Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Donate
Q: Does MAZON collect or distribute food?
A: No. If you would like to make a food donation or are looking for emergency food assistance, please search our list of grantees, or contact us for help finding a local agency.
Q: How do I know you are a cost-effective organization?
A: MAZON has one of the lowest overhead ratios in the nonprofit sector with ninety-three cents ($0.93) of every dollar going to program-support. We received an “A” from Charity Watch and we meet all 20 BBB standards of accountability.
2010 Program & Support Services Expense Chart
Q: Why isn’t my temple listed as a MAZON partner synagogue?
A: Encourage your Synagogue to join the MAZON partner program »
Donation Acknowledgments
Q: How much does a tribute card cost?
A: MAZON requests a minimum donation of $18 per tribute to cover our costs of printing & shipping.
Q: How quickly are tribute cards mailed out?
A: Tribute cards are mailed out within 1-5 business days of receiving your donation.
Q: Do you share the amount of my donation with the tribute card recipient?
A: No, we do not share the amount of your donation with the recipient, unless you specifically request it.
Q: Why hasn’t my honoree received my tribute yet?
A: Occasionally, after leaving our office, a tribute card may become lost in the mail or inadvertently discarded by the recipient. If you’re concerned that your recipient did not receive their tribute card, please contact our Donor Services Department. We are always willing to resend a tribute card, with an accompanying apology note if requested.
Q: Why haven’t I received my donation acknowledgment yet?
A: We usually send acknowledgment letters & tax receipts within 7 business days of receiving your donation. During high-volume periods, such as High Holy Days or the end of the year, there may be a slight delay.
How We Help
Q: Where does the money you raise go to?
A: MAZON grants more than $4 million each year, to over 300 carefully screened anti-hunger organizations. About 85-90% of MAZON’s grants go to organizations in nearly every state in the U.S., and the other 10-15% are granted internationally to Israel and less developed countries who need our help around the world. Please see What We Fund for more information.
Q: Do you only give to Jewish organizations?
A: In keeping with the best of Jewish tradition, we respond to all in need, regardless of race, geographic region, ethnicity or religion. Approximately 20-25% of our domestic grants are awarded to Jewish-sponsored organizations, and many of our international grants support programs in Israel, and Jewish communities living in the Diaspora. MAZON is a Jewish response to hunger, and not a response to Jewish hunger.
Q: Does MAZON make emergency grants?
A: Occasionally, MAZON’s staff and board of directors approve grants to address emergency situations, such as natural disasters and humanitarian crises. When these emergencies occur, we work with our network of grantees and partners to respond quickly and efficiently. MAZON is unable to entertain unsolicited emergency requests.
Q: Can I earmark a donation?
A: Unless you are responding to a MAZON emergency appeal for a specific fund, donations may not be earmarked for a specific project or region. If you have any questions concerning earmarking a gift or wish to discuss this further please contact us.
Q: Why can’t I give my money directly to the grantee?
A: MAZON believes in a dual approach to fighting hunger & poverty. We recommend supporting your local community organization(s) through food drives and volunteer work, while donating to MAZON to help those in all communities living in need.
MAZON’s Grantmaking
Q: What is the typical size of a MAZON grant?
A: MAZON’s grants range from $5,000 to $50,000; however, the average grant size is between $10,000 and $15,000.
Q: Does MAZON accept unsolicited applications for funding?
A: No. Organizations interested in applying for a MAZON grant must first submit a Letter of Inquiry describing their work and/or programs for which funding is sought. From the information provided in the Letter of Inquiry, our staff determines whether or not an organization will be invited to submit a full proposal for funding consideration. Learn more about how to apply for a MAZON grant.
Q: Can I submit my Letter of Inquiry online?
A: Yes, you can! Organizations not wanting to submit an electronic Letter of Inquiry may send their correspondence via regular mail. Submit a Letter of Inquiry to MAZON.
Q: Once I submit my Letter of Inquiry, when will I hear back from MAZON?
A: Organizations that have been invited to apply will receive information on how to access MAZON’s online grant application. Organizations that do not receive an invitation to submit a full application will also be notified.
Q: Does MAZON award grants for equipment, and/or food purchase?
A: On occasion, MAZON has provided modest support for equipment and/or food purchase. However, grants for these types of requests are very rare and are limited to organizations serving low-income people in rural areas. Organizations interested in requesting funding for equipment and/or food purchase must first receive permission from MAZON before doing so.
Q: What programs and organizations is MAZON unable to fund?
A: Although we recognize their importance, we are unable to fund the following types of programs: capital campaigns; special holiday meals; job-training; other grantmakers; and documentary films. We are unable to fund organizations that charge individuals for food; those with high community visibility (i.e. Red Cross or Salvation Army); government entities or professional associations; organizations/projects focused principally on preventing homelessness; or those without 501(c)(3) status. We also do not provide renewed funding to past grantees that have not satisfactorily completed the terms of past MAZON grants, or accept more than one proposal at a time from the same organization. Learn more about MAZON’s funding guidelines.
