This is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you need additional support, please use our contact form, or you can email us at: info@besa.org.
What does Besa mean?
Besa is an Albanian term in origin. It’s the belief that we can overcome our differences and come together to address the problems that plague our community.
What is Besa?
Besa is a Columbus, Ohio based not-for-profit with a mission to connect more people to community service. We envision a world where giving back is part of everyone and everyday life.
Are you a 501(c)3?
Yes! We are a federally recognized tax-exempt organization – rest assured, your donation is 100% tax deductible. Our EIN is 27-1971570
Are you specific to Columbus, Ohio?
Our volunteer services are primarily focused in the Columbus community. We do manage projects in other communities and plan to continue to expand our outreach efforts.
Can anyone sign up to volunteer?
Besa Community projects are open to individuals and families. Feel free to browse our current opportunities at impact.besa.org and sign up!
At this time, our public projects are not available for businesses, schools or social groups. If you represent a business, school, or social group and would like to volunteer with Besa please complete this form at business.besa.org and someone from our team will contact you.
Court-appointed volunteering: At this time, we can not accept court-appointed requests.
Who will I be volunteering with?
Projects posted to the Besa Community website at impact.besa.org are open to our entire community of volunteers. When you volunteer through Besa, you have an opportunity to work with a diverse and dedicated team of individuals who are just as passionate as you to make a difference in our community.
Can a friend or spouse sign up with me?
Yes! Grow your impact by bringing a friend or family member. Each person should sign up individually through the website.
At this time, projects posted by Besa Community are not available for businesses, schools or social groups. If you represent a business, school, or social group and would like to volunteer with Besa please complete this form at business.besa.org and someone from our team will contact you.
Court appointed volunteering: At this time, we can not accept court appointed requests.
Should I sign up for the waitlist and how does the waitlist work?
Yes! We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. When a volunteer cancels, Besa will automatically push through the next person registered on the waitlist.
However, if a volunteer cancels within 3 hours of an event, we do not push any waitlisted registrations into the project due to any potential scheduling or logistic issues.
This is why it is so important to giving us as much notice as possible if you have a conflict. Our nonprofit partners count on volunteers to show up and help out.
Once you sign up for the waitlist, you are able to cancel that registration should you need to.
What if I can no longer attend a project I signed up for on Besa?
Life happens! We ask that you give as much notice as possible. In the event that you are no longer available, we ask that you cancel through the system. This will allow us time to secure another volunteer to fill the spot.
What happens if I don’t show up to an event I’ve registered for?
Our nonprofit partners depend on heroes like you to fulfill their mission. If you are registered for an event and have to cancel, please log in to your account and cancel in the system so that we have an opportunity to cover your spot.
When you do not show up to an event without canceling, we consider it a ‘no show’. Accounts that consistently no show will be suspended.
Can you help me develop a group project for my team?
Besa manages groups from a handful to hundreds through services that are curated to ensure we are building powerful experiences around giving back. While our public portal is free and open to individuals and families, we are unable to manage company projects without a formal partnership in place. Click here to learn more about how Besa partners with companies to engage their employees around giving back.
I want to get my company involved – how do I do this?
We are proud to partner with purpose-driven companies to develop thoughtfully curated and powerful employee volunteer programs. Interested in learning more? Click here to complete a request and someone from our team will contact you.
Can kids volunteer?
All kid-friendly events are tagged in the system with the appropriate age range for that event. Please review the project descriptions and tagged age ranges for each project before bringing your little ones.
How can I get my nonprofit listed?
We’re always looking to add fun and engaging service projects. Visit our Volunteer Partnership Page for additional info.
I volunteer with a great charity and would like it to be listed on Besa.
Please forward our Volunteer Partnership Page to a representative of the charity. We’ll be sure to follow-up!
How does Besa make money?
We are 100% community supported – individuals, grants and corporate support keep our lights on and drive up engagement in the communities we serve!
What is Besa’s address?
Home office and correspondence: 966 S High Street, Columbus, OH 43206
Mailing address for donations only: PO Box 631641, Cincinnati, OH 45263-1641
You guys are doing an amazing job! How can I get involved?
Reach out to us with what you have in mind!
What are your expansion plans?
Besa is based in Columbus, Ohio but don’t worry – we’re working hard to bring Besa to new communities. Stay tuned!