FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the VFW Gift Card store?
The purpose of this store is to provide a means to raise money for VFW Posts throughout the United States. To do this, gift cards are sold on behalf of the Salvation Army through this site. Each gift card purchased creates an automatic donation from Simplified Fundraising and their partner merchants to the VFW Post of the buyers choice.
The donation amount for each card itself does not affect the dollar value of the gift card use for the buyer. Each gift card purchased may be spent to its full face value. The donation is an amount over and above the purchase value of a card which has been pre-arranged with the gift card merchant and Simplified Fundraising. This donation is given to the charitable group. This type of program is often termed "SCRIP".The contribution is made by the card-issuing merchant while the buyer is able to spend the full face value. Amounts of contributions vary depending upon the merchant issuing the gift card.
How does buying gift cards from VFW Gift Card store help?
When you buy gift cards from VFW Gift Card store, a percentage, over and above the gift card purchase value, is donated to the organization. These donations are tracked and payments are issued quarterly to the post of the buyers choice.
Are these cards the same as Gift Cards you can purchase at a store?
Yes. The only difference is that when purchased through the VFW Gift Card program, there is monetary contribution to the post of choice.
Does the percentage that the organization earns come from me or from the gift card merchant?
When you buy the gift cards, a percentage is donated by the gift card merchant and Simplified Fundraising, not you the buyer. For example, if you buy a $50 grocery gift card, your grocery gift card is worth $50 and an additional 3% is donated to your organization. With this program, you raise money buying only the things you normally buy, you just use gift cards to buy them.
Are There Any Additional Costs To Me?
Each gift card is sold at face value to you. You will be charged $1.08 or less per order for shipping. The higher the order, the lower the shipping cost.
Am I obligated to participate after trying the program out?
No. You can participate as much or as little as you like.
Is there a minimum order quantity to participate?
No. There is no minimum order quantity or dollar amount required to participate.
How will I know how much my purchases have earned for my organization?
With each order, you will receive a purchase summary of the total amount of dollars raised from that purchase. Additionally, you will have an account online where you may view a history of the money raised for your post. These donations shown online represent all mail order, online order, phone order, on-site orders, and Auto Orders. Changes in purchases such as returns or exchanges that affect donation history may not show online.
How can my Post Participate?
Call 800-514-1891 to speak to one of our staff. We will provide further details on how to enroll your chapter. You can be up and running within minutes.
Can friends and relatives participate in the program?
Yes. When they complete their orders, have them choose your chapter as the recipient of the donations.
How often does the chapter get a check for the contributions earned?
Each school or organization will be mailed out a check quarterly.
When will I receive my gift cards once I order?
You should receive the gift cards in approximately 7 business days from the time your order is received.
What if I don’t see a particular merchant I would like to purchase gift cards from?
If you don’t see a merchant you would like, either list the merchant on the printed order form in the “Suggest a Merchant” box or email customerservice@vfwgiftcards.com
Why can’t I pay by credit card?
Credit card transaction may cost as much as 3% of the purchase. To ensure a donation is created with each purchase credit cards can not accepted as a form of payment. By paying by check or ACH/Electronic Check withdrawal from your checking account, the transaction fees credit cards charge are nullified ensuring the greatest donation to your VFW Post.
Do the gift cards expire?
Each merchant has different terms and conditions listed on the back of the gift card for your review. Very few merchants have any expirations, however, if you are concerned, prior to purchase, you may visit the card-issuing merchant website to view any expiration rules or restrictions.
