FAQ, A Charity for Charities

Frequently Asked Questions

Retail Merchant Questions

When can the merchant be up and running?
Usually within 24 hours of approval if using existing equipment. If new equipment is needed, then usually within two to three days.
How does a merchant know if upgrading or buying new equipment should be considered?
At the time of the analysis, Axia Payments (Axia) will recommend new equipment if the existing equipment is not the best option for the merchant. If the merchant doesn’t have equipment, Axia can provide equipment that includes lifetime warranty and 24 hour replacement of equipment if necessary
What if the existing equipment cannot be reprogrammed due to a proprietary merchant service provider?
If the equipment cannot be reprogrammed, Axia will recommend an equipment swap or new equipment depending on the need of the merchant.
If it is determined existing equipment should be upgraded or purchased, what is the process?
Merchant chooses terminal, completes the required paperwork for equipment purchase/swap/lease provided by Axia when merchant application is completed.
When can the merchant be up and running?
Usually within 24 hours of approval if using existing equipment. If new equipment is needed, then usually within two to three days.
When are credit card charges credited to merchant’s account?
Funds for normal transactions are usually credited to the merchant’s account in 2 business days. Thursday and Friday deposits generally show up Monday and Tuesday.
What is the length of a merchant contract?
Contract length is three years.
Are there any start-up or download fees charged to the merchant?
There are download fees but there is a $25.00 start up fee. Some merchants, however, may choose to upgrade their existing equipment when switching to this new system which would result in an additional cost for the equipment.
Is there a cancellation fee?
This is handled on a case by case basis. Axia wants to work with the merchant to correct any issues the merchant has before cancelling a contract.
How does a merchant designate a particular nonprofit organization?
Once approved by Axia, the merchant will receive a Nonprofit Designation form from A Charity for Charities (ACFC). A Charity for Charities will notify nonprofit of merchant designation.
Can merchant designate more than one nonprofit?
Yes. The merchant can fill out more than one Nonprofit Designation form (generally limited to two)and, under the percentage given, list the percentage amount for each organization.
Can merchant change the nonprofit designated?
Yes. Fill out a new form noting it is to replace an existing form already on file.
Is the percentage paid to the nonprofit based on gross sales on all credit card charges?
No. Although the merchant can accept all credit cards, only MasterCard, Visa and Discover are figured in the gross sales amount percentage paid to nonprofits.
Are records confidential to the merchant, A Charity for Charities and Axia only?
Yes, all records are confidential and not shared by Axia or A Charity for Charities.

Internet Merchant Questions

Can Internet merchants be involved in this program?
Yes, merchants who use Web sites for orders, shopping carts, or those who desire to do a manual entry of credit card data via a virtual terminal should note the additional requirements for Internet merchants on the Application.

Nonprofit Questions

When will the nonprofit receive designated funds?
A Charity for Charities will make at least two distributions a year, in July and January. Checks will be sent to all nonprofits having a minimum of $75.00 on deposit at ACFC.
How will the nonprofit know they are receiving all the funds they are entitled to from Community¢ents?
The accounting firm of Guzman and Gray, Certified Public Accountants will perform an audit each June and issue a Procedures Report. This report will confirm the amount paid by Axia and deposited at A Charity for Charities. It will also verify the nonprofit is getting a distribution based on the amount reported from Axia less the fee charged by A Charity for Charities. This report from Guzman and Gray will accompany the distribution letter and checks sent to each nonprofit in July of each year.
What is the percentage of incoming credit card fees returned to the nonprofits?
A Charity for Charities returns 70¢ (70%) of each dollar of incoming credit card fees back to the nonprofits.
Who can participate in this program?
Many retail or Internet businesses that accept credit cards. This includes health care providers such as physicians, physical therapy offices, dentists, eye care offices, and labs. It also includes law offices, accountants, and any other professional offices accepting credit card payments. Restaurants and any type of retail store accepting credit cards can all participate as well as web-based businesses.
How can a nonprofit market this to its constituency?
A Charity for Charities (ACFC) can co-author a letter to be sent to potential participants. ACFC can speak before your group or with staff, board of directors, and volunteers further to explain the program. It is these already dedicated supporters who can take this program out in the community to businesses they support. Supporters and volunteers can ask those they do business with to sign up with Axia and designate your nonprofit to benefit.

General Questions

Who is Axia Payments?
Axia Payments (Axia) is a registered merchant service provider with over $2 billion in annual processing. It is a privately held company nationally based in Santa Barbara and in business for close to 20 years. Their mission is to provide customized electronic payment programs to organizations that result in greater effectiveness and reduced costs along side uncompromising service, expertise, security, and technology. They work closely with their clients to design systems, services and relationships to meet the client’s unique needs and priorities. For additional information download the brochure.
Who is A Charity for Charities?
A Charity for Charities was founded in 2003 by community supporter Julie David. Its mission is to educate the community about and raise funds for other nonprofit organizations that support but are not limited to youth, education, and social service programs. To date, A Charity for Charities has helped raise over $600,000 for local nonprofit organizations through special events and in the past two years has given over $30,00 through Community¢ents to more than 30 nonprofits. . For more information log on to www.acharityforcharities.org or www.Guidestar.org, a leading source of information about nonprofits in the United States.