The Japan America Society of Southern California accepts donations to the 2011 Japan Relief Fund from individuals, corporations and organizations.  If you have any questions, please see the list below of commonly asked questions.  If this list does not answer your questions sufficiently, please send an email to 2011JRF@jas-socal.org.  If you wish to write or speak in Japanese, please do so.  The appropriate staff members can assist you in Japanese.

1. How will my donation to the 2011 Japan Relief Fund be used?

The 2011 Japan Relief Fund currently supports six organizations on the frontlines of relief and recovery in Japan. Read more about these organizations here.

Japan America Society of Southern California is committed to supporting organizations that contribute to the longer-term recovery and reconstruction effort, which many experts believe will take five years or more.  Additionally, Japan America Society is beginning to focus on the needs of children, including children who have lost one or both parents.

Criteria in our selection process included implementation capability, efficiency, financial strength and transparency.  We will make announcements about where additional funds will be allocated in the future as we complete our due diligence on potential recipients.

2. Is the Japan America Society of Southern California a nonprofit organization?  Will my donation be tax-deductible?

The Japan America Society of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) educational and charitable organization, Federal Tax ID #95–2021853.  Accordingly, donations to the 2011 Japan Relief Fund should qualify for charitable contribution tax deduction.

3. What percentage of my donation will go to administrative costs?

100% of donations will go directly to organizations in Japan contributing to the relief and recovery effort.  Japan America Society of Southern California is absorbing the administrative costs of establishing and managing the 2011 Japan Relief Fund, as well as processing donations.

4. How long will you be accepting donations?

As long as individuals, corporations and foundations show interest in supporting the longer-term recovery and reconstruction process in Japan, Japan America Society of Southern California will keep the 2011 Japan Relief Fund open for contributions.  As we know from experience, the need is great not just in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but also in the longer-term recovery and reconstruction process.

5. Is it possible to make a tax-deductible donation as an anonymous donor?

Yes, it is possible to make a tax-deductible donation and credit your donation as anonymous.  For check donations, please write “Anonymous Donation” in the “Memo” line. We will require your personal information in order to finalize payment and make your gift tax deductible, but this information will not be disclosed.  We understand your privacy concerns and appreciate your support of the relief effort.