heks

Is it safe to donate online?

Yes. Financial transactions through our website are processed via the “yellowworld” secure payment system run by Swiss PostFinance which meets the most stringent security requirements. All data are encrypted while you are connected to PostFinance online. The identification details and payment data cannot be seen.

Credit card transactions to heks.ch are certified in accordance with international security standards.

I wish to make a donation using a pay-in slip. Should I use a red or an orange pay-in slip?

The red pay-in slip should be used if you want to add information, such as the purpose for which the donation is to be earmarked, a specific project, or the reason for payment (e.g. “bereavement donation”).

The orange pay-in slip is the quickest and most convenient way for you and for us. Address and account number are already printed on the slip. You only need to enter the donation amount. The orange pay-in slip is part of an automated payment process and is therefore less expensive, but it is not possible to add individual information.

The different account numbers for orange and red pay-in slips are a post office requirement because they are processed separately.

Will my donation be acknowledged?

We feel it is important to thank you. As a general rule, we send acknowledgements for donations of 30 Swiss Francs or above. On request we will send you an annual acknowledgement each year in February listing all the donations received in the past year. We will be pleased to attend to your wishes in this regard.

Are donations to HEKS tax-deductible?

Yes. Donations to HEKS can be deducted from taxable income in the Swiss Confederation and the majority of cantons. The leaflet entitled «Mit Spenden Steuern sparen» [Reclaiming tax on donations] published by ZEWO provides information about the regulatory framework and the legislation currently in force in the Swiss Confederation and the individual cantons.

Will my address be forwarded to other organisations?

No. Your personal data will be treated confidentially by HEKS and will not be passed on to third parties. We are mindful of data privacy and have adopted internal policies to uphold the required standards. HEKS is certified by ZEWO, the Swiss monitoring agency for charitable fundraising organizations, and ZEWO-certified organisations are not permitted to forward personal data to third parties.

How much of each Swiss Franc I donate will benefit the needy?

Some 87 per cent of your donation is spent directly on the project work. Around five per cent is used for administration, and eight per cent goes to communications, advertising and fundraising. For more detailed information please refer to the annual report.

Will my donation be used as I wish?

Yes. We guarantee that your donation will be used for the purpose you specify. Donations can be earmarked for individual projects, causes, countries, entire areas, or where it is needed most.

How can I be sure that my donation will get to those for whom it is intended?

Our ZEWO certification is a guarantee of our diligence in handling donated funds. Certified aid organisations like HEKS are audited regularly and monitored thoroughly with regard to their use of donated funds, information policies, efficiency, etc. HEKS’ annual accounts are audited by the independent auditors KPMG. Ultimately, donating is also based on trust. HEKS has earned this trust after over 60 years of careful and professional handling of donated funds.

Are donations to HEKS predominantly used to benefit Christians?

It is precisely because HEKS is a Christian aid organisation that it gives aid to needy people irrespective of their religious affiliation and ethnic origin. HEKS gears the support to the indigenous skills and the needs of the local population.

Is it possible to work for HEKS in other countries?

No, or only in exceptional cases. HEKS works with local church organisations and other organisations on partnership terms. These local partners are in charge of ground operations, sharing the responsibility with the project representatives appointed by HEKS who work in Zurich or Lausanne.