Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll down for answers to questions about donations, Giving Tuesday, The Cradle and more. If we are unable to answer your question below, please contact cradlefoundation@cradle.org for support.
About The Cradle Giving Tuesday
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is an internationally recognized day of charity that is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
When is Giving Tuesday?
#TheCradleGivingTuesday is on November 28, 2023 from midnight to 11:59pm Central. (The Cradle is based in Evanston, Illinois, so all times will be expressed using Central time.)
Who can donate?
Anyone may donate! Donations through The Cradle's Giving Tuesday online giving platform (GiveGab) are tax-deductible and cannot be refunded. Contributions may be made via credit and debit card only. Donations will be received and receipted by GiveGab.
What is the goal of The Cradle Giving Tuesday?
The Cradle Giving Tuesday aims to celebrate our community of donors and families touched by adoption, while raising critical funds to support The Cradle's ongoing work to build families through adoption, support families through life’s challenges, and strengthen communities through education.
How can I support The Cradle today?
1. You can make a gift online today to pay by credit card/debit card or by ACH transfer.
2. Spread the word on social media about #TheCradleGivingTuesday
3. Check out our blog, "5 Ways to Give This Holiday Season"
About Donating
Will my gift be tax-deductible?
Yes! If no goods and/or services are received in exchange for your charitable contribution, your Giving Tuesday gift to The Cradle Foundation will be 100% tax-deductible. All charitable contributions made to The Cradle Foundation are 100% tax-deductible for calendar year 2022, if no goods or services are received, checks are dated on or before 12/31/22, and mail is postmarked by 12/31/22.
Am I able to make donations via my mobile device?
Yes! Simply visit givingday.org on your mobile device.
Can I donate offline to The Cradle?
Yes! If you would like to make a gift by check or another method not using our online donation form, see the instructions below. If you plan to make an offline gift, please contact cradle@cradlefoundation.org to notify us of your gift for inclusion in our Giving Tuesday totals. Offline gifts cannot be included in real-time matching gift challenges or the Coast-to-Coast challenge.
...by check?
Yes! Checks made payable to The Cradle Foundation may be sent to:
The Cradle
Attn: Development Office
2049 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
...by donor-advised fund?
Donor-advised fund gifts may be made to The Cradle Foundation, EIN 45-0506764.
...by a method not mentioned above?
The Cradle accepts gifts of stock, qualified charitable distributions from individual retirement accounts, workplace giving programs and United Way campaigns, employer matching gift programs, and more. For assistance with making a gift or with charitable giving paperwork, please contact cradle@cradlefoundation.org
About The Cradle
Who is The Cradle?
The Cradle is a licensed, nonprofit adoption agency headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. We provide infant adoption services, counseling and educational support. Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has facilitated over 16,000 domestic and international adoptions, and has been at the forefront of open adoption, African American infant adoption and placements with LGBTQ+-identifying families.
What is The Cradle Foundation?
The Cradle Foundation was created in 2003 to raise and manage funds in support of The Cradle’s adoption and child welfare programs and services. Gifts made through The Cradle Foundation directly support The Cradle. The Cradle Foundation’s Federal Tax Identification Number is 45-0506764. Please make checks payable to The Cradle Foundation (EIN: 45-0506764).
What is The Cradle's Mission?
Building families through adoption. Supporting families through life's challenges. Strengthening communities through education.
What is The Cradle's Vision?
A world where every child thrives in a safe and loving family.
What are The Cradle's Values?
- Family
- Collaboration
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Ethics
- Accountability
- Excellence
- Integrity
How does The Cradle use donations?
Donations support The Cradle where the needs are greatest, including to programs like The Cradle Nursery, expectant and birth parent services, post adoption support, community education and more. To request more information about The Cradle's financials and impact, please email rsolomon@cradle.org.
About GiveGab
What is GiveGab?
GiveGab is a secure nonprofit giving platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. The Cradle has partnered with GiveGab on three fundraising appeals and uses their securing giving platform for every day giving.
How much of my donation goes to The Cradle?
GiveGab retains a 3% campaign management fee from all donations. Credit Card processing fees are an additional 2.5% + $0.30 for all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). You are given the option to cover the fees and if you choose this option, 100% of your online charitable gift will go to GiveGab. All donations are final and cannot be refunded. Any donations processed outside of the Giving Day donation period through GiveGab.com, or subsequent recurring donations, are also subject to the transaction fees outlined above..
Do I need to create an account with GiveGab to support The Cradle?
No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.