FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why become a member or sponsor?

Since its start in 1999, The Open Hearth Foundation has become recognized for organizing events and providing resources that werve the entire Pagan community in the Washington, DC region. At the same time, the Open Hearth Foundation has asked the community to contribute to a vision - a permanent, dedicated Pagan space for community gatherings, group meetings and rituals, classes. a lending library, and more. Community support is key to making that vision a reality.

As an OHF member or sponsor, your support means we are one step closer to realizing that reality, to fulfilling the mission of the Open Hearth Foundation: to create and maintain a permanent Pagan community center in the Washington, DC region.

What is an installment donation?

When you make your sponsorship donation on line, you have the option of fulfilling your pledge on an installment basis as an automatically recurring donation. This is an ideal way to make your contribution over time and to ensure your sponsorship benefits from one year to the next.

How do I make an installment donation?

To make an installment donation, use the OHF online donation form and enter the installment amount specified for your package in the field titled "other" under donation amounts. Then, check the button that says "I want to make a recurring donation every month." Finally, indicate your chosen sponsorship level (example: "S780") in the box titled "Additional Instructions."

PLEASE NOTE: With the exception of 2-for-1 entry at the "Keepers of the Hearth" level, at least six consecutive monthly installments (or the equivalent amount) must be received before all sponsor benefits fully attach; and at least twelve consecutive installments must be received to maintain your sponsorship. Because many of the sponsor benefits are tied to Persephone's Masquerade, this means installments must begin early enough to allow for six installments before the event. For example, donation installments must begin in November in order to receive benefits by April

Are my donations tax-deductible?

Yes, donations to the Open Hearth Foundation (both offline and online) are considered tax-deductible. Both The Open Hearth Foundation, Inc. and our online donation form service provider (Groundspring.org) are federally recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

How do I make changes to my donation, including amount, frequency, address, and credit card information?

Can I combine my individual membership benefits with my group's sponsor benefits?

Generally you cannot. Except where otherwise indicated, all the sponsorship and membership programs (which include the individual membership program) operate separately from each other and the benefits of one cannot be combined with. However, it can makes sense to obtain multiple sponsorships when they offer different benefits. For example, commercial enterprises may be interested in taking part in the Spark, Hearth, and the FrOTH Associate levels - each of which have their own unique benefits.

What kind of promotional exposure can I expect?

Currently the OHF email announcement list has well over 1,400 subscribers, making it one of the largest Pagan email lists serving the Washington, DC region. The Open Hearth Resource Guide has a target circulation of 3000. The Spring Ball regularly has more than 140 guests. As of this writing, the OHF has more than 15 individual members. The OHF’s award-winning website receives more than 150 unique visitors on an average day.

How do I donate books to the OHF Lending Library?

If you would like to donate books to the OHF Lending Library, you can bring them to any OHF event, or contact us to arrange a donation pick up.

Where is the OHF Lending Library?

Currently, the lending library is in storage until we launch our first community center. Help us make it a reality!

How does my business become an Associate of the OHF and offer member discounts?

Please contact us with details about your business. We would love to include you as an OHF associate.