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What is the goal of Orthodogs' Silver
Lining Foundation (OSLF)?
OSLF's goal is to provide fundraising assistance to owners of service dogs with health treatment needs, and to assist owners and rescuers in fundraising for the treatment of orthopedic conditions for dogs in their care.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! OSLF has received official 501(c)3 tax-exempt status from the IRS, active as of 4/25/2005. Donations are eligible for tax exemption, to the extent allowed by law.
Please consult with your tax advisor or review the IRS regulations that
apply to your situation to determine whether or not a deduction is
allowed. Note that
donations which you specify for use for a specific dog may not be tax deductible under any circumstances.
When can I request I be
contacted by telephone, or place a phone call to OSLF?
OSLF representatives are readily available via email at info@oslf.org. If you want to speak to someone about applying for financial assistance for a dog
in your care, the answers to most of your questions can be found on our website. We
understand that there is a lot of information to read through, however,
it is important that you take the time to do so. All communications with
OSLF will be conducted via email, fax, or postal mail, unless
you are directed otherwise by an OSLF representative. Requests for direct telephone communication will only be honored for
essential communications concerning emergency cases (surgery
required within 48 hours). Please keep in mind that a request for telephone communication will not speed up your application process, and that submitting a complete application package is the fastest way to get an answer to an assistance request.
I need assistance! How can OSLF help me?
Your first stop on our website should be our Creative
Fundraising page, where you can pick up some valuable tips for
putting together funds. If you believe you might qualify for OSLF
financial assistance, the General Information
page is a good place to start reading, and explains OSLF's financial assistance
programs.
Does OSLF offer assistance to non-USA residents and rescue groups?
Yes, as long as the applicant qualifies, and the veterinarian is willing to work with our organization.
How do I apply for OSLF financial assistance?
First, please thoroughly review all of OSLF's funding
guidelines to be sure your circumstances meet our approval requirements. If you believe you qualify, carefully read the funding guidelines for the category under which you will apply. Gather together all of the required supporting documentation, print and fully complete the appropriate application form, and mail or fax all documentation to OSLF. It is important that we receive all required paperwork with your initial submission. Incomplete applications will not be held beyond 48 hours, and will need to be resubmitted in full before we will consider.
I have an emergency case, what do I do?
OSLF considers a case to be an emergency if immediate treatment is necessary in order to save the life of the dog, or if the condition or injury is causing severe disability. If this accurately describes your circumstances, visit our Emergencies page and follow the step-by-step procedures outlined there. Please understand that we cannot make any final assistance decisions until we have received a complete application. The treating veterinarian must be available to speak with an OSLF representative.
Will OSLF provide complete funding for my case?
Once the application has been received by OSLF, based on the individual
case situation and on available resources at the time of
application submittal, we will establish what amount can be pledged
from existing OSLF funds. OSLF requires that all applicants play a continuous and active role
in fundraising for their case.
The care my pet needs is for an excessive amount of money. Should I still apply to OSLF for help?
You are always welcome to apply. We may not be able to pledge OSLF funds, but if your application is approved we will put your pet on our website to allow you the fundraising opportunity. Some ways to minimize surgical costs: We suggest discussing alternative treatment options with your veterinarian and comparing costs. Some less expensive surgical options have the same success rate as newer surgeries which may be 'in vogue'. If you have a Veterinary School within reasonable driving distance, contact them. Most training facilities offer first class care at lesser costs.
I submitted an application. How soon will I hear from OSLF?
Depending upon the availability of a volunteer,
an email confirming receipt of your application will be sent within 24 hours... and often sooner.
However, the actual review process cannot begin until you have submitted a complete application, along with all required documentation. If you have not been contacted after 24 hours, please send
an email to info@oslf.org to be sure that we received your initial request.
What does OSLF do with the personal information
that I provide?
Your personal information is kept securely confidential at all
times. Beyond the general information provided in your pet's story on our website, we do not provide or sell your personal information to any
source external to OSLF without your express written permission. Your name and
email address will be placed in our supporters database and we may email information
to you periodically to keep you updated on OSLF news and events.
If you would like to have your email address added or removed from future mailings, please
send an email to info@oslf.org and we will
honor your request. Any newsletter communications to you will
always provide an option for you to opt out of any future mailings.
Why does OSLF require proof of income?
OSLF is a charitable organization. We receive no government funding and
no grants. All of our funds are generated from private donations, and as a young organization, we
do not have extensive resources from which to draw. We want to make
certain we accept applications only from those who need our help the most.
If someone makes a donation to my pet, or sponsors my pet, will I be able to get contact information so I can thank them?
We keep the identity of our donors confidential. You are encouraged to thank them on the OSLF Community Forum.
I've been approved for assistance — what's the next step?
Your involvement in OSLF's fundraising process does not end with your application submission. Your first step should be to visit the OSLF Community Forum, register, and post an introduction for your dog in the appropriate Forum. This is very important! You are expected to register and post within 24 hours of approval notification, and you must continue to post Forum updates a minimum of twice a week. You are also expected to
play a continuous,
active role in your pet's fundraising campaign.
Visit our Application Process page for more information on these requirements.
How does my vet get paid?
Your vet must fax, or mail, a bill. Once OSLF has received the bill, a
check or bank transfer will go out within 15 days. The check will be
for the amount pledged by OSLF, plus any donations made to your pet's fund.
It is always a good idea for you to get a copy of the bill, in the
event the vet does not send us one.
My vet wants payment in advance. Will OSLF send a deposit?
No, we do not pay in advance for services. There are no exceptions.
I don't meet OSLF's funding requirements.
What are some other options?
Visit our Creative Fundraising page, where you may find some ideas you hadn't thought of. We also provide links to some alternate financial assistance resources on Our Favorite Links page.
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