'Friends of' Charity Fund (FOCF)

The CAFAmerica ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund is an exciting, cost-effective alternative for foreign nonprofits seeking to improve their support from US donors. Not only does the Fund save nonprofits’ money, it also eliminates the time and trouble of establishing and administering a public charity in the United States. With a ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund at CAFAmerica, foreign nonprofits can launch and maintain a US fundraising appeal and accept tax-deductible donations of any size from US donors. Nonprofits can choose any name for their Fund and rely on CAFAmerica’s reputation to assure donors of the security of their gifts. Any foreign nonprofit that is eligible with CAFAmerica is welcome to open a ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund.

Upon establishing a ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund, nonprofits are also establishing a relationship with CAFAmerica’s experienced staff. A starter pack with valuable US fundraising resources and guidelines, as well as advice and consultancy, are available to the Fund holder. CAFAmerica’s expertise in working with foreign nonprofits ensures that all grants are made safely and effectively to legitimate charitable organizations.

‘Friends of’ Charity Fund Advantages

• ¹/₃ of the cost of establishing a US charitable entity
• No minimum balance
• Choice of name for the Fund
• Starter pack with valuable US fundraising information
• Receive unlimited donations in any amount
• Customized monthly reporting
• Customized gift form
• Link from website to online giving
• Quarterly disbursements of total balance
• Dedicated, personalized support
• Access to 15 years experience working with foreign nonprofits

Upon establishing an FOCF CAFAmerica provides foreign nonprofits with a starter pack of valuable recourses including:

• Guidelines to US Fundraising and Partnership with CAFAmerica
• A CAFAmerica-produced compilation of the best sources of information and guidance on US fundraising.
• CAFAmerica Solutions for Fundraising in the United States – a PowerPoint presentation on US fundraising and CAFAmerica services to foreign nonprofits. Download the preview here.

A foreign nonprofit must be eligible with CAFAmerica to establish a ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund. Already eligible? Establish a fund now. Not yet eligible? Apply for eligibility here.

Save time and money
CAFAmerica ‘Friends of’ Charity Funds are much simpler and less costly than establishing a stand-alone ‘Friends of’ organization because there is

• No need to establish a US 501(c)(3) public charity
• No requirement to manage a board and staff
• No US government registration, governance, tax or audit requirement (Eligibility with CAFAmerica is required. See our eligibility requirements.)
• A CAFAmerica ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund can be established for as little as $6,500. In contrast, creating a stand-alone US 501(c)(3) public charity can cost $15,000 to $18,000 and take up to 6 months or more.

Download a ‘Friends of’ Charity Fund Brochure

Read the FOCF Frequently Asked Questions

Download the FOCF Fact Sheet