Frequently Asked Questions

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Common FAQ

What does Heifer do? How do they accomplish it?

Heifer's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Heifer does this by providing appropriate livestock, training and related services to communities of small-scale farmers worldwide.

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Where can I send my donation?

You can easily donate online, visit our Gift Catalog, or mail this Offline Donation Form to:

Heifer International
Attn: Donor Services
1 World Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72202

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Are donations to Heifer tax-deductible?

Heifer International is exempt from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3), and is a non-profit organization eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. Each donation to Heifer is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You should consult your tax professional for specific advice.

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Is Heifer International effective? What is Heifer International’s impact?

Yes, Heifer International is effective. For almost 70 years, Heifer has supported 39.8 million families to build sustainable food and farming businesses that strengthen rural economies and put people on a pathway to Sustainable Living Income.

Heifer helped 924,633 families between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. For every family that receives livestock, training and support from Heifer, others benefit indirectly.

Is Heifer International a Christian organization?

No, Heifer is not affiliated with any particular religion. One of our 12 Cornerstones is Spirituality, which means we believe in shared values and a sense of connectedness to the Earth. Our founder, Dan West, was a Church of the Brethren member.

We engage with many communities, including faith communities through our faith programs, which allow congregations to demonstrate their commitment to doing good while raising funds to help end hunger and poverty.

Does Heifer International really give animals?

Yes, Heifer provides livestock to families around the world. We also conduct agricultural and values-based training.

We purchase and transport food and income-producing animals, as well as provide intensive training in animal husbandry; environmentally sound, sustainable farming; community development and global education.

Where do Heifer animals come from?

Today, almost all of the animals we give to project participants are sourced locally, within the country of the project, and are chosen in partnership with participants in order to meet participants’ specific needs. There are rare occasions where a particular breed of animal is not available locally and may be sourced from the nearest available country.

Heifer began with the shipment of 17 cows to Puerto Rico in 1944. In the 1960s, Heifer transitioned from shipping animals internationally to purchasing and redistributing local or regional livestock.

More FAQ

Learn more about About Fundraising.

About Fundraising

Frequently asked questions about Fundraising for Heifer International

Learn more about About Heifer Animals.

About Heifer Animals

Frequently asked questions about animals and Heifer International

Learn more about About Heifer International.

About Heifer International

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Heifer International

Learn more about About Giving in Honor, Cards and E-Cards.

About Giving in Honor, Cards and E-Cards

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Giving in Honor, Cards and Gift Cards.

Learn more about About Donating to Heifer International.

About Donating to Heifer International

Find answers to frequently asked questions about donating to Heifer International

Learn more about About Partnering with Heifer.

About Partnering With Heifer

Get answers to frequently asked questions about partnering with Heifer International through employer matching gifts

Learn more about About Tax Related Information.

About Tax Related Information

Frequently asked questions about charitable donations and tax deductions

Learn more about About volunteering.

About Volunteering

Find out how to volunteer with Heifer International

Contact Us Directly

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