reach out to info@raklife.org and we will contact you to talk through best way to maximize your fundraising impact.
(7) What percentage of my DONATION goes DIRECTLY to those in need?
Without exception, 100% of donations go directly to those in need through our Outreach Projects. NO RAKlife team member or volunteer will take a salary in our first year of operation and travel will be paid from our own pockets. All overhead expenses (ie critical admin expenses, 501(c)(3) filing fees, etc) are paid by our founder which allows maximum impact for outside donations – Very few, if any non-profits can claim this!
(8) Do you exCEPT checks? Sure do! Thank you!
Please send all checks to:
RAKlife
Attn: Donation Outreach Team
PO Box 6283
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 USA
(9) When will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Receipts should be received immediately via email for donations through our webpage. Money or checks sent to our home office will be deposited and receipt sent within 2-4 weeks for your records.
(10) I wish to mention RAKlife in my will. How do I do this?
We sincerely appreciate the honor of receiving a planned gift to continue to help those in need around the world. As you begin the process of planning your gift, you have a couple of options.
• Donate to RAKlife through your estate planning by naming RAKlife in your will for a specific amount or percentage share in your estate.
• Name RAKlife as the beneficiary of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones. Naming RAKlife as the beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy is another low-cost option you may wish to consider. If RAKlife is named as the owner and beneficiary of the insurance policy, your premium payments may even be tax-deductible.
If you have made a planned giving gift to RAKlife, please forward a copy of your planned giving documents to:
RAKlife
Attn: Legal Department
PO Box 6283
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 USA
Tax ID: 46 – 5733216
RAKlife always recommends contacting a lawyer experienced in wills, trusts, and planned giving. If you have any questions on sample language or guidance/legal counsel recommendations, please feel free to submit questions to: info@raklife.org
(11) How do I submit a matching gift form from my company to RAKlife?
Many companies encourage their employees to make charitable contributions by matching their philanthropic support. Check with your human resource department to find out if you work for a company who matches charitable contributions. If so, fill out a matching gift form with our tax ID#, which is 46-5733216, and mail along with your donation to:
RAKlife
Attn: Donation Outreach Team
PO Box 6283
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 USA
If you are donating online, please forward your confirmation receipt and the matching gift form to the Donation Outreach Team at info@raklife.org. For all Matching Gift inquiries, please contact the Donation Outreach Team at the email address listed above.
(12) STILL HAVE AN UNANSWERED QUESTION, SEND YOUR INQUIRY TO:
INFO@RAKLIFE.ORG
We look forward to hearing from you!