FCS

Yes, Family & Children Services is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
If you would like to see a definition of what having 501(c)(3) status means, please follow this link to the IRS's web site:
http://apps.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html

We work closely with county and city departments and agencies; however, we are and always have been an independent nonprofit organization.

What is Family & Children Services' tax identification number?

Family & Children Services has the tax ID number 94-1167408.

Whom do you serve?

Family & Children Services serves clients from a wide range of backgrounds, traditions, and cultures. The majority of our clients are from households with low incomes, without access to health insurance. For a more detailed profile of the individuals served, please see Our Clients section.

Where do your provide services?

Family & Children Services serves children, teens, adults, and families in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. In addition to offices in Palo Alto and San Jose, our staff works on-site at dozens of community-based locations, including child care centers, schools, community centers, health clinics, and workplaces.

Who is on your Board of Directors?

Family & Children Services is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Please see our Board of Directors listing for the names of our current Board members.

How does someone join the Board of Directors?

To express interest in joining the Board of Directors, please contact our President & CEO by calling our offices (650-326-6576) or completing our online Contact Form. (Please select "Board of Directors" as your subject.) The Board Development Committee of the Board of Directors contacts prospective Board members, reviews the opportunities and expectations with them, and answers any questions they might have about the agency and the Board's role.

How will my donation be used?

Unless otherwise designated, your donation to Family & Children Services will go to the area where it is most needed. We are more than happy to designate your contribution to your specific area of interest or to our Endowment Fund. Please visit our Finance section to view our Revenue and Expense Chart or Annual Report for an overview of our funding sources and expenses.

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your programs?

Family & Children Services evaluates all programs on a quarterly basis. All programs operate according to clearly defined outcomes and objectives. The evaluation method applied to each program varies by the type of program or service. Data and information collected during the evaluation are used to analyze trends and to make improvements as necessary. Results are also shared with agency staff, clients, and donors.

Where do you get your funding?

In addition to fees collected for services and from contracts, Family & Children Services must raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support the programs we offer. This is because, in order to keep our services affordable to the clients, community agencies, and partners we serve, we do not charge at rates that will cover the full costs of providing services. Funding comes from our Annual Support Campaign, corporate and foundation grants, the United Way, planned giving, and special events. Please see our Financial section.

Are you listed in Guidestar?

Yes, you can learn more about our financial position online at Guidestar.org. You can find our listing by entering our Tax ID number in the search field. The number is 94-1167408.

Where can I get a donation form?

You can print the form from our web site: Donation Form. Alternatively, you can give us a call at 650-326-6576 and we will be pleased to fax or mail it to you. Secure online giving also is available.

How will my donation be acknowledged?

All donations are greatly appreciated and are recognized with an acknowledgement letter. Due to space constraints, we list donations of $100 or more in our Annual Report and of $1,000 or more in our newsletter. We also recognize institutional donors of $1,000 or more on the Thank You page of our web site. All gifts support our mission and work and we are grateful to every individual, business, or organization that entrusts us with a donation. Gifts may be listed anonymously, by request.

Do you accept gifts in memory or in honor of an individual?

Yes, we are very pleased to accept gifts given in tribute to an individual or family. When you make a gift, please indicate in whose honor or memory the gift is being made. If you also provide contact information for the individual or family you wish to honor, we will be delighted to inform the honoree(s) of your gift.

Space is provided on both the donation form and online donation form for you to indicate if the gift is made in honor of an individual. Please go to our Donation Form page to print a donation form, or go to our online giving page.

Do you accept donations online?

Yes, we do. We offer secure online giving through our website. Donations are processed by Network for Good, a nonprofit organization that securely processes donations for causes. (You can read about Network for Good on their About Us page). Please follow this link to begin the online donation process.

We also accept credit card donations via mail or fax. A printable donation form is provided for your convenience.

Do you share or sell donors' contact information?

Family & Children Services respects the privacy of our donors. We do not share, sell, or trade information about our donors. Our Board and staff members take seriously the trust our donors put in us by contributing to our mission and we strive to reward that trust.

Do you have a question not included here?

Please contact us by phone (650-326-6576) or by completing our online contact form.

Spotlight

Your shopping choices can result in donations to support our services for children, youth, and adults in need of our circle of support! . . . more