It makes the world go round.
It also makes missionaries squirm when we have to talk about it! (See
this article for an honest description of what support raising is like)
But it's natural for supporters to ask questions, so I'll do my best to address the common ones here.
How much do you have to raise?
I have been set a fundraising target by MAF International that works out to around NZ$71,000 (US$55,000) per annum. That sounds like a lot, but if you break it down, it's slightly under $6000 a month. If 40 people gave $50 a month and another 40 gave $100 a month, the total would be covered. See the 'fuel gauge' to the right which shows where my support level is at right now.
What does the money cover?
Donations given to support staff working overseas covers a living allowance, housing (for programmes where staff live in compounds), travel to and from the field, insurance and superannuation. It also helps to cover some of the programme costs in terms of aircraft operations, maintenance etc.
How much of my donation stays in New Zealand?
NZ donations towards overseas work are handled by the Flying for Life Charitable Trust, which transfers the money to MAF International to fund the overseas programmes. None of the money given for overseas work is retained in NZ.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes - the Flying for Life Charitable Trust is registered with the Charities Commission. At the end of the tax year you will receive a receipt which you can use to claim your donations rebate.
I get paid fortnightly, do I have to support monthly?
You can support at whatever frequency suits you - weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, annually etc. Also, you can support through whatever method you would prefer - credit card, automatic payment, internet banking, cheque... MAF is grateful for every dollar that is given; we don't want to impose any barriers on people by telling them how or when they should give.
If I make a one-off donation towards your support, does it count?
Yes - one-off donations are counted as being spread over four years.
I can't commit to regular donations, but I want to support you. Is it ok if I just give when I am able?
Absolutely - you can donate by credit card via the website, or contact the MAF office for internet banking details or if you would like to send a cheque.
I started my support before you went to the field. What has happened to that money and what does it get used for?
Donations given while I am still in NZ are held in the Flying for Life Charitable Trust and released to MAF International when I go to the field. This money is used to cover some of the costs involved in relocation and getting established when I arrive (air fares, shipping, training etc.).
Where else does MAF get its money from?
MAF receives donations from support of staff, general donations (e.g. fundraising events and bequests), government aid grants, business donations, and profits from flights charged at commercial rates.
How does MAF charge for the use of its planes?
Different types of organisations (e.g. missions, local churches, secular aid organisations) are charged at different rates depending on their alignment with MAF's mission and vision. Some flights (e.g. medevacs) are performed at little or no cost to the passengers and these are subsidised through donations. Other flights (e.g. transporting media or government officials) are charged at commercial rates and the profits are returned to the funding pool.
What's the best way for me to donate?
Regular donations are the most helpful - contact the
MAF office for more information on how to set these up. One-off donations are also gratefully received; these can be made by contacting the office, or via credit card at the
website.
Have you got a question that hasn't been answered? Feel free to ask via a comment.
