"With the Donate Direct funding, Larkin Street Youth Services can expand and leverage overall technology for both our clients and staff. The Donate Direct staff have been organized and helpful, and we greatly appreciate this additional support for Larkin Street."
- Cheryl Barth
Chief Operating Officer
Larkin Street Youth Services
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Attn: Postcard Recipients
Why did I receive a postcard from Settlement
Recovery Center?
In late 2003, the Microsoft Corporation reached a class action settlement
with the state of California. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft
agreed to pay out over $1 billion to California consumers who purchased
Microsoft software between 1995 and 2001. The settlement payouts
come in the form of Vouchers (up to $100, depending on
what Microsoft products were purchased) that can be redeemed like rebate
coupons. Under the terms of the settlement, individuals were allowed
to donate their Voucher to qualified non-profit organizations.
For details on the settlement, visit www.microsoftcalsettlement.com.
In late 2004 and early 2005, DonateDirect™ (a division of Settlement Recovery
Center, LLC), in partnership with various non-profit organizations, engaged
canvassers to solicit settlement donations at shopping malls, retail outlets,
college campuses and other public venues. The signed donation forms
were collected and processed, and the donations are now ready to be distributed
to the qualified non-profits. As part of the due diligence required
by the Court, and because so much time has passed since the donation forms
were signed, we reminded individuals about their donation, and offered
them an opportunity to either designate a favorite cause, or to cancel
their donation.
However, please note that the Court has mandated that
all responses be received NO LATER THAN January
11, 2007. After
that date, DonateDirect™ will release your Voucher to a
qualified non-profit organization. You will receive a letter from
the non-profit that received your donation that can be used for tax or
other purposes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I still cancel my donation?
No, the Court has mandated that
all responses be received NO LATER THAN January
11, 2007. After
that date, DonateDirect™ will release your Voucher to a
qualified non-profit organization. You will receive a letter from
the non-profit that received your donation that can be used for tax or
other purposes.
Do I have to pay anything?
No! Your donation is in the form of a Voucher that
will be given to a qualified non-profit organization on your behalf.
How much is my Voucher worth?
Vouchers range in value from $21 to $100, depending on
which Microsoft products were reported as having been purchased by each
individual.
Can I redeem my Voucher for cash?
No, not directly. The Vouchers work like rebate
coupons, in the sense that you must make a purchase of a qualified product,
and then submit your receipt(s) along with your Voucher to the Microsoft
Settlement Claims Administrator. Your claim will be processed, and
a check will be mailed to you approximately 60 days later. Qualified
products and further information is available at www.microsoftcalsettlement.com.
What kind of organization is receiving my donation?
DonateDirect™ works with over 200 qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations,
including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Red Cross, and Save
The Children. We focus on recipient organizations that are not engaged
in political and religious activities. We have organizations that
support many different constituencies, including children, animals, the
homeless, disease foundations, and the arts – all of whom are in
need of funds to purchase computers and related technology to support their
missions. You may designate your donation to any of the broad areas
we work in by using the form below.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
All donations are made to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. You
will receive a letter of receipt and thanks from the organization to which
your Voucher was donated. Please consult your tax
advisor as to the deductibility of this donation in your personal tax situation.
I don’t remember making this donation – are you sure
it was me?
We recognize that you may not remember making this donation since it happened
so long ago. There was also confusion on the part of some individuals
who may have thought they were participating in a survey, or signing a
petition, because they were approached by a canvasser in a public place. DonateDirect™
has the signed donation forms and hopes that you are still happy with your decision to donate your Voucher to
one of our worthy partners for their much-needed technology purchases.
If you have my signed form, why are you contacting me now?
As part of the due diligence required by the Court, and because so much
time has passed since the donation forms were signed, we are reminding
individuals about their donation.
What is Settlement Recovery Center?
Settlement Recovery Center, LLC (SRC), is a company that was formed in
October, 2003 to help businesses and individuals maximize their recovery
from the California Microsoft antitrust settlement. SRC created the DonateDirect™
program to assist qualified non-profit organizations that wanted to benefit
from this settlement. For more information on SRC, visit http://www.settlementrecovery.com.
How can I speak to someone at DonateDirect™?
If we have not been able to answer your questions here, please contact us we’ll be happy to
help you.
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