General Questions About the Red Cross
CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding and Other Health and Safety Questions
Donations and Gifts
Cars for Charity Questions
Authorized Provider Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the mission of the American Red Cross? (back to top)
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
No, the Red Cross is not a government agency. The American Red Cross and the Colorado Chapters rely solely on the contributions of our generous neighbors, community and business partners. 81 cents of every dollar raised by the Red Cross is used to support the local programs and services.
Does the Red Cross receive government funding?
The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. (back to top)
How can I help the Red Cross? (back to top)
There are many ways to help the Red Cross.
Does the American Red Cross support the admission of Magen David Adom to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement? (back to top)
Yes! In fact, in June 2006, the American Red Cross celebrated and welcomed Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The inclusion of these two National Societies is a significant step towards universality for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For MDA, admission is long overdue. With MDA’s admission as an equal partner with the 184 other National Societies that comprise the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a historic wrong has been made right. For more than 50 years, the American Red Cross Board of Governors has considered MDA’s admission to the Movement a policy priority. To underscore this commitment and encourage action on this issue, the American Red Cross has withheld $45 million in dues payments to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in protest of non-admission. The admission of MDA and the Palestine Red Crescent Society as full voting members of the Movement represents a truly significant step towards universality for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (The Movement’s Fundamental Principle of Universality envisions the Red Cross as a world-wide
institution in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other).
Health and Safety Questions
How do I get certified in First Aid, CPR, Babysitting or other Red Cross classes? (back to top)
Browse our class options and availability and determine what class you need to take by using our class search – then you can register online or call to reserve your place in your desired class.
How do I become a lifeguard or water safety instructor? (back to top)
The Red Cross partners with local aquatic facilities who offer Red Cross water safety classes. We do not administer aquatic courses directly. Please contact the aquatic facilities nearest you to get more information.
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What is in a standard first aid kit? (back to top)
The Red Cross offers standard, deluxe and specialty first aid kits and supplies online through our Red Cross Store. In addition, here are some suggested items to include when building your own kit.
• Adhesive Tape
• Antiseptic Ointment
• Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
• Blanket
• Cold Pack
• Disposable Gloves
• Gauze Pads and Roller Gauze (assorted sizes)
• Hand Cleaner
• Plastic Bags
• Scissors and Tweezers
• Small Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• Syrup of Ipecac (use only if instructed by Poison Control Center)
• Triangular Bandage
Questions about Donations and Gifts
How can I donate blood? (back to top)
The Mile High Chapter is one of few chapters in the Red Cross system that does not directly handle blood services. We proudly partner with Bonfils Blood Centers. To find our more information, please call (303) 363-2202 or visit them on the Web.
Does the Red Cross accept donations of food, clothing and supplies (gifts in-kind)? (back to top)
The Red Cross is unable to accept or solicit individual items for emergency relief operations. Please visit our donation page to explore Ways to Give and learn Where the Need is Greatest in your local community.
want to help raise money for a specific family that has been affected by disaster or tragedy, but I would like to do this through a charity so that I get a charitable deduction. Can I make my gift through the Red Cross? (back to top)We applaud your desire to help a family at a difficult time, but unfortunately gifts for a specific family or person cannot be made through the Red Cross. This is because we are committed to helping every family in need recover from emergencies by providing food, clothing, shelter and other essential services and supplies. We provide help to each family based on need and in accordance with our Fundamental Principles.
Can I change or cancel a donation? (back to top)
You may change or cancel a donation. Here's how: Contact the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter Fund Development Department at info@denver-redcross.org or (303) 722-7474 and they will request some information and handle your cancellation. Please have ready the date of your gift, the dollar amount, the fund it went to, and, if changing funds, the fund you would like it to go to. If you need to leave a voicemail message, please be sure to leave your name and phone number.
Can I make a donation through automatic credit card payments? (back to top)
Yes. When you click make a donation, choose “sustaining” under gift type. You can choose a monthly automatic payment or an annual automatic payment. You can also contact our Fund Development Department at (303) 722-7474, or e-mail info@denver-redcross.org.
Is my credit card information secure? (back to top)
American Red Cross takes every precaution to protect our donors' information. When donors submit sensitive information via the Web site, your information is protected both online and offline. We use high grade encryption and the https security protocol to communicate with your browser software. This method is the industry standard security protocol, which makes it extremely difficult for anyone else to intercept the credit card information you send to us. Companies we work with to process credit card transactions also use high grade encryption and security protocols.
The American Red Cross employs error checking procedures to make certain transactions are processed completely and accurately. As necessary, changes are made to improve our systems. And, independent external and internal audits are conducted to ensure the privacy, security and appropriate processing of your information on our site.
Committed to the protection & privacy for all of our users, it is the policy of American Red Cross to continually enhance our fraud protection systems and our other processes to fight identity theft. In addition to maintaining privacy and security controls over information you share with us, the American Red Cross works to accurately process your contribution information. During business hours (M-F, 9am - 5pm MST) our Fund Development staff is available to answer questions about your financial donation at (303) 722-7474, or info@denver-redcross.org.
How do I make changes to my monthly giving account, such as changing the amount, my credit card number or the fund to which I'm giving? (back to top)
Call (303) 722-7474 and we’ll handle it for you. Your changes will either take place the same month, or the following month, depending on when we receive your call.
How do I cancel my monthly giving? (back to top)
Just call (303) 722-7474. Your cancellation will take place the same month, or the following month, depending upon when we receive your call.
Your e-mail address is required so we can send you a proper acknowledgement of your gift. Details of your donation are found in this email, which you can print or save for tax purposes.
Why do you require another identification number besides my credit card number? (back to top)
The Card Security Code (CSC) is a 3- or 4-digit number printed on your credit card. It provides added security when you use your card on the Internet or over the phone. The number appears only on the card itself, not on receipts or statements.
Why do you require a minimum online donation of $10? (back to top)
Like any other online credit card processing system we are charged by credit card companies. We don't want donors' well-intended gift to be offset by processing fees.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone or make a donation on behalf of a person? (back to top)
Yes. You can make your donation a "tribute" to someone—in their honor, or in memory of a lost loved one. This information is entered in the Honor/Memorial Donation section. The American Red Cross will mail a Tribute card to your recipient announcing that an Honor or Memorial donation was made by you. You will also receive a card acknowledging your gift.
Allow 2-3 weeks for your tribute card to deliver to the recipient. During holidays, we increase production so that cards deliver quicker, knowing that many donors send these tribute donations as holiday remembrance gifts to loved ones.
I made a donation online and now I have questions about it. Who can I call? (back to top)
Fund Development Department (303) 722-7474 or info@denver-redcross.org.
I don't see the fund that I wanted to donate to. What do I do? (back to top)
Due to space limitations, we only offer our preferred giving options online. These designations, including the Disaster Relief Fund and International Response Fund enable us to meet the needs of the people we serve in your community and around the world. By supporting these funds, you give the Red Cross the resources and flexibility essential to respond to disasters and other emergencies immediately, when assistance is needed the most. For additional assistance in donating to an option not listed, please contact Fund Development at (303) 722-7474 or info@denver-redcross.org for assistance.
I live outside the U.S. Is this why I'm having trouble making a donation? (back to top)
Donors from outside the U.S. can make a gift as long as their credit card is supported by a U.S. based card company. Our online donation system is designed to protect donor security and privacy, and prevent illicit use by frauders. If your credit card is non-US based, you can still mail in your gift to any American Red Cross Colorado Chapter to the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter, 444 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203.
My donation was denied. Why? (back to top)
If your donation failed after completing the transaction, it is likely that information provided, such as the credit card identification number did not match exactly with what is on file at your bank. For further assistance, you may contact Fund Development at (303) 722-7474, or info@denver-redcross.org. For quicker response, please have the details of your transaction ready when you contact us.
Authorized Provider Questions
What is an Authorized Service Provider? (back to top)
An Authorized Provider in an individual or organization that has a Red Cross-trained and certified instructor who can provide American Red Cross Health & Safety programs in-house. By becoming an Authorized Provider, you can build your own training team to teach American Red Cross Health & Safety courses to employees of your business, communities or members of your organization. Visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
When do I have to fill out an Authorized Provider Agreement? (back to top)
All Authorized Providers (APs) must fill out an Authorized Provider Agreement (APA) prior to January 1st of the year in which you wish to provide instructions. After January 1st, Course Record Forms submitted by organizations or instructors that do not have an APA on file will be returned without processing. Please visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
Do I complete an Authorized Provider Agreement for myself as the instructor, or the organization that I teach for? (back to top)
If you are a Red Cross instructor who teaches our courses for various sites, you can fill out an APA in your name. When you submit Course Record Forms you would notate your name under name of authorized provider. When you are going to teach in a new training site you would contact Customer Service at 303-722-7474 and ask to add the site to your agreement. If you are an instructor who teaches regularly in one location or if you are an organization that has multiple Red Cross instructors, you can fill out an APA under the name of your organization. Visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
What costs are involved in becoming an Authorized Provider? (back to top)
There is no cost to become an Authorized Provider. However, there is a cost for completion of the appropriate training courses, class materials and the certifications that are provided to participants. Visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
What is the difference between a certificate and a completion card for Red Cross courses? (back to top)
The Red Cross issues certificates for any Health & Safety Services course, component, module or education session that has a completion requirement. Participants receiving a certificate have demonstrated competency in all the required subject areas and/or skills. Examples of courses that have completion requirements and for which certificates are issued are Adult CPR/AED, Standard First Aid, Babysitter's Training, and Lifeguard Training.
For courses without a completion requirement, the Red Cross issues a card indicating that the participant has attended the program. These are often referred to as Has Attended Cards or Has Attended Certificates. This type of card recognizes the recipient's participation in an education session, seminar, presentation, demonstration or program. Examples of programs without a completion requirement for which Has Attended Cards are issued include Longfellow's WHALE Tales and HIV/AIDS education sessions, such as Basic, African American, Hispanic, and Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs.
My company contracts with other agencies for services. Can we offer classes to our customers as well as our employees? (back to top)
Yes. The Authorized Provider system allows you to offer training as a service to your customers, clients, or others in your community. In order to do so, you need to make arrangements and sign an agreement with the Mile High Chapter. Visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
My company has offices in other cities that are outside the jurisdiction of my local American Red Cross chapter. Can I train employees in other cities? (back to top)
Yes. Our nationwide network of American Red Cross chapters makes it easy for you to train employees throughout the country. For more information about training employees in multiple locations, contact the Mile High Chapter and inquire about signing a Multi-Jurisdictional Contract or an Extended Instructor Authorization at 303-722-7474.
Whose responsibility is it to maintain instructor records? (back to top)
It is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain copies of their course records and course addendums. The local Red Cross chapter will maintain course records for Authorized Providers. This is a service that the Red Cross provides as part of the Authorized Provider Agreement. Visit the Authorized Provider page or contact the Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474 for information about these and other programs.
Cars for Charity Questions
What fees will I encounter when donating my car? (back to top)
None! One hundred percent of the NET profit is given to the charitable organization of the donor’s choice after the following routine-fees are deducted from the gross amount.
• A $25 administrative fee
• A $62 action fee
• A title fee of $13
• If the car needs to be towed, within the Denver metro area, Klode Distribution Center will tow it at a significantly discounted price of approximately $50.
heard the laws just changed regarding car donation. How does that affect me? (back to top)
Donors can deduct the amount the vehicle brings at auction, if it’s sells for over $500. A tax deduction under $500 is determined by the donor.
My car donation receipt says Cars for Charity. Will the Colorado Red Cross acknowledge my donation? (back to top)
Yes! The Red Cross acknowledges car donations the same as those who give directly and a thank you card will follow.
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