Make a Donation to OAR

OAR is able to fulfill its mission because of the generous support received by you — organizations and individual donors in communities throughout Northern Virginia and the country. One reason you and other individuals continue to support OAR is because it makes fiscal sense for the community. For example, it can cost $25,000 or more to house just one person in a detention facility for a year.

Considering that detention facilities house hundreds of inmates each year, the cost to taxpayers is immense. By providing counseling and mentoring programs inside and outside of the local facilities we work with; promoting education programs and job training; and giving individuals the tools and resources they need to find gainful employment, your donation to OAR helps communities curtail the financial burden that the cycle of incarceration creates.

OAR needs your continued support to help make your community a healthier and safer place to live. We would like you to become a part of the OAR movement and consider making a donation today. All of your donations are tax deductible. Below are just a few ways your contribution directly benefits an OAR participant:

• $25 = A meal for a participant who has just been released from incarceration
• $50 = Provide a stipend for a child who has a parent/guardian experiencing incarceration through OAR’s Children and Families programs
• $100 = Provide pro-social activities for participant(s) recently released from incarceration (such as movie tickets, a meal, sports games, etc.)
• $250 = covers ID retrieval for OAR participants, which is needed to secure housing and employment
• $500 = covers up to three months of coaching for an OAR participant(s) including wrap-around direct services and employment assistance
• $1,000 = provides up to one month of rent for at least an OAR participant(s)
• $2,500 = provides up to 90 days worth of reentry services (transportation, housing assistance, mental health support, laptops with internet, smartphones with minutes/data, etc.) for an OAR participant(s)
• $5,000 = support OAR’s Upstream efforts – OAR’s Action Network (advocacy, legislation, and outreach) and scholarships for OAR’s 3-Month Racial Justice + Liberation Cohorts
• $10,000 = covers support for over 200 children in OAR’s children and families programs who have a parent currently experiencing incarceration or has been recently released

Donation FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Why should I donate to OAR?
  • OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting and dismantling individual racism and racism in the legal system and across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals of all genders returning from incarceration and their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration and instead help the community thrive. OAR has a Platinum level seal on Guidestar.com, indicating the highest level of transparency and integrity. OAR has also been named as “One of the Best” nonprofit organizations in the DC area by Spur Local (formerly known as the Catalogue for Philanthropy). 
• How will my donation be used by OAR?
  • Visit the “Make a Donation” page on our website to learn how your gift may be used by OAR.
• To whom should I make my check payable?
  • Checks should be made payable to OAR.
• What is the address to mail my donation?
  • All mailed donations should be sent to OAR’s P.O. Box Address: P.O. Box 41030, Arlington, VA 22204
• How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
  • Using our online donation form, you can dedicate a gift in honor or memory of someone. In the “Message or Comments” section, simply mention that your donation is in honor or memory of (name) and any other additional information you would like to include. If you’d like to dedicate a donation by mail using a check or credit card, include a note with your check and mail your check to: OAR’s P.O. Box Address: P.O. Box 41030, Arlington, VA 22204.
• Is the family notified of my donation?
  • Yes, the person (or the family of the person) you made the contribution in memory or honor of will be sent a letter from OAR to let them know that you made a donation in memory/honor of them. The letter will not indicate the amount of your gift. Please share the person’s mailing address with us so we may notify them of your gift.
• How can I set up a planned gift or bequest?
  • We would love to talk with you more about this opportunity. Please contact donations@oaronline.org or 703-228-7030 to discuss.
• Can I make monthly, automatic donations to OAR?
  • Yes, you can pledge to give a specific monthly donation by credit card in any amount you are comfortable with. To set up a monthly gift, use our online form and choose “monthly” as the frequency option for your donation amount.
• If I make a monthly donation, when will my credit card be charged?
  • Your credit card will be charged on the date that you submit the donation online. If you want the donations to begin on a different date, you can change the “Start Date” on the online donation form. Your card will then be charged the same day of the month each month moving forward.
• Will I receive verification of my donations for tax purposes?
  • Yes, whether you donate once or on a monthly basis, you will receive a letter from OAR as a tax receipt for your gift. Additionally, at the start of each calendar year, we will mail you a letter listing your total donations for the prior calendar year.
• Once I’ve made an online gift, how can I make changes to my account, i.e. change amount, change my credit card number?
  • If you wish to make any changes to your account at any time, please contact donations@oaronline.org or 703-228-7030. All sensitive information will be kept confidential. Unfortunately, at this time there is no way for you to update the information yourself online.
• What if I need to stop giving? Can I stop whenever I want?
  • You can stop your recurring gifts at any point. Please contact donations@oaronline.org  or 703-228-7030. Your cancellation would take place the same month, or the following month, depending upon when we receive your notice.
• Can I help collect funds for OAR?
  • Yes, there are many ways you can support OAR, such as hosting a donation drive to collect gift cards, Metro fare cards, backpacks and bags, office supplies, toiletries, and more. If interested in conducting a collection like this, please contact donations@oaronline.org or 703-228-7030 to find out OAR’s greatest needs at the time. Please note OAR only accepts donations of brand new, unused items.
• Is OAR a tax-exempt organization?
  • Yes, OAR is a community-based, 501 C (3) nonprofit organization and is tax-exempt.
• Is my donation tax deductible?
  • Yes, all donations to OAR are tax deductible, including in-kind (non-cash) donations.
• What is OAR’s tax ID number?
  • 54-1024562