Giving Q & A
1. Privacy, Safety, Security
2. Donating Online
3. Offline Donations
4. Other Donations or Ways to Help
5. Stewardship
6. Planned Gifts, Stocks, Property and Matching Gifts
1. Privacy, Safety, Security
• Is my donation safe and secure?
To ensure your personal information is kept strictly confidential, COTS uses donor services that offer advanced encryption methods when transferring personal information. All financial information is passed directly and safely to our financial network for processing. Your personal information is never made available to anyone.
• Does COTS protect my privacy?
COTS does not sell or share your information to any company or organization. All information you provide is considered highly confidential. We will not solicit you or contact you without your permission.
2. Donating Online
• Can I donate with my credit card?
Your online credit card donation is a safe, secure, and convenient way to donate to COTS. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Please understand that to protect your security we require your security code (3 or 4 digit identification number on the back of your card).
• Will I receive a receipt of my donation?
With an online donation, your tax receipt arrives immediately via email. We do not share your email address or send you information without your consent.
• Can I make a donation in honor or in memory of another person?
Yes. You may choose a recipient for your honor or memorial gift and we will send a courtesy card.
• Can I give to a specific fund?
COTS creates lasting solutions to homelessness through a comprehensive set of programs. When you make your gift online or by phone or mail, you have the option of choosing to donate where the need is greatest, or to any one of our programs. If you would like to learn more about our programs, please click here.
• Can I give a sustaining, monthly gift?
Monthly (on-going) giving is one of the most efficient methods of donating to COTS. Your on-going gift ensures COTS has a sustained income to maintain our programs. It is easy to set up, easy to change, and easy to terminate.
• Can I update my information online?
Updating your information helps us to keep in touch with you, and let you know about upcoming events, success stories, advocacy issues, and other important information. It also ensures that your tax receipts reach you in a timely manner. Please be assured that your information is confidential and we protect your privacy.
3. Phone and Mail Donations
• Can I call you with my donation?
Yes. Please call 312-526-0311 to speak with the Development Director or Executive Director who can answer your questions and accept your donation.
• Can I donate by mail?
If you wish to donate by mail, please use this address:
Community of the Streets Outreach
3401 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004
Attn: Development Department
4. Other Donations or Ways to Help
• Does COTS have any volunteer opportunities?
Yes. Please visit the volunteer page to learn more.
• Can I donate clothes, household items, toys, and furniture?
We welcome clean clothing in good condition for children and adults. Due to limited storage space and the inability to pick up large items, we can only accept smaller household items and toys (including books, DVDs, games). Please deliver these to our main reception desk at 3401 Fannin Street, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
If you are uncertain as to whether COTS can accept your donation, please call our main line at 713-526-0311.
• Can my community group raise money for COTS?
Yes. If your group, school, church, organization, etc. wishes to host an event to benefit COTS or has other ways to help, please call 713-526-0311 to discuss the details. Please click here to learn more.
• Can I donate my car?
No. COTS is not able to accept vehicle donations at this time.
5. Use of Donations
• How is my donation used?
Your donation is used as you request it be used. If you wish to support a specific program, we will restrict your donation to that program. Alternatively, if you choose to give to the area of greatest need, COTS will determine which areas are most in need of financial support.
• How much of my donation goes to administration or fundraising?
We are proud of our minimal administrative and fundraising costs. They are at an absolute minimum compared to many nonprofit organizations around the country. Organizations that keep overhead costs within 20 to 25% are considered excellent. COTS’ administrative and fundraising costs are kept to just __%, ensuring that most of your dollars go to creating lasting solutions for people experiencing homelessness.
• Can I see how my donations are making a difference?
Absolutely! Please call our Development office to set up a tour of our facilities and see your donations in action. Understand first-hand how your generosity changes the lives of children and adults experiencing homelessness. We are proud to show our supporters how COTS truly creates lasting solutions to homelessness through our comprehensive supportive programs. Please call 713-526-0311 to set up your tour today.
6. Planned Gifts, Stocks, Property and Matching Gifts
• I’d like to consider a planned gift. Where do I start?
Planned gifts establish long-term partnerships with donors interested in securing a lasting legacy and ensuring the future of COTS and our programs. Please click here to learn about your planned giving options. You may also call the Development department for more information 713-526-0311.
• Can I donate stocks?
Yes. We accept donations of stock and securities. Please click here to learn more.
• Can I donate property?
Yes. We do accept donations of property. If you are interested in donating property, please call 713-526-0311.
• My company matches gifts. How do I prompt a matching gift payment?
Matching gift programs double the impact of your donation, and it’s easy to set up! Please acquire a matching gift form from your Accounting or Human Resources department. COTS completes the form and returns it to your company. You are notified when we receive a matching gift. Please submit the matching gift form to:
Community of the Streets Outreach
3401 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77004
Attn: Development Department
