Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are you really a non-profit?

A: Yes. Consumer Media LLC, a not-for-profit Delaware limited liability corporation, publishes The Consumerist. More information about Consumer Media LLC is available here. You can find the Annual Report and annual IRS returns (Form 990s) of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports and parent company of Consumer Media LLC, here.

Q: Where does my money go?

A: Donations will be used solely to fund the operations of The Consumerist.

Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?

A: All donations are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.

Q: What is Donatefast.com?

A: Donatefast.com is the company we've partnered with to process donations. It is a reliable provider, which works with many non-profit organizations, and has processed donations for Consumers Union and its affiliates for many years.

Q: Is my information secure?

A: Yes. Donatefast.com uses SSL technology to keep your information secure, and your donation information resides on state-of-the-art servers in 2 concrete buildings which use swipe card entry. These servers maintain redundant technology resources and data backup/recovery systems. In the event of power interruptions, they are equipped with UPS systems and alternate power generators.

Q: What happens to the personal information I provide when I donate?

A: Donatefast will not disclose any of your personal information to any organization other than Consumer Media LLC and Consumers Union. Donatefast.com will not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to other individuals or companies. Once transferred to Consumer Media LLC, your information is subject to our privacy policy, which is available here. If you don't want your information shared with Consumer Media or Consumers Union, you can choose the "Anonymous" option on the donation form. If you choose this option, your information will be used solely to process your donation and send you a confirmation email message.

Q: Will you take PayPal? Google Checkout? Expired gift cards? Drawings of spiders?

A: We are exploring alternative payment options at this time. If you do not wish to enter credit card information online, you can pay by check or fax. Just follow the instructions here, under "Optional Ways to Send Your Donation." Sorry, no expired gift cards or drawings of spiders.

Q: Will you be offering gifts to donors?

A: We have received many great suggestions regarding this, and we are exploring our options.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a question that's not answered here?

A: Please address all inquiries to info@consumermediallc.org. We'll do our best to answer your question.

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