Volunteers often are interested in raising funds to defray costs associated with an HVO overseas assignment. HVO can assist by providing letters of support and/or materials (annual reports, newsletters, etc.) for civic clubs, professional associations or individuals interested in making a donation.
In order to assure that proper procedures are observed, however, please note the following:
- The volunteer must be a current member of HVO and have received final approval of an overseas assignment.
- HVO staff should be aware of this fundraising activity so that donations can be properly processed.
- In order to be tax-deductible, donors must make the check payable to “Health Volunteers Overseas.” Gifts of cash to the volunteer or checks payable to the volunteer cannot be acknowledged by HVO and are not tax-deductible.
- Funds will be disbursed to volunteers upon presentation of appropriate receipts including: travel-related expenses such as airfare, transportation to/from airports; vaccinations/medications related to the trip; excess baggage charges if taking materials for the site; visa fees and airport departure taxes; educational materials paid for by the volunteer to be donated to the site.
- HVO will NOT reimburse for purchase of personal items such as clothing, toiletries, or gifts for people at the site.
- At no time will HVO disburse more funds than have been received.
- Any remaining funds will be reallocated to support HVO programs.
HVO has a couple of tools available to assist volunteers who want to raise funds either for their own trip, for a specific project, or for HVO. These can be accessed by going to the Fundraise for Your Trip page.
Updated January 2022