Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the steps involved in making a donation?
A. Prior to making a donation or embarking on a donation campaign, there are several issues that you should take into consideration:

1. What type of donation are you considering?

• Financial Donations are most effective as they allow flexibility and ensure that the people of Iraq receive the resources that they really need. Funds can be transferred quickly, with little or no expense to the donor, and they help generate economic activity in Iraq.
• In-Kind Donations present a much more complex and costly process. Shipping can be very expensive, exceeding the actual value of the donation.
• Donations that require the assistance of CPA or the U.S. military must meet several criteria: they must meet a priority need in Iraq and they must have an in-country recipient identified in advance, either an NGO or CPA itself.

2. How will you transport the donation?

• Shipping is, by far, the hardest and most costly aspect of making a donation. It is never free: it is either paid for privately by the donor or paid for through taxpayer-funded shipping programs managed by the U.S. military.
• Donors may be asked to bear the responsibility for arranging transportation and the full cost of shipping.
• The donor must arrage a transportation plan before the donation project is orgaized.

3. Do you have a point of contact in Iraq that can receive your donation?

• Donations that are shipped must also be received and distributed by someone in Iraq. Establishing a relationship with a receiving organization is critical to ensuring that your donation reaches its intended recipient in Iraq.
• Carefully consider who you choose as a receiving agent. U.S. military personnel are serving in Iraq on a rotational basis and are subject to relocation as military operations demand. Potential donation efforts have failed because points of contact in Iraq may have been repositioned or have returned home. Options incluce Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) operating in Iraq, Iraqi government agencies, or CPA.

Have a plan. Donors must review the considerations listed above in detail and develop a plan BEFORE setting out on a donation project or campaign.

Q. I have already gathered in-kind donations. Will the government or CPA take them?
A. CPA has limited capacity to ship donations to Iraq and will have to consider donation proposals on a case by case basis.

Q. Will the government or CPA transport my donation?
A. A donor should not assume that the U.S. military, government of any relief agency will transport relief items free of charge. The government may provide transportation through the Funded Transportation Program or Denton Program .

Q. I understand that I will be responsible for funding and arranging the transportation of my donation. Where should I start?
A. Several sources are listed on this site to help you get started in finding out how to get your donation to people in need. Consider a donation to a Non-Government Organization (NGO). There are several NGOs operating in support of relief efforts in Iraq and they may already have transportation systems in place. Interaction , an umbrella group serving international NGOs, has produced a list of these organizations. Alternatively, you may contact a shipping or freight forwarding agency on your own. Many of these agencies offer online pricing quotes, allowing you to compare costs. Choose a shipping or freight forwarding company that meets your needs.

The CPA Private Donations office is available to answer further questions.