InStep and the Amazon Smile Program

In the Fall of 2014, the InSTEP Board discovered that amazon.com had identified InSTEP as a charitable organization participating in the Amazon Smile program. The Board had not sought nor authorized participation in the program. We know that many InSTEP supporters shop at amazon.com, and we appreciate their designation of InSTEP as a recipient of the donation of 0.5% of the purchase price from eligible Amazon Smile purchases. In order for InSTEP to receive proceeds from purchases made through Amazon Smile by customers who designated our organization, we must register with Amazon Smile. We have done so reluctantly. We know how vital it is to Lopez businesses that people shop locally, and we don’t want our participation in the Amazon Smile program to be interpreted as encouraging our supporters to buy products from amazon.com that are available from local businesses. If you have questions about this decision, please contact any of the InSTEP Board members.