F.A.Q.
Tax Stuff
Questions about legalities, donations, taxes, etc...
You refer to TAP as a "Nonprofit". Is TAP registered as a 501(c)(3)?
The Aspen Project is not registered as a 501(c)(3), but all contributions/donations ARE tax deductible because TAP does not stand on its own. TAP is merely a project of SANDS Ministry which is a registered 508(c)(1)(a).
Are my donations tax deductible?
Yes. We wouldn't be here if they weren't. With each donation (monthly, one-time, or product) you will receive a receipt from SANDS Ministry (a registered 508(c)(1)(a)) providing the necessary details for your tax reporting. At the end of each calendar year you will also receive a summary with the total of all donations.
Could my donation be considered a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD)?
Absolutely! This was one of the components that made me think this whole concept was possible. Working in the business of fielding calls and paperwork around QCD's made me realize how many dollars are out there the people don't even know what to do with. They just want a cause that they can set, and forget. This can certainly be that cause.
What is a 508(c)(1)(a)?
A 508(c)(1)(a) is a federally recognized church. The internal workings of this registration are protected by our freedom of religion. Churches are the last remaining safe place from government and political influence. We (SANDS and TAP) are huge proponents of freedom, and frown upon the governments ability to affect every aspect of our existence. As a church our duty is to our faith, our members, and humanity as a whole.
General info and the cause
What we're doing and why we're here ...
The Aspen Project sounds like other crowdfunding sites. How is it different?
This is the most frequently asked question, so I want to be thorough with the response:
When considering one of the commonly used crowd funding sites (Gofund; Kickstart; etc) there is a single cause, and a single point of entry. The ability to find funding for that cause is solely based on the ability to sell that cause, and who it's sold to. You may have the most dire need imaginable, or the greatest idea ever conceived, but if you can't tell the story behind it, if you can't spark the emotions of that first layer of contacts you're sharing with- it goes no where. When you or your loved one is sitting in a hospital bed after a terrible accident, your ability to receive help from the public is entirely based on your ability to completely separate yourself from your own pain, and tell a story. Even if you do that well, you're now depending on your contact list to open the link, read the story, feel that emotion, then donate AND share. So even if you've composed a Nicholas Sparks style rendition of your situation, your cause could fall flat if the social media feed algorithm fails you, or if your readers don't share, or if a sizable portion of your contacts are in a hard financial spot themselves. There are so many variables, and so many are out of the hands of the one that is in need!
The Aspen Project removes all of those barriers. A brief explanation is required, but it is not used to sway opinions or justify donations. Donations are received for the Cause, TAP uses it's own algorithm to decide which cause is funded. Another significant difference is how payment is handled. TAP pays the need on behalf of the recipient. No checks or payments (that can be used for anything other than the need) are being sent. The algorithm and payout terms are described in greater detail on the "Receive" page.
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Are there other ways to support aside from cash donations?
Absolutely. The success of this project obviously depends on donations, but that is just the start. The best way to support it to get the message out there. If what we're saying/offering resonates with you, tell as many people as you can! Share it everywhere you know how!
We're also looking for businesses, non-profits, artists, all willing bodies to help with the cause. Time donations, expertise donations, food, clothing, really anything at all will be accepted.
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And stories. We want stories of those in need, stories of those that have helped, been helped. We want to remind everyone that compassion is in our DNA, unity is the way forward.
What are some "Coming Soon" items for the project?
The Website and defining ourselves and our purpose was number one.
Next we will work on Social Media and providing the platform that can be shared.
Then building up the content on those platforms.
Next up will be the podcasts.
Then the collaboration really kicks off...
How does TAP get paid?
Every dollar received by TAP is a donation to SANDS Ministry. At the end of each week 85% of what was received is paid out for member needs. 10% is immediately invested in to the donation fund for following the week. The remaining 5% is retained by the ministry to contribute to overhead costs for TAP and other church services/projects.
As an initiative of a church, do I need to subscribe to a certain faith to donate or receive?
No. Although churches are faith based organization, we do not believe that a willingness to help should be religiously sanctioned. Likewise, we understand that needs and hard times do not discriminate based on religious affiliations.
What are the longer term goals for TAP?
Talk about a loaded question!
Phase 1 (compassion): Introduce this idea of a NOT-FOR-PROFIT platform that is simply moving money around from people that have a little extra to people that need a hand. Watch as this concept of helping others spreads like wildfire. Watch as people are starting to lean in to their passions, and take more time for their bodies and their minds.
Phase 2 (collaboration): Publish and celebrate the success of phase one and acknowledge to those that have given and received: "This works. Let's do more."
At this point we've created a database of millions of people that share this ideal. During this phase we start banding together, noticing each other, and sharing our ideas and talents/passions.
Phase 3 (community): The Aspen Network. An ambitious goal, but there is no limit to what we can achieve as this community forms. Members helping members with anything and everything imaginable. Doctor members treating member patients with out hospital overheads, insurance scams, etc. Member accountants filing member taxes without partner overheads and profit drives. A community of individuals that are here for one-another without the expectation of profits and price gouging.
Within the scope of the project:
TAP Credit Union
TAP Payment Systems
TAP Endorsed Real Estate Brokers
TAP Endorsed Food Sources
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If there is a business that exists solely to profit off of others needs, TAP is aiming to replace it with a version that is compassionate to the consumer.
This response could go on for days :-) I'll stop here and we'll discuss more in some of the media posts that all under "coming soon".
The Technicalites
The fine print questions on how this thing works....
Is there a minimum contribution?
From the start we will be looking for a $10 minimum donation (monthly or one time). If there are consistent requests or comments that this is too high, we will reevaluate in the future.
Apart from the amazing feeling of knowing I'm helping someone in need, what else do I get with my membership?
This is one of my favorite parts of the project right now. One of the goals of The Aspen Project is providing financial freedom and security for its members, freedom enough to consider following a life of interest and passion rather than one of profit and financial reward.
As a member you will receive access to a ever growing number of 1x1 interviews and conversations with people just like you that wanted to do something they cared about and have either taken that step or are currently working toward that goal. You can learn about numerous different subjects, fields, professions directly from someone that is in the midst of that journey right now.
TAP is partnering with hundreds of individuals from all different fields of expertise to talk about what they're doing, how they got here, what their daily life is like, etc. Most of these interviews will be accompanied by opportunities to continue learning or supporting those being featured. Some examples are:
Oil Painting with Laura
Mycology with Ty and Rico
Astrology with Claudia
History with Cole
Herbology with Mama Marti
Soap making with me
Cooking with Chef Chris
DIY Car repair with Nick
We have over 100 of these topics and videos that will be going on to the member page!
What is the process for choosing who is granted funds each week?
As time progresses and donations start flowing in the requests are going to be plentiful and greatly ranging in their amounts. I suspect within the first year we will see requests as small as $50 (many of them I'm sure) and going as high as thousands and/or tens of thousands of dollars! Each week we will have a goal of paying out as many needs as possible, but also as many of the larger requests as possible. We have built an algorithm that is based on a point system taking in to consideration that urgency of the request and the requested amount. This algorithm will ensure that those in the greatest need are prioritized and as many needs are being paid as possible. More info on selection is described on the "receiver" page.
What frequencies are available for donations? Monthly? Quarterly? One-Time?
Donations are preferred on a monthly basis, but quarterly and annual are options as well. The idea is that start by donating an amount that you would not notice is missing, that you can afford to give away. Over time we suspect that will grow as you see and experience the success of the project and see the difference it's making.
One-time donations are an option as well.
Am I able to see where my donations are going?
"Yes" is the short answer, but this is a great question that I could fill a page answering.
I'll keep it brief by making this statement:
The Aspen Project is only successful if it maintains the highest possible level of integrity. That integrity is a guarantee to all involved stakeholders. Transparency is the critical component to that integrity of the project and the ministry.
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If you care to read more... I'll share a personal experience that relates to the question.
Over the past twelve months I have been sharing these ideas and this experience with a number of people, mostly friends and family. The idea of the project seems to be intriguing to most, but I've continued to get the same reaction when I mention "Starting a church". Even my childhood best friend, who would be supportive of ANY adventure I was willing to embark on, gave me a scoff and a side-eye at that statement. It seems to be a pretty common sentiment, people don't like churches. Or so I thought. After diving in to a number of conversations it dawned on me that it's not that people don't like churches... they don't trust them!
This feeling was so strong that we'd considered rebranding away from the term "church". But the problem is not the name "church", it's what people associate with that name based on what they have seen and heard over the last few.... centuries. So, why not take on that challenge too? SANDS can redefine the word "church" just as TAP can redefine our relationship with money, people, and community.
Integrity and Transparency at unparalleled levels from this style of organization. You will see where your donations go, you'll see how much was paid, you'll see the balance of the account that holds the donation. The church will be broadcasting the amounts going to all of its projects. We need a change right? Then we need a different way of approaching "church" and benevolence, and that's why we're all here!
Are my donations made public? Can I donate anonymously?
This is up to you. You can be the unnamed angel, or have your name plastered all over the site, or anything in-between. Those options are available as a part of your membership/donation request
What security measures are taken to protect my information?
As a topic that I'm less than familiar with I'll give two parts to this answer.
1. Standard security measures and privacy protocols are in place with this site and all with all payment options. But-
2. As a part of this process and in conversations around the project and the network I have learned that I know a number of people that are very interested and/or involved in cyber security. As required, and funding permits, The Aspen Project will employ at least one cyber security expert that will be solely responsibly for maintaining the privacy of the members, the site, and the network as we continue to grow.
As someone requesting assistance, can I remain anonymous?
Absolutely. We do request a follow-up video or audio with all participants so that donors are able to see the impact of their contributions, but these recordings can remain anonymous through transcription or we can have your image blacked out like your in a witness protection program.