FAQs for Fundraisers
Q: How do the funds I raise benefit the victims of the Puna lava eruption?
A: The Lyman House Memorial Museum is contributing 100% of proceeds raised by individual fundraisers and donors to this campaign to the Hawai’i Island Volcano Recovery Fund at the Hawai’i Community Foundation to help Puna evacuees with food, housing relocation services, pet support, laundry vouchers, and many other basic needs.
Q: How do I share my page with friends and family?
A: Use the social share buttons on your personal fundraising page to send messages with the donation form to your friends and family. You can also use your personal URL or keyword to share your page—add the link to your email signature or your social media profiles.
Your personal keyword is a great way to share your campaign verbally. When you are chatting with people about your fundraising efforts, ask them to pull out their cell phones and text your personal keyword to 71777.
Q: What is my personal URL and Text keyword?
A: Your URL and Keyword are in the email that you were sent when you registered as a fundraiser. This email also has a link for you to change your password and edit your page. We recommend keeping it available to you during the campaign.
Q: Who can give during the Hawai’i Island Volcano Recovery Fund campaign?
A: Anyone can give to the Hawai’i Island Volcano Recovery Fund! Even if you don’t think someone will be interested, they may be interested in supporting you and learning more about why the campaign is important to you. Make sure to share your story and explain, in your own words, why this is important to you and how it has impacted your life.
Q: My friends and family can’t afford to give a lot, is that ok?
A: Yes! Even a gift of $5 will make a difference.
Q: Are the donations secure?
A: Yes! Our donation forms are all PCI-Level one compliant which is the highest level of transaction security available.
Q: Can international donors contribute?
A: Yes! However, due to security reasons, certain countries may have limited access. If someone in another country is having trouble giving, we recommend that they call Liz Ambrose at the Lyman Museum, (808) 935-5021 ext. 106, to process their gift over the phone. Their gift will still be attributed to you and counted toward your goal.
Q: How do I personalize my page? What can I personalize?
A: Click “Edit My Page” on the email you were sent when you signed up. You can add a picture (square pictures with a 1:1 ratio work best), change your goal, and write a personal message about why the campaign is meaningful to you.
Q: How will I know if someone donated to my campaign?
A: You will receive an email when someone makes a gift to your campaign. Even though they get an automatic thank you note from the Lyman Museum, it is a great idea to reach out to them and thank them personally for their help.
Q: How often should I reach out to family and friends?
A: At least once a week.
Statistics show, the more often you ask, the more you will fundraise. In one study, those who sent more than 25 emails fundraised as least $1,300.
Use different channels to reach people—email, social media, text message, and phone. It can take up to 12 impressions to get the average donor to give.
Q: My friend made a gift, but the gift didn’t get applied to my page. What should I do?
A: Reach out to Liz Ambrose at the Lyman Museum, (808) 935-5021 ext. 106, with the donor name, gift amount, and phone number. It may take up to 5 business days to have the gift moved.
Q: What types of gifts are accepted during the Hawai’i Island Volcano Recovery Fund campaign?
A: Gifts through credit card or PayPal using your personal giving form are the easiest and get immediately counted towards your fundraising goal. However, if someone wishes to make a gift via check, please send it to the Lyman Museum at 276 Haili St., Hilo Hawaii 96720 with Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund in the memo, and it will get counted towards your fundraising goal.
Q: Are gifts made to the Lyman Museum tax deductible?
A: Yes! The Lyman Museum is a tax-exempt organization under IRC 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by governing laws. Donors will receive a tax receipt for their contribution within moments of making their gift.
