Frequently Asked Questions

What if someone wants to copy your wheelchair design?
We encourage organizations to copy our design, or our passion. There are aspects of the design that we could patent, but doing so would hinder others from helping. We truly want to give a wheelchair to every human in need of one. That is a huge task, and we encourage anyone to help in any way. Return to Top

2.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Free Wheelchair Mission has a qualified tax-exempt status (501 c3). Return to Top

3.

Do you have a Board of Directors?
Yes. Our first meeting was in the beginning of September, 2001. The Board approves all spending, policies, and procedures and takes responsibility for the organization. See Staff & Board Members page for the current FWM Board of Directors. Return to Top

4.

How will you distribute the wheelchairs?
We know that in the beginning we will have to show the world that our approach is valid. In order to do this, we will have to distribute many of the first wheelchairs ourselves. However, in the long-term, we prefer not to develop extensive distribution efforts of our own. We prefer to partner with organizations that have that expertise. As organizations see our success, they will gradually step forward and want to get involved. Return to Top

5.

How will you decide who gets the wheelchairs?
Our philosophy is to provide wheelchairs to the poorest of the poor, at no cost. We make no exclusions on race, age, sex, religion, or nationality. Our distribution partners must also accept this philosophy. Return to Top

6.

How long will the wheelchairs last?
That is a hard question! We often hear that plastic molded patio chairs crack if left in the sun and rain. We often hear that bicycle wheels rust if left outside. If someone did not care for the wheelchair these same things would happen. However, to most recipients the wheelchair may the best thing that ever happened to them, a gift that gives them some level of dignity, independence, and happiness. We feel that most recipients will care for their wheelchair, and not leave it in the sun and rain. Such being the case, we believe these wheelchairs will last years and years. Return to Top

7.

Can I come see your operation?
Visitors are welcome, but call and make an appointment. Return to Top

8.

Do you offer opportunities for volunteers to participate in the distribution of the wheelchairs in developing countries?
Our distribution partners are carefully reviewed and selected based on their ability to clear a container of wheelchairs through customs, transport the container, store and assemble the wheelchairs, and distribute them to the poorest of the poor. As a small yet growing organization, rarely do we get the chance to meet our partners before we ship a container, nor do we send volunteers over to assist in the distribution. Our partners are amazing in their ability to rally local volunteers to help them help themselves. We do, however, arrange opportunities for donors who contribute a full container to participate in the distribution of the container they have funded. In order to keep our cost per wheelchair as low as possible, we must ask volunteers willing to travel to also be willing to pay for their travel expenses. We know that it is a powerful experience to see and interact with the recipients of the wheelchairs and hope to offer this opportunity to anyone with the heart to make this kind of contribution. We fully hope to offer more opportunities for volunteers to travel to the field as we continue to grow as an organization. Return to Top

9.

Does FWM distribute wheelchairs to the poor in the USA?
Many have contacted us asking us to please send our wheelchairs to recipients in the United States. Sadly, after some investigation, we find we are unable to do so. Click here to read more.

10.

What if someone wants to donate a used wheelchair?
We are not set up to renovate, ship, or distribute wheelchairs other than our own. There are at least three fine organizations that will accept used wheelchairs. We mention them on our Links web page. Return to Top

11.

What if someone wants to volunteer?
Please click here to view volunteer opportunities. You may also sign up to receive our weekly email called "The Friday Story" which lists upcoming events. You may contact us using this form with any particular questions you may have. Return to Top