MORE ABOUT EDTF – WHY DONATE TO EDTF?

Why donate to the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF)?

The primary objective of EDTF is to finance people-focused sustainable social and economic development projects. The Fund aims to finance projects that meet critical needs selected based on their potential to make the highest positive impact on Ethiopian people in-need. Areas of critical needs include health, education, water and sanitation facilities, habilitation and rehabilitation of persons with disability, agricultural development, technology, small scale entrepreneurship and other income and employment generating projects.
More information on the mission and objectives can be found on the EDTF. Website home page under About Us.

 

EDTF has already awarded its first grant to successful applicants. Twenty two projects worth 152 million Ethiopian Birr (about USD 4.66 million) are to receive EDTF funding.  For more information, please refer to the EDTF website Home Page EthiopiaTrustFund.org, as well as, the Press Release  under the Updates section of the website.  

 

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax deductible since EDTF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as shown publicly on the EDTF homepage and under Legal Documents
The information you need for tax deduction is on the receipt.
You can download your receipt on the EDTF website (www.ethiopiatrustfund.org) following the steps below. You can also update your payment information and manage your account.
Click on Sign in link from the top of the page
Enter your username and password. The username is typically your email address
Click on “View Receipt”
If you are set up to make recurring donation, you will see a “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom.
Please note that the employer you work for may match your donation. Please follow your employer’s policy on corporate matching to submit your donation receipt.

What is the best way to contact EDTF?

For general information, the best way to contact EDTF is via email at [email protected].

For donation related questions, it is preferred that you send us your email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us at 1-888-829-0027. Please contact us before contacting your bank for donation issues requiring resolution so it can be resolved swiftly and EDTF also avoids penalty fees. 

For information related to Chapter formation or involvement contact us at [email protected].

You can also find the contact information on the EDTF website under About Us 

Please note that EDTF volunteers who give there own personal time respond to your inquiry. We appreciate your patience as none of us are EDTF employees.

 

What is the difference between EDTF ( EthiopiaTrustFund.org ) and Friends of EDTF Inc.

“EDTF” which stands for Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund is the name of the organization working to mobilize the Ethiopian Diaspora Community to make donations to be used to fund project to improve the lives of Ethiopians in need.
“Friends of EDTF Inc.” is the legal name under which EDTF is registered in the US. As such, your donation receipts come from Friends of EDTF Inc.

What is the relationship between EDTF and the Ethiopian government?

EDTF is a  non-governmental, non-profit entity established in the United States as public charity non-profit organization. More information can be found on our website under Legal Documents.

EDTF is the gift of the global Diaspora to our disadvantaged sisters and brothers in Ethiopia. Please be assured that your and our donations to the EDTF will be used to fund critical projects that will improve the livelihood of disadvantaged Ethiopians, without regard to political, ethnic or religious considerations.

Will this website be available in other languages besides English?

Based on the feedback from users of the Ethiopian diaspora community and taking cost into consideration, the Board will consider the possibility of translating the website content into additional languages. Our current focus is on providing content in English.

Where do I follow the latest updates and event announcements on EDTF?

For the latest information about EDTFs accomplishments and the status of how the money donated will be used to fund targeted projects in Ethiopia, please take a look at the Press Release page under Updates from the EDTF home page, as well as, from our social media pages:  FaceBook,  LinkedIn,  Twitter or Instagram. 

Is the website secure to make donations using various methods of payment?

Yes, the website is secure, protected and does not hold any financial data of donors and contributors. We will only keep your membership information, which includes your name, email, and phone number.

How do I report any inappropriate or suspicious behavior regarding the Fund?

Please email us the source of the suspicious activity and detailed information at [email protected].

USE OF EDTF DONATED FUNDS

What has been done with the donations collected so far? How will the donated funds ultimately be used?

EDTF has awarded its first grant to successful applicants. For project selection criteria and the project review team, please refer to our website under Projects. You can also find Answers to Project Related Questions. Twenty two projects worth more than 152 million Ethiopian Birr (about USD 4.66 million) were reviewed for potential EDTF funding.  For the latest information about EDTF funded projects, please take a look at the Active Projects. 

The Ethiopia Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) Board established the “EDTF Emergency COVID-19 Mitigation” committing USD 1 million start-up fund to assist the national COVID-19 mitigation efforts in Ethiopia. For the latest information on items donated to Ethiopia please refer to the EDTF website Home Page EthiopiaTrustFund.org. The fund is established in recognition of the new challenge and existential threat that coronavirus represents to the wellbeing and livelihood of the Ethiopian people and in particular the most disadvantaged segments of the population. As stated in the Missions & Objectives section of the EDTF website responding to the health care needs of disadvantaged Ethiopians is one of the core missions of EDTF.

Emergency COVID-19 support will be guided primarily by the priority items identified by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and will closely coordinate with the National COVID-19 Resource Mobilization Committee, the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Task Force and collaborate with other Ethiopian diaspora organizations working to address the COVID-19 threat in Ethiopia. For more information please refer to the EDTF website Home Page EthiopiaTrustFund.org 

EDTF funds will continue to be used to finance people-focused social and economic development projects. The fund aims to finance projects that meet critical needs selected based on their potential to make the highest positive impact on Ethiopian people in need. Focus areas include health, education, water and sanitation facilities, habilitation and rehabilitation of persons with disability, agricultural development, technology, women, youth, financial inclusion, small scale entrepreneurship and other income and employment generating projects.
More information can be found on the EDTF website homepage EDTF home page, as well as, under Press Release found under the Update section of the website.
The donated funds are deposited in Citi Bank in the US and CBE in Addis Ababa with the total deposited contributions posted on the homepage on a weekly basis. All of the money donated to EDTF will be used exclusively to fund approved projects and pursue the organization’s objectives and to keep it in proper operation with maximum accountability and transparency.

When do we expect the first initiative/program supported by the EDTF to be implemented?

EDTF has awarded its first grant to successful applicants. For project selection criteria and the project review team please refer to our website under Projects. Twenty two projects worth more than 152 million Birr were reviewed for potential EDTF funding.  For more information, please refer to the EDTF website Home Page EthiopiaTrustFund.org, as well as, the Press Release found under the Updates section of the website. 

How will the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund’s (EDTF’s) financials be open to the public?

We will issue periodic audits including an annual audit. The first EDTF audit report covering its first three months (October-December 2018) of operations is already posted on the EDTF website under “About Us” “Legal Documents”. There will also be quarterly reports that will be shared with the public on the website.
The donated funds are deposited in Citi Bank in the US and CBE in Addis Ababa and are publicly posted on the EDTF home page. All of the money donated to EDTF will be used exclusively to pursue the organization’s objectives and to keep it in proper operation with maximum accountability and transparency.
 
In addition, the Chapter Operating Fundraising and Funding policies can be found on the EDTF website under Policies Chapter Operating Funding

Will any of the funds be used for administrative purposes?

No, all of the money donated to EDTF will be used exclusively to fund approved projects.

EDTF Chapters need financial resources and support to reduce the burden on personal contributions of Chapter members. As such, EDTF chapters may conduct fundraising activities in line with the EDTF Chapter Operating Funding Policies. EDTF Chapters that raise funds for operational activities must request approval of the EDTF AC through the AC Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary, and alternatively, any AC member. The request must indicate the specific purpose(s) for the fund and the specific operational activities to be supported by the funds to be raised.
The Chapter Operating Fundraising and Funding policies including how the funds are used, and accountability for chapter operating funds can be found on the EDTF website under Policies Chapter Operating Funding  
Information on how to open EDTF chapter can be found under the “Creating EDTF Chapter” section of the FAQ.

CHANGING/ UPDATING DONATION SUBSCRIPTION

How do I donate or register to subscribe to EDTF?

You can donate to EDTF via the EDTF website EthiopiaTrustFund.org

Once on the EDTF website, click on Sign In, scroll down, create your user ID and password, and follow the instructions. If you are already registered, enter your user ID and password (your user ID is usually the same as your email address).

Once you sign in to EDTF, the best method of payment is using your Credit Card (Apple Pay/ Google Pay) so you can easily manage your donation subscription, get the donation displayed on the EDTF home page and receive your donation receipts immediately.

You can also make a Bank Wire Transfer, donate through GoFundMe, use PayPal, or iDEAL.

To donate by check, please write the check to EDTF , indicate on the “notes” section of the check either Covid-19 fund or EDTF Fund depending on which fund you would like to donate to. You can then deposit the check in person at your local Citibank branch.

To donate without registering, go to the EDTF website EthiopiaTrustFund.org, and click on Donate Now from the Home page. Registration is recommended so you can easily track and modify your donations, retrieve your receipts etc.

How do I edit my profile and change my password?

To edit your profile and/or change your password, login on to the EDTF website EthiopiaTrustFund.org, scroll down and click on “Edit your profile” to make the desired changes.

Once you save the changes, you will receive an email indicating that you made changes (this may take a few minutes to hours).

How do I change the amount I donate to EDTF or cancel my subscription?

Go to EthiopiaTrustFund.org, Click on the “Sign in” link from the top left corner of the page
Enter your user name and password (Note: your user name is typically your email address)
Click on “View Receipt”
If you have a recurring donation setup, you will see a “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of the page
From the “Manage Subscriptions”, you can Update Payment Information, view and download your receipts, or cancel your subscription.
EDTF will honor donor requests for cancellation of subscriptions or future donations that are to be paid in recurrent amounts in annual, monthly or other time frames.

If you prefer EDTF to cancel your subscription on your behalf, please either call us at (1-888-829-0027) or email your request to [email protected] along with the email address you used when you subscribed to donate. Please contact us before contacting your bank to prevent unnecessary penalty fee to EDTF.
We are hopeful and confident you will continue your support or rejoin us soon in the long journey for this noble cause. Please go the EDTF Sign In page when you are ready to reactivate your subscription. You can either log in with your Username and Password or Register if you had not previously set up an account.  Alternatively, please email us ([email protected]) or give us a call (1-888-829-0027) when you are ready to reactivate your subscription.
For the latest information about the status of EDTF’s work please take a look at the Press Release page under Updates from the EDTF home page.  You can also get information from our social media pages:  FaceBook,  LinkedIn,  Twitter or Instagram.  

How do I get a subscription cancellation reinstated?

The best way to reinstate your subscription is by creating a new subscription following the steps below.
Go to the EDTF website EthiopiaTrustFund.org
Once on the EDTF website, click on Sign In, scroll down, create your user ID and password by clicking on Register, and follow the instructions. 
Please not that the best method of payment is using your Credit Card (Apple Pay/ Google Pay) so you can easily manage your donations.  However, you can also make a Bank Wire Transfer, visit our GoFundMe page, or use  PayPal or iDEAL

How do I cancel a subscription donation made using PayPal?

PayPal subscription can be cancelled directly from PayPal following the steps outlined here: PayPal Cancellation.

How do I get my donation receipt?

Go to EthiopiaTrustFund.org, Click on the “Sign in” link from the top left corner of the page
Enter your user name and password (Note: your user name is typically your email address)
Click on “View Receipt”
If you have a recurring donation setup, you will see a “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of the page
From the “Manage Subscriptions”, you can view and download your receipt

Are donations refundable?

The EDTF policy does not allow us refunding donations unless there was a mistake (e.g. duplicate payments). If there is a mistake, EDTF will refund in full (minus the transaction fee charged by payment processors, which EDTF does not receive). Please review the Refund Policy on EDTF website for details.
EDTF will honor donor requests for cancellation of subscriptions or future donations that are to be paid in recurrent amounts in annual, monthly or other time frames. To request a cancellation, please email us at [email protected]. Please contact us before contacting your bank to prevent unnecessary penalty fee to EDTF.

How do I get a refund?

EDTF will refund donated funds in full and in a timely manner (minus the transaction fee charged by payment processors, which EDTF does not receive) any donation that has been made erroneously in line with our Refund Policy. If your donation is made erroneously as described in the refund policy (e.g. duplicate charges),  please email us at [email protected] and we will process the refund in a timely manner. Please email us before contacting your bank to prevent unnecessary penalty fee to EDTF.

Why is my name not displayed on the EDTF Website as a Donor?

In the past, only the first contribution from new donors was displayed on the EDTF website. This has now been updated and all recurring donations are posted on the website. 
If you would like to get a receipt for your donation, please follow the steps below:
Go to EthiopiaTrustFund.org, Click on the “Sign in” link from the top left corner of the page
Enter your user name and password (Note: your user name is typically your email address)
Click on “View Receipt”
If you have a recurring donation setup, you will see a “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of the page
From the “Manage Subscriptions”, you can view and download your receipt

Why do I get duplicate charges and how do I change my subscription?

Duplicate charges may result from multiple subscriptions appearing on the website. Please check your subscription on the EDTF website to make sure you didn’t accidentally create two subscriptions (e.g. using two different emails). If you have set up two subscriptions inadvertently, you can cancel one of the subscriptions following the instructions above under “How do I change the amount I donate to EDTF or Cancel my subscription?”

If you would like to receive a refund once you cancel your subscription, please email us at [email protected].
Alternatively, we can cancel your duplicate subscription on your behalf if you email us at [email protected]. Please include all possible emails you may have used for your subscriptions when you send us your request.

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER

What do I need to do to volunteer and support the Ethiopia Diaspora Trust Fund?

We very much appreciate your willingness to give the gift of time to our disadvantaged sisters and brothers in Ethiopia. The functions of EDTF are largely supported by the Ethiopia Diaspora community volunteers and therefore, your participation is very much needed.
To get involved and become a volunteer, please go to Register as Volunteer under “Get Involved” on the EDTF website.

What are the volunteering opportunities?

Thank you very much for your interest in becoming a volunteer! We are looking for volunteers to help in many areas including: coordination of Country or State donors, promoting the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund and website, recruiting other volunteers and handling correspondence with donors.
In addition, we seek volunteers with expertise in the following areas:
Event Planning
PR Marketing & Communications
Finance and Audit
Policy Planning
Web site Management
Creation of International Organization Registry Database
Stakeholder Engagement
Process Transparency & Oversight
Fundraising & Diversifying Sponsorship
Administrative Tasks

CREATING EDTF CHAPTER

How do I create an official EDTF Chapter in my area?

Thank you for your interest in opening an EDTF chapter in your community! To open a chapter, please complete the EDTF Chapter Application on the EDTF website.
Once approved, you will have access to our online resources and tools to make it easier to mobilize your group members and assist to raise funds for the EDTF.
EDTF Chapters are the link between Ethiopian Diaspora groups and the EDTF Board. Each Chapter needs to reflect the specific situation and needs of Ethiopian Diaspora in different cities or countries.
We are proud to report that we currently have approved EDTF chapters in North America (USA & Canada), Europe,  Australia, Middle East, Asia, and Central & South America. A list of EDTF chapters can be found on the website under EDTF Chapters.

Will there be opportunities for community engagement with other EDTF chapters?

Yes. The EDTF, in collaboration with the EDTF Board, will host meetings, town halls, and other relevant events to enhance community engagement.