DONATION GUIDELINES
Meals on Wheels America is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, voluntary membership organization comprised of local community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.
From a legal and governance standpoint, Meals on Wheels America is completely separate from local Meals on Wheels Member programs which are fully independent, separate legal entities governed by their own board of directors, executive committee or other governing body. These local programs are solely responsible for controlling their own operations and affairs, including, but not limited to: nutrition programs and policies; matters of safety; compliance with federal, state and local laws; physical facilities; uses of technology and finances; and personnel policies and decisions. Accordingly, Meals on Wheels America has no authority or control over these local Member programs or their policies or decisions.
Meals on Wheels America welcomes all donations that support the Meals on Wheels America mission of empowering local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated. Meals on Wheels America may refuse any gift that is out of scope or is in conflict with the Meals on Wheels mission or its policies, puts the reputation of Meals on Wheels at risk or is prohibited by law.
Meals on Wheels America manages a number of fundraising initiatives with its local Member programs to make every donated dollar go further for seniors in a Member’s service area and around the country. In receiving a gift and unless you direct us otherwise, Meals on Wheels America will use your gift where we determine it is most needed, so that all donations may directly or indirectly support Meals on Wheels Member programs in your area. This unrestricted financial support is always needed, greatly appreciated and essential for Meals on Wheels to fulfill its mission and address the needs of local Member programs and the seniors they serve.
When processing each gift, we will follow documented Meals on Wheels America’s business rules and policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles standards. In addition, independently audited financial statements for Meals on Wheels America are prepared and published annually.
If you find that you have made an error in making your donation to Meals on Wheels America, we will honor your request for a refund made within 30 days of your donation.
If you have questions about donating the Meals on Wheels America, or to request a refund, please reach out to Caitlin Wiernicki, Annual Giving Manager by phone at 571.339.1626 or email at caitlin@mealsonwheelsamerica.org. Refunds are returned using the original method of payment. If you made your donation by credit card, your refund will be credited to that same credit card.
Donation Guidelines are updated as of October 24, 2017.