FAQs
How does it work?
Who can teach?
Where are the classes held?
How much do the classes cost?
What kinds of subjects are offered?
Is my tuition tax deductible?
What charities benefit from Classes for Causes, Inc.?
When is the first class?
How do I sign up to teach?
How do I sign up to take a class?
Is there a mailing list?
What happens if no-one signs up for my class?
What is the minimum enrollment for a class?
Do I get any academic credit for taking a Classes for Causes class?
How does it work?
Classes for Causes is set up to provide opportunities for people to teach and learn while giving to charity. Instructors teach classes about their passions and the tuition from the class goes to the charity or cause of the instructor's choice. The charity must be a registered non-profit, i.e. 501(c)(3) organization in order for us (Classes for Causes) to be a non-profit too. Because of this, the instructor will be able to deduct the tuition from the taxes. Student tuition paid is not tax deductible because the student is receiving a service in exchange for the tuition payment.
Who can teach?
Anyone over 18 who is passionate and willing to prepare a course of any length to benefit any cause.
Where are the classes held?
Since we are a brand new organization we do not have a physical building in which to hold all the classes offered. Until that dream becomes a reality, we are working with our instructors to teach wherever it makes sense for them. Some classes will be held outside in public parks, others may be held in the living rooms of private homes. If an instructor requires a specific classroom environment, we will work with that instructor to rent a hotel conference room or partner with another educational facility to make the classroom available. In this case the cost of tuition will be higher and the fee for renting the space will be deducted from the donation to the charity benefiting from the class being offered.
How much do classes cost?
The tuition for each class varies depending on the subject, venue and number of hours being taught. The instructor sets the cost of the course. There is a 20% administration fee per class per student, with a minimum transaction fee of $5 per class per student. Transaction fees cover the costs of credit card transactions as well as running the operations of non-profit business of Classes for Causes. We are an all volunteer organization. Of course your additional donations are most welcome too!
What kinds of subjects are offered?
Bird Watching for Beginners, How to Set Up Cell Phone Ring Tones, Knitting, Cooking, Child Development, Stretching, Ice Hockey, Kick Boxing, Women's Endocrinology, a Branding Workshop, Search Engine Optimization, anything and everything is welcome. Please read our disclaimer and waiver for more information about all the legal stuff.
Is my tuition tax deductible?
No, because as a student you are receiving a service in exchange for payment and by law a contribution may only be tax deductible if you have not received any goods or services in exchange for your contribution. If you are an instructor however, you may take a deduction on the tuition you earned from teaching your classes because you are donating your tuition to your favorite cause. That is what classes for causes is all about.
What charities benefit from Classes for Causes, Inc.?
We have a list of charities that have benefited so far. We encourage you to add to that list by teaching a class.
When is the first class?
Classes started in December 2008.
How do I sign up to teach?
Register here and we'll send you everything you need to get started.
How do I sign up to take a class?
Look at the list of classes here and then click on the one you are interested in. There will be a sign up button on the course description and you can pay for the course online.
Is there a mailing list?
Yes. Please join our mailing list to learn more about Classes for Causes and what our members are doing to learn, teach and give.
What happens if no-one signs up for my class?
If no-one signs up for a class you are offering to teach, then you don't have to teach it and no money is donated. We encourage you to choose different dates and we'll be happy to work with you to promote the class for you for the next time you offer it.
What is the minimum enrollment for a class?
The minimum enrollment limit is set by the instructor. Some classes will run with just one student. Others may require a minimum of 10. You will see the number of students enrolled on the course description of each class.
Do I get any academic credit for taking a Classes for Causes class?
No, Classes for Causes, Inc. is a non-profit organization aimed at offering a fun way for people to connect, teach and learn while raising money for important causes. You will NOT be able to apply credit from a Classes for Causes class to an academic degree or certificate at an accredited institution.