Donor Security FAQ
This FAQ sheet details the steps we take to ensure that the applications for assistance we've received have been made in good faith and to safeguard the gifts of our donors.
General Information FAQ
At Small Sums, we've created a community where you can enjoy giving without worrying about how your money is being used.
Who is eligible to apply for assistance from Small Sums?
Small Sums only accepts applications from adults (18+) who are homeless, precariously housed, or highly mobile. Many times, we are a last resort for individuals who apply to us for assistance.
What is the approval process for those seeking assistance through Small Sums?
Those seeking assistance must fill out an application and turn it in to our office. Our staff reviews the application and determines whether or not the request fits our guidelines. The applicant meets with a staff member at least once before assistance. All applications are then reviewed by a committee which determines if assistance will be awarded to a client based on their application and interview. In some cases, applicants are asked to gather more information before a final decision is made.
- That our applicants be homeless,
- Reference from a case manager or someone else in the social services field,
- Proof of employment for applicants of Tools for the Job or Women in Medicine, if applicable,
- Proof of acceptance to education or job training program for applicants of Education or Women in Medicine, if applicable,
- Completed business plan for applicants of Your Own Business,
- Proof of commitment and demonstrated ability to complete programs that are longer in duration,*
- Other documentation or information that our staff determines is necessary.
Can I see an example application?
Yes, you can find a blank application for assistance here.
Can people apply for assistance more than once?
Individuals can apply for assistance as many times as they want until they have been approved. Once they are funded for a program, they cannot be helped by Small Sums again.
What controls are in place to prevent someone from receiving assistance multiple times?
In order to prevent someone from being assisted more than once, the client's name and other information is kept in a database in our office. When new applications are received, they are checked against the database.
Do the people who are profiled actually receive cash from Small Sums in order to cover their expenses?
No, we never give out cash. Any item or service is purchased directly by an At Home Group staff member, and then given to the client.
What happens to my donation if the person drops out of the program before they spend the money that I donated?
At Small Sums, we do our best to make sure that won't happen, but occasionally someone is unable to complete the program. If someone that you funded drops out of the program, we will try to use your donation to fund someone who has made a similar request. If there is no one with a similar need, your donation will go into our general fund and will be used wherever Small Sums needs it most.
How does Small Sums work?
You can choose a category to the left (Tools for the Job, Education, Your Own Business, or Women in Medicine) and read the stories of homeless individuals who are working to become self-sufficient. Choose someone you want to support and your donation will go directly toward helping that person acquire whatever item or service they need in order to get a living wage job or start a small business.
What is At Home Group?
At Home Group is the parent organization of Small Sums. At Home is a Minneapolis-based organization that assists homeless individuals with employment and education related expenses. Small Sums allows individual donors to take part more directly in the donation process. More importantly, it allows us to assist more clients to get living wage employment, and eventually they are able to acquire more stable housing. You can visit the At Home Group website at www.athomegroup.org for more information.
I can't decide who I want to help; can I donate to a general fund or a specific program?
You can donate to our general fund or a specific program here.
I'm interested in making an in-kind donation, does Small Sums accept in-kind?
We accept only new items as in-kind donations. Please contact us at info@athomegroup.org with specifics. Make sure to include what type of item or service you would like to contribute, as well as your contact information.
How do I apply for assistance from Small Sums?
You can find our application guidelines here. If you are eligible for assistance and need something that fits our program guidelines, fill out an application here and e-mail or send it to us. Please note that beginning the application process does not automatically mean that you will receive assistance.
Why didn't the status bar update when I made my donation?
The status bar is updated once every working day. In the event that an individual is overfunded between updates, any excess contributions will be used for a client with a similar story or deposited in At Home Group's general fund.
How long do Small Sums applicants have to wait for assistance?
As soon as applicants are approved by Review Committee, their profiles are posted on Small Sums. Clients are assisted as soon as their need is fulfilled through Small Sums or they started their program/job. For some clients in longer programs, particularly Your Own Business, as funding comes in, we will purchase certain items to assist the client rather than waiting for the total funding needed. Therefore, these clients will remain on the website for longer time periods. The amount of time in which clients stay on Small Sums can vary, but no one will be on the website past the date in which they need to start their job or education program.
What happens if someone is not funded through Small Sums?
If a client does not have their need fulfilled on Small Sums, they will be assisted through At Home Group's general fund. No one will have their need go unfulfilled.
I have a question that's not answered here, can I contact someone?
You can contact us using the information below:
e-mail: info@athomegroup.org
Phone: 612-277-0216
Mail:
Small Sums
P.O. Box 50277
Minneapolis, MN 55405
