Because SIM USA, Inc. gathers personally identifiable information during the contribution process, it is important that you understand why it is collected, how it is protected and how it will be used. By continuing to use this site you affirm that you…

• …have reviewed, understood, and accepted the terms of this policy.
• …permit SIM USA, Inc. to use your information as described below.

Information we collect

SIM USA collects personally identifiable information when you make a contribution. In order to process your contribution we ask for your contact and billing information. This information includes items such as your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number and your bank account or credit card information.

In addition to the personally identifiable information, we also request specific information pertaining to your contribution.

How we process your information

After receiving your contribution request, your personally identifiable information is inserted into our secure receipting database where your gift is processed within a few business days of your original request. Only a small number of specially authorized individuals in the Receipting and Stewardship Departments have access to your billing information. Bank account and credit card information is never left online.

How we share your information

SIM USA NEVER SELLS, RENTS, LEASES OR EXCHANGES YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION.

Security

SIM USA is committed to ensuring the security of your information. To prevent unauthorized access we have implemented physical and managerial procedures to safeguard information. When collecting information online, SIM USA uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol internet encryption software. In order to safeguard personal information, SIM USA also uses other appropriate industry standards, such as firewalls, encryption, token authentication, monitoring technology, and adaptive analysis of network traffic in order to track any abuse of our network and its data.

However, it is acknowledged that no data transmitted over the internet can be 100% secure. As a result SIM USA cannot guarantee the absolute security of any information transmitted to us via the internet, though we are committed to making every effort to protect your information. The applicant agrees to release and hold harmless SIM USA for any breach of privacy not related to the acts of any of its employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Electronic Checks:

1. How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?
2. Are electronic contributions risky?
3. When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
4. If I don’t write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
5. What if I change my bank or account number?
6. Are there any bank service fees if I give by electronic check?

Credit Cards:

1. When would this automatic contribution be charged to my credit card?
2. What if I change credit card accounts?
3. What if the expiry date on my credit card changes?
4. Are there any service fees if I give by credit card?

General:

1. Which designation account should I use?
2. What if I want to cancel or change the amount of my recurring contribution?
3. What if I have a change of address?
4. Can I try out the service by giving one time?
5. How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
6. Will I receive a tax statement for my gift?
7. What is SIM USA's tax status?
8. How does SIM USA handle my gift?
9. How is SIM USA committed to financial integrity?
10. Whom do I talk to if I have any questions?

1. How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?
No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it.

2. Are electronic contributions risky?
No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and it can’t be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. All electronic check transactions are governed by strict national rules and guidelines. Over four billion of these transactions are processed annually in the United States.

3. When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
For one time gifts, your account would be charged within a week of making the donation. For monthly recurring gifts, you can specify your gift to be made on the 10th, 15th, or 25th of each month. You will see the transaction charged to your account within a few business days after the date you choose.

4. If I don’t write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check record then.

5. What if I change my bank or account number?
If you have set up a recurring gift you will need to contact us right away if you change banks or your bank account number. See below for our contact information.

6. Are there any bank service fees if I give by electronic check?
No. There are no bank service fees to you or to SIM USA when you give by electronic check.

1. When would this automatic contribution be charged to my credit card?
For one time gifts, your account would be charged within a week of making the donation. For monthly recurring gifts, you can specify your gift to be made on the 10th, 15th, or 25th of each month. You will see the transaction charged to your account within a few business days after the date you choose.

2. What if I change credit card accounts?
If you have set up a recurring gift you will need to contact us right away if you change credit card accounts. See below for our contact information.

3. What if the expiry date on my credit card changes?
If you have set up a recurring gift you will need to contact us right away if your expiry date changes. See below for our contact information.

4. Are there any service fees if I give by credit card?
Yes. SIM USA pays approximately 3% of your gift in service fees on all credit card processed gifts. Making your gift by electronic check will help us avoid these fees.

1. Which designation account should I use?
Project Account (tax-deductible): Provides unique opportunities for you to help meet physical and spiritual needs around the world as SIM ministers Christ’s love.
Support (tax-deductible): Provides for missionary’s salary, medical insurance, retirement and basic living needs. SIM uses this account to keep the missionary in ministry on their field of service.
Ministry (work) Account (tax-deductible): Provides for missionary’s work related activities. This account is separate from the missionary’s support.
Personal Gift (not tax-deductible): Gifts for birthday, holiday and special occasions; funds for the missionary’s personal use.
Application Fee (tax-deductible): Use this account to pay your application fee if applying for service with SIM.

2. What if I want to cancel or change the amount of my recurring contribution?
Please call (800 521-6449) or email (SIMUSA.Receipting@sim.org) us right away.

3. What if I have a change of address?
Please call (800 521-6449) or email (SIMUSA.Receipting@sim.org) us right away.

4. Can I try out the service by giving one time?
Yes. You may try Online giving by selecting “No” in the recurring gift drop down box. You will see how easy and efficient the process really is.

5. How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
Your statement will include a lineitem for your monthly gift. In addition SIM USA will continue to provide you with a receipt for your tax records.

6. Will I receive a tax statement for my gift?
SIM does not send monthly invoices; however, an official tax receipt is generated for each one-time gift. This receipt is an offical record of your one-time contribution and should not be considered a bill. Recurring monthly gifts are not receipted; however, a year-end Giving Statement will be sent for tax purposes. All contributions to SIM are considered to be freewill gifts.

7. What is SIM USA's tax status?
SIM USA Incorporated is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Religious Corporation. Our IRS tax identification number is 22-1936391.

8. How does SIM USA handle my gift?
Tax-deductible contributions are made with the understanding that SIM USA has complete control and administration over the use of the donation. Each designation to an approved program is used with the understanding that when the need has been met, donations will then be given where needed most, preferably to a similar program, at the discretion of SIM USA.

9. How is SIM USA committed to financial integrity?
SIM USA has annual internal and external audits. We also have a reputable board of directors of whom the majority are not members of SIM. In addition we are members of CrossGlobal Link and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Please click on the logos below to see more information about SIM’s financial accountability. Copies of our audited financial statements are available upon request.

10. Whom do I talk to if I have any questions?
We would be glad to answer any questions you might have concerning your contribution to SIM USA. You can either call the USA Receipting Department at (800) 521-6449 or contact us via email at SIMUSA.Receipting@sim.org.