TFP FAQ
Online Mall
How does it work?
How will I know that merchants are offering deals, specials and coupons?
Almost all of TFP’s merchants offer periodic deals, specials and coupons. To find out what your favorite merchant is currently offering, just find the merchant and click on the “specials” link. You can also see a merchant’s current offering on the merchant information page which can be accessed by clicking on the “more info” link next to the merchant description.
What are featured merchants?
Featured merchants include new merchants, most popular merchants and sponsor merchants.
If I don’t shop through TFP will I still earn contributions?
No, unfortunately not. In order for you to earn contributions through your online purchases, every shopping experience must begin at your organization’s portal. The portal provides tracking information that enables the merchant and the school / organization to know that your purchase should be counted.
Why do computer cookies need to be enabled to earn contributions?
Computer cookies help make The Fundraising Portal possible. Cookies provide the necessary tracking so you receive and your organization will receive credit for each and every transaction. You can rest assured that we are not using cookies to send information about you to other websites. The cookies placed on your computer will only be read by TFP.
Who can use The Fundraising Portal?
The Fundraising Portal can be used by absolutely everyone. Friends, parents, grandparents, cousins and anyone who wants to support your school / organization. TFP makes it easy for anyone to contribute to your cause.
Is TFP secure and safe?
Safeguarding you privacy and personal information is one of TFP’s primary objectives. We will not give, license, exchange, sell or distribute any specific information about, participants, supporters or users to any party that is not directly involved in The Fundraising Portal Program. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.
How do I know what % merchant contribute?
To see the current % a merchant is contributing just find the merchant and the contributions % / $ will be listed under the “Shop” tab on the right side of the screen. This value represents the minimum amount that the merchant will contribute but it can be much higher. The additional contribution is listed on your monthly statement as Bonus Contributions.
How do I use merchant coupons and discounts?
Please check with each merchant to determine their terms and conditions for all discounts and coupons. Be sure to note expirations dates and limitations as all offers are subject to change.
Why is there a difference between merchant contributions online and in their physical stores?
Merchants offer different contributions online and in their physical stores for many reasons including: the difference in business models, distribution methods and cost bases.
How can I recommend merchants I want to see on TFP?
Here at TFP, we try to bring you the best and most popular merchants in a whole host of different product categories. If by chance we don’t have a merchant that you are looking for please fill out this recommendation form. Keep checking back to see all of our new merchants and offers.
Why do merchant contributions change from time to time?
To determine contribution levels merchant take into account many aspects of their business including: costs, profitability, competition and the overall economy. Whether their contribution levels decrease or increase the minimum contribution will be listed next to the merchant description on the right side of the screen.
How do I contact TFP with my questions?
Please feel free to contact customer service at any time. To send us an e-mail click here or your can contact our customer service hotline Toll Free 1-866-748-1200 or contact us at:
The Fundraising Portal LLC.
4 White Fir Ct.
Littleton, CO 80127
Will I earn contributions on gift certificate / card purchases?
Many merchants do not offer any contributions for gift card purchases. Please check with the merchant on their gift card policy.
Why shouldn’t I bookmark my favorite merchant websites?
To be sure that every one of your transactions earn contributions you must begin each shopping session at your school’s / organization’s portal. If you go directly to the merchant neither TFP nor the merchant can give you credit for that purchase.
Does TFP provide a guarantee if I am not satisfied with a purchase at a merchant?
No, TFP and merchants are separate and distinct entities. TFP does not warrant or guarantee any of the products or services provided by any merchants.
Will my contributions be reduced if an item is returned?
Yes, contributions can only be earned on qualified purchases. Any returns, refunds non-payments etc. will not be counted toward earned contributions.
Search & Support
How does it work?
How much can my school / organization earn in contributions?
There is no limit on how much your school / organization can earn. Contributions are earned for every qualified search.
Do I have to pay anything to use the search engine?
No. Using the Search & Support feature is absolutely free. All you need to do to start earning contributions for your school / organization is to conduct all your searches at your fundraising portal.
Are all of my searches counted toward earning contributions?
All of your searches count toward earning contributions with a few minor exceptions.
- Image & Video searches
- Searches for Stock Quotes & Word definitions
- Yellow Pages searches
- Searches for well know sites such as MySpace, ESPN, AOL, GMAIL etc.
- Fraudulent use of the site
How do I know how many searches my organization has accumulated?
You can see the total number of searches conducted on a monthly and annual basis on you’re “My Accounts” page. You can also see the total amount of contributions for your school / organization in you account as well.
What prevents users from searching just to make money? What does fraudulent search mean?
We ask that you utilize the features on this site honestly and in good faith. Just use the Search & Support feature as you would any search engine and you will be fine.
Fraudulent searches include, but are not limited to, the use of bots and other automated tools, manual clicks etc. for the purpose of increasing their organizations contributions and search totals etc. If suspected the user will be blocked from the site and the school / organization may dropped from the program.
General Questions
What is The Fundraising Portal?
The Fundraising portal is an ultimate fundraising program. It includes a variety of fundraising tools unmatched in the industry including:
- Online Mall
- Search & Support
- Dine & Donate
- Shopping Cart Program
How do I use the site?
Using The Fundraising Portal is simple and easy. Just create an account to get started. Each program has a different way to earn contributions for your school/organization.
- Online Mall – Shop your favorite name brands. Take advantage of great discounts and contribute all in an easy to use online format.
- Search & Support – Earn contributions while you search. It’s that easy. Powered by Google.
- Dine & Donate – Get discounts & earn contributions by eating at your favorite restaurant or shopping at your local grocery store.
- Shopping Cart - Earn and save on more by shipping at your own school store. Browse hundreds of products and get great value.
Why do I need an account?
You need to sign up for an account so you can access all of our great features and benefits. Not to mention, your monthly reports and statements, which allow you to track all of your activity and see the great results of the program.
How do I change my account information?
Log into your account by using the link at the top right of the screen. The “My Accounts” page allows you to change all of your contact information. The “My Accounts” page allows you to see your favorite merchants, access your monthly statements and learn about all of the great coupons and deals.
How do I know the site is safe and secure?
Safeguarding you privacy and personal information is one of TFP’s primary objectives. We will not give, license, exchange, sell or distribute any specific information about, participants, supporters or users to any party that is not directly involved in The Fundraising Portal Program. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.
Is my personal information confidential?
We will not give, license, exchange, sell or distribute any specific information about, participants, supporters or users to any party that is not directly involved in The Fundraising Portal Program. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.
Can the school /organization see my transaction history?
No. We never match personal information with transactions. The school/organization can only see transaction amounts and merchant names. They never know who purchased what from where. Please view the sample statement below for more information.
Are there any fees to participate?
No. Participating in The Fundraising Portal program is free for both you and the school/organization. We feel that making our program accessible to everyone it will only make fundraising more fun and easy.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
We, at The Fundraising Portal, aren’t accountants nor do we offer accounting/financial advice or information. Please refer to your accounting professional and local laws to determine tax deductibility.
How can I see my activity /contribution history?
You can see your activity/contribution history at your “My Accounts” page. Login to your account to see your monthly statement and history records.
How long does it take for a transaction to show up?
We update our records every 24 hours; however, it can take up to one week for your transaction to appear. Once your transaction shows up a pending tag will be next to the amount. It could take up to 45 days for your contributions to be finalized. Any returns, refunds, and non-payments will affect when a transaction is posted. Returns, refunds and non-payments will result in the contribution being voided.
Why would a transaction be eliminated from my history?
Contributions from The Fundraising Portal are based on sales and commissions earned from merchant sales and advertisements. Any activities that prevent the sale from completion or change the sale afterwards affect total contributions. This includes: cancellations, refunds, returns, fraudulent searches or non-payment by both the user and the merchant will result in the transaction being removed from your history.
What if I don’t see a transaction I made in my history?
If there is a transaction that you made that does not show up on your monthly statement after the appropriate delay, please call customer service. We will do everything we can to rectify the situation.(subject to terms and conditions)
How do I select a club or team for a portion of my contributions to go to?
When you sign up for an account, you will be prompted to select eligible sub-groups from your school/organization for a portion of your contributions to go. We call this program Fundraising My Way. Now you can choose where your contribution is used.
To change your selected sub-group, go to your “My Accounts” page and check on your group / team tab.
Can I select more than one club or team?
Unfortunately, not. By dividing up your contribution to more than one subgroup it dilutes the contributions.
How do I change my club or team selection?
To change your selected subgroup, go to your “My Accounts” page and click on the group / team tab from the list. You can then select the new group or team you wish to support.
How do I opt out of the monthly marketing e-mail?
Click the opt-out link at the bottom of the e-mail you have received or go to your “My Account” page and click on the opt-out button on the newsletter tab. Please note that despite opting out of the monthly marketing e-mails, you will continue to receive your monthly statement.
What if I opted out of an e-mail and they continue to come?
If you have already opted out of a monthly marketing e-mail, by either clicking on the opt-out link at the bottom of the e-mail or going to your “My Accounts” page and clicking the opt out link under the newsletter tab, please contact our customer service department and we will resolve the issue immediately.
How do I opt back in to the marketing e-mails?
If you want to receive our monthly specials, discounts, and coupons but aren’t currently, just log into your “My Accounts” page and click the “sign me up” button under the newsletter tab.