Tax-exempt Status

 WILL WORK FOR FOOD ("WWFF"), founded in the spring of 2007 by students at the University of Michigan, aims to raise funds for international relief while stimulating local community service. From its inception, WILL WORK FOR FOOD has been supported by University of Michigan Hillel ("U-M Hillel”). In addition to being the Jewish student center at the University, U-M Hillel is also home to over fifty independent student-run organizations that serve the entire University community. These include: the University’s annual teaching award - "The Golden Apple," and The Improfessionals stand-up comedy troupe. U-M Hillel also sponsors the appearances of major speakers and entertainers, arts and cultural programs, intramural sports programs, and is known for delivering chicken soup to any sick or stressed student on campus.

Hillel helped WILL WORK FOR FOOD secure start-up funding from individuals and foundations, including support from the Office of the President of the University of Michigan, to launch the WWFF initiative. The majority of this funding was utilized to develop an interactive website and to pay the salary of a professional who worked with the students running WWFF during its early developmental stage.

Non-profit organizations which are organized and operated for tax exempt purposes may solicit charitable funds assuming they are granted federal tax-exempt status as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. WILL WORK FOR FOOD has 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and the right to solicit tax deductible charitable contributions because of its affiliation with University of Michigan Hillel (itself a 501(c)(3) organization). WILL WORK FOR FOOD was granted permission to function as a Doing Business As (“DBA”) entity of Hillel with its own advisory board, separate bank account and individual organizational identity. One hundred percent of every dollar raised by WILL WORK FOR FOOD participants is directed to Doctors Without Borders to provide nutritional supplements to severely malnourished children. None of these funds have or will ever be used to support Hillel programs or underwrite Hillel expenses. 

For reasons of full disclosure and transparency the “About Us” page of the WILL WORK FOR FOOD website acknowledges the organization's legal relationship with Hillel. However, it has never been the Intention of Hillel to be identified as the sponsor of WWFF or to take credit for the work done by WWFF. Hillel and WWFF are professionally audited on an annual basis and file the appropriate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). This process is reviewed by licensed attorneys and certified public accountants.

It is advantageous for WWFF to remain a DBA of U-M Hillel given the logistical and administrative support U-M Hillel provides and its success in helping to raise the funds needed to initially support the project. 

One of the primary goals of WWFF is to involve students of all races, religions and backgrounds from around the world. Operating legally as a DBA of University of Michigan Hillel does not in any way affect the leadership or direction of the WWFF initiative. WWFF will always aim to engage a diverse group of students committed to local community service and to addressing issues of malnutrition and social justice in the world. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch via the Contact Us page: www.willworkforfood.org/contact.