Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how Red Bird works?
Here are quick answers for requesters, donors, and Angels.
For Requesters
1. What is The Red Bird Foundation, Inc?
The Red Bird Foundation is a local neighbor-to-neighbor crisis help network and online resource center that connects people in urgent need with donors and volunteer Angels who may be able to help.
2. Who can submit a request?
Anyone in our service area facing a real, immediate need may submit a request by clicking the “Get Help!” button. If you are outside our service area, please use our contact form to request crisis resources for your area.
3. What kinds of help can I request?
Common requests include food, clothing, hygiene items, basic household essentials, transportation help, small emergency needs, and other practical support.
4. Does Red Bird give out cash?
No. Support is provided through direct purchases, direct payments (e.g., lodging), donated items, or specific need-based help and services rather than cash.
5. Is every request guaranteed to be fulfilled?
No. Submitting a request does not guarantee funding or fulfillment. Support depends on available donors, Angels, and resources.
6. How quickly will I hear back?
Timing varies. Some requests may move quickly, while others may take longer depending on urgency, verification, and available support. If your request is not fulfilled by the end of the day, week, or month you select, and you still require help, you may resubmit your request at any time.
7. Do I need to provide proof or details?
You will be asked for basic details, which are required to assist your unique needs and contact you appropriately.
8. Will my private information be public?
No. Sensitive details are kept private (e.g., address, email address, phone number, etc). Only the information needed for donors or Angels to understand the need will be shown publicly.
For Donors
9. How does donating work?
You can support a posted request by contributing toward the stated monetary donation need or by responding to a specific item-based donation request when available. All donations are tax-deductible. Monetary donation receipts are provided by the payment platform you chose. If you would like a receipt for your physical item donation, please contact us.
10. Can I choose which request to support?
Yes. Donors give directly to the request they choose.
11. Can I donate items instead of money?
Sometimes, yes. If a request allows item donations or practical help, you may be able to contribute that way instead.
12. Where does my donation go?
Donations go directly towards the specific request for which you donate.
13. Will I know when a request is completed?
Yes! You may opt in for an update when a request has been fulfilled or completed. You can opt in on the “Thank You” page you are directed to after you make your donation.
14. Are donations refundable?
In most cases, donations are treated as final once processed and applied to a request or need.
15. Can I stay anonymous?
Yes. Donor information is only shared with our staff. Recipients of requests do not see donor information. For monetary donations, you can make completely anonymous payments; just skip entering your name when making a donation.
For Angels
16. What is an Angel?
An Angel is a trusted local volunteer who helps fulfill approved requests through delivery, coordination, practical support, or direct service.
17. How is an Angel different from a donor?
A donor gives money or items. An Angel takes action on the ground by helping carry out the support.
18. Do Angels get paid?
No. Angels serve as volunteers and are not paid for their services; that is why we call them Angels! If you would like to help support our Angels, you do have the option to include gas money for delivery upon donating, or you can donate to our Angels Gas Fund through our Donate page. You can also donate specifically to foundation operations (e.g., website and hosting costs).
19. How do Angels receive requests?
Angels are notified by SMS text messaging or email based on their chosen service area zip codes. They can then respond if they are available.
20. Is it okay if I cannot help every time?
Absolutely. Angels help when they can. There is no expectation that one person will respond to every request.