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Frequently Asked Questions

For Book Buyers

About Pre-Ordering and Payment

 

1.  How does pre-ordering work?

 

Browse projects on the marketplace and select one that resonates. Pre-order the premium documentary package for $170. Your payment is processed immediately. When the project reaches its funding target, implementation begins and you receive updates throughout.

 

2.  When is my payment processed?

 

Payment processes when you commit to a pre-order. Your funds support the project immediately—no waiting to see if it reaches its target before your payment is taken.

 

3.  Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

 

Refund policies depend on project stage and funding level. At the 3-month checkpoint, if a project hasn't reached 50% funding, you can choose a full refund. Once a project reaches 50% and implementation begins, refunds become more complex. Contact Story of Helping to discuss specific situations.

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About Funding Timelines

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4.  What is the 3-month checkpoint?

 

All projects have a 3-month checkpoint to assess progress. If a project reaches 50% funding (500 supporters) by month 3, implementation planning begins or the campaign continues toward full funding. If below 50%, supporters choose what happens next with their commitment.

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5.  What are my options if a project doesn't reach 50% by month 3?

 

You have four options:

  1. Continue with adapted project - Support scaled micro-project with digital documentation

  2. Full refund - Receive complete refund of your $170

  3. Transfer to another project - Move your commitment to a different project

  4. Wait for updated concept - If the organization submits a revised project, transfer there

 

You decide based on what makes sense for you.

 

6.  How long do campaigns run?

 

Campaigns run for up to 6 months maximum. Projects reaching 50% funding by month 3 can continue beyond that to reach 100%. Projects not reaching funding targets within 6 months close, and supporters receive the same four options.

 

7.  What happens between pre-ordering and implementation starting?

 

You receive monthly campaign updates showing funding progress and context from the organization. You'll learn about the community, why the project matters, and what's being prepared for implementation. This keeps you engaged while the campaign reaches its target.

 

About What You Receive

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8.  What's included in the $170 premium package?

 

For projects reaching 50% or higher funding:

  • 12"×12" hardcover photobook (120 pages, museum-quality)

  • 8"×8" accountability companion booklet

  • Digital editions (PDF + ePub)

  • Story assets library (videos, testimonials, additional media)

  • Real-time engagement throughout implementation

  • Premium presentation packaging with personalization

 

For projects below 50% (if you choose to continue):

  • Complete digital documentation

  • Condensed photobook and companion (digital format)

  • Story assets library

  • All funds maximize humanitarian implementation

 

9.  When will I receive my books?

 

Timeline varies by project:

  • During campaign (0-6 months): Monthly updates on funding progress

  • Implementation (3-12 months after funding): Regular project updates and behind-the-scenes content

  • Digital delivery: Immediately upon project completion

  • Premium hardcover: 2-3 months after digital delivery (for projects reaching 50%+ funding)

 

Total timeline from pre-order to physical books: typically 9-18 months depending on project complexity.

 

About Projects and Organizations

 

10.  How do I know projects are legitimate?

 

All organizations undergo vetting including:

  • Sanctions checks

  • Reference verification from credible sources

  • Capability assessment

  • Track record evaluation

 

Story of Helping provides professional project oversight throughout implementation with transparent financial tracking visible in real-time.

 

11.  What if a project takes longer than expected?

 

This is normal in humanitarian work. Timeline flexibility is built into the model. You'll receive updates explaining any delays, and funds remain available until appropriate for expenditure. Digital delivery happens upon completion regardless of timeline adjustments.

 

About Supporting Multiple Projects

 

12.  Can I support multiple projects?

 

Absolutely. Each project operates independently. Support as many as resonate with you. You'll receive separate updates and documentation for each project you support.

 

13.  Can I give a book as a gift?

 

Yes. You can pre-order books as gifts with personalization for recipients. They'll receive updates throughout and the final documentation package. Ideal for meaningful gifts that create real impact.

 

About Your Money

 

14.  Where does my $170 go?

 

For projects reaching 50%+ funding:

  • $60 → Direct implementation (materials, services, beneficiary support)

  • $10 → Local organization discretionary support

  • $30 → Platform support (project management, oversight, content creation)

  • ~$50 → Book production costs (printing, packaging, shipping)

  • ~$20 → Profit (split 50/50: $10 to local org, $10 to Story of Helping with 30% to capacity building fund)

 

For projects below 50% (if you continue):

  • $170 → Implementation (maximizes humanitarian impact)

  • Digital documentation only (no production costs)

 

15.  Is my purchase tax-deductible?

 

Story of Helping operates as a social enterprise, not a registered charity. Purchases are not tax-deductible donations. You're purchasing a product (documentary books) that funds humanitarian work.

For Local Organizations

About Applying and Vetting

 

1.  What types of organizations can apply?

 

Currently, local humanitarian organizations in Myanmar and Thailand with:

  • Demonstrated track record in their communities

  • Specific projects ready to implement (typically $50K-$100K scale)

  • Organizational capacity for basic reporting

  • Networks they can activate to promote campaigns

  • Comfort with financial transparency

 

We will initiate a submission process once our initial pilots are complete.

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2.  What's the vetting process?

 

Story of Helping conducts:

  • Sanctions checks against international lists

  • Reference verification from credible sources (other NGOs, donors, community leaders)

  • Capability assessment reviewing past work

  • Financial and compliance review

 

Timeline typically 2-4 weeks. Approved organizations receive accounts set up in the SoH system.

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3.  How much does this cost our organization?

 

Nothing upfront. No fees to apply or participate. Organizations receive funding and unrestricted organizational support when projects are successful.

 

4.  Do we need to speak English?

 

No. The Story of Helping team works in Burmese, Thai, and English. All communications happen in preferred language. Content can be created in local languages with translation provided as needed.

 

About Campaigns and Funding

 

5.  How long do campaigns run?

 

Up to 6 months maximum, with a 3-month checkpoint. If projects reach 50% funding by month 3, campaigns can continue to full funding. If below 50%, campaigns pause and supporters choose their options.

 

6.  What happens if we don't reach 50% by month 3?

 

Story of Helping works with organizations on options:

  • Submit updated or revised project concept (context may have changed during 3 months)

  • Implement scaled micro-project if supporters continue with digital delivery

  • Close campaign if insufficient support

 

Supporters who pre-ordered choose whether to continue, get refunds, transfer to other projects, or wait for updated concepts.

 

7.  What if our project doesn't reach full funding?

 

At 50% funding (500 supporters), organizations can:

  • Implement scaled $50K version of the project

  • Continue campaign to reach full $100K funding

  • Decision based on whether $50K enables meaningful impact and whether waiting is worth the delay

 

Projects below 50% can implement micro-projects with adapted scope if purchasers choose to continue.

 

8.  What support does Story of Helping provide during campaigns?

  • Monthly progress tracking and reporting

  • Promotional toolkit (email templates, social media content, graphics)

  • Marketing supplement through Story of Helping channels

  • Guidance on network activation strategies

  • Regular check-ins and troubleshooting

  • Dashboard access showing real-time campaign status

 

9.  Can we submit multiple projects?

 

Yes, though Story of Helping may suggest sequencing rather than running multiple campaigns simultaneously. Success depends on network activation—organizations should consider capacity carefully before launching multiple campaigns.

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About Implementation and Requirements

 

10.  What's required from our organization during implementation?

 

Same reporting already done for INGOs:

  • Progress updates: 2-3 paragraphs + 5-10 photos

  • Financial tracking: Expenditure data (Story of Helping handles presentation)

  • Photo documentation: Throughout implementation (activities, testimonials, progression)

  • Mid-project Q&A: With supporters (live session or recorded responses, 2-4 hours total)

 

The work burden is identical to INGO requirements; Story of Helping just formats it as engaging content instead of filed reports.

 

11.  What if we can't do live Q&A sessions with supporters?

 

Pre-recorded video responses work fine. Organizations can record answers on their own timeline. Story of Helping is flexible based on connectivity, comfort, and capacity.

 

12.  What if our project takes longer than expected?

 

Timeline flexibility is built in. Funds remain available until appropriate for expenditure. Story of Helping maintains communication with supporters throughout, explaining adaptations. This is normal in humanitarian work.

 

13.  How does the "account" work?

 

Organizations receive dedicated accounts within our system:

  • Both organization and Story of Helping team have full access

  • Organizations approve all expenditures

  • Story of Helping processes payments to vendors

  • All transactions visible in real-time to all parties including supporters

  • Collaborative account management ensuring transparency

 

14.  Who owns the content created?

 

Story of Helping owns copyright to documentary books produced. This enables future licensing and corporate partnerships with revenue shared back to organizations.

 

Organizations retain:

  • All rights to project data, stories, and narratives

  • Freedom to create separate documentation independently

  • Non-exclusive license to use their book for organizational purposes

 

Revenue sharing: All revenue generated by books (corporate sales, reprints, licensing) is shared 50/50 with organizations perpetually.

 

About Money and Benefits

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15.  What does our organization receive financially?

 

For standard $100K project reaching full funding:​

  • $10,000 organizational allocation (from $100k)

  • $10,000 profit share from book sales

  • Total organizational benefit: $20,000 discretionary funds

 

Complete financial breakdown provided during orientation.

 

16.  What is the capacity building fund?

 

Story of Helping allocates 30% of platform profits to capacity building for local organization partners. Organizations collectively decide priorities—financial management, storytelling, fundraising, peer learning. Programs delivered by professional training partners based on partner needs, not prescribed externally.

 

About Risk and Realism

 

17.  What are the realistic chances our campaign succeeds?

Success depends primarily on network activation. Organizations that actively promote to their communities, volunteers, supporters and others in their network have highest success rates. Story of Helping supplements but cannot replace the trust organizations have with their communities.

 

Early portfolio results will provide baseline data. Not all campaigns will reach full funding—this is normal in fundraising.

 

18.  What happens if our campaign doesn't succeed?

 

Organizations can resubmit new concepts through regular submission process. Failed campaigns don't disqualify from future participation. Story of Helping works with organizations to understand why campaigns underperform and strengthen future submissions.

 

19.  Are there any penalties if we don't reach funding targets?

No penalties. Fundraising involves risk. Organizations can learn from campaigns and resubmit improved concepts. Story of Helping maintains relationships regardless of individual campaign outcomes.

For Companies

About Corporate Engagement

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1.  What's the minimum order for corporate engagement?

 

No minimum for standard products purchased through the marketplace. Individual book purchases or small team orders welcome.

For bulk programs and custom solutions, contact Story of Helping to discuss requirements. Volume discounts available for larger employee bases.

 

2.  Can we customize books for our employees?

 

Premium packages include standard personalization. Bulk orders can include additional customization—branded packaging, custom messaging, etc. Discuss specific needs with Story of Helping.

 

3.  How long does corporate fulfillment take?

 

Depends on whether purchasing from existing completed projects or funding new projects:

  • Existing inventory: Ships within standard timeframes

  • New project funding: Same timeline as individual supporters (6-18 months from funding to delivery)

 

4.  Can we choose which project to support?

 

Yes. Companies can select specific projects from marketplace or discuss custom project partnerships with Story of Helping.

 

About Corporate Accountability

 

5. How does this work for ESG reporting?

 

Story of Helping provides accountability documentation formatted for corporate ESG frameworks (GRI, SASB, etc.):

  • Verified impact metrics meeting audit standards

  • Customized reporting companions

  • Professional documentation suitable for annual reports

  • Same rigorous tracking that serves individual supporters, adapted for corporate needs

 

6. Do we have input on project design?

 

No. Local organizations design and implement projects based on community needs. Companies fund work that's already designed. This structural separation preserves humanitarian principles and local autonomy.

 

Corporate funding cannot influence programming decisions. Companies receive documentation of authentic work, not projects shaped by corporate preferences.

 

7.  How do we ensure brand safety?

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  • Community consent protocols ensure appropriate representation

  • Local organizations control how they're portrayed

  • Professional content production meets ethical standards

  • Story of Helping maintains clear criteria for partnerships preserving humanitarian principles

  • Transparent accountability visible to all stakeholders

 

About Using Content

 

8.  Can we use the content in our marketing?

 

Marketing asset packages provide content specifically for corporate use with appropriate permissions secured. Standard documentary packages include content for internal use only.

 

Discuss marketing needs with Story of Helping for appropriate licensing. All content use requires community consent and cannot compromise local organization control over representation.

 

9.  Is this a tax-deductible donation?

 

No. Corporate engagement happens through product purchases or service agreements, not charitable donations. Consult tax advisors regarding specific treatment for your jurisdiction and situation.

General/ About Story of Helping

About the Organization

 

1.  What is Story of Helping?

 

Story of Helping is a humanitarian creative agency providing professional back-office support to local humanitarian organizations through documentary book sales. We use Aid Cloud (our infrastructure platform) to enable local organizations to access funding directly while maintaining full programming control.

 

2.  How is this different from traditional charity?

 

This is value exchange rather than donation. Supporters purchase premium documentary products they value (museum-quality books documenting real humanitarian projects). Purchases fund both project implementation and professional infrastructure support. Local organizations maintain programming authority throughout.

 

3.  How is this different from crowdfunding?

 

Crowdfunding platforms provide technology but no implementation support. Story of Helping provides complete professional infrastructure—financial management, project oversight, content creation, accountability systems, transparent reporting. Organizations receive hands-on support throughout, not just a fundraising page.

 

4.  Why documentary books?

 

Books serve multiple purposes simultaneously:

  • Accountability mechanism: Complete project documentation from planning through impact

  • Sustainable financing: Value exchange creates recurring revenue rather than grant dependency

  • Artistic expression: Local organizations control their narrative and representation

  • Portfolio assets: Professional documentation for organizations' future fundraising and advocacy

 

5.  What is Aid Cloud?

 

Aid Cloud is the technology platform providing accountability infrastructure and tools that Story of Helping uses—financial management, compliance monitoring, transparent reporting, content management, data intelligence.

 

Currently being developed through Story of Helping's operations, Aid Cloud will eventually be available to other humanitarian implementers seeking to provide similar infrastructure support to local organizations.

 

About Operations

 

6.  Where does Story of Helping work?

 

Currently Myanmar and along the Thailand border, where the team has deep context expertise, language capabilities, and established relationships. Effective support requires understanding local dynamics, communicating in local languages, and having credibility in humanitarian ecosystems.

 

Expansion happens by hiring team members with expertise in new contexts, not by trying to work everywhere at once.

h local organizations' challenges and INGO operational requirements.

 

7.  Is Story of Helping a nonprofit?

 

Story of Helping operates as a social enterprise, not a registered charity. This enables sustainable operations through value exchange rather than perpetual grant-seeking.

 

30% of premium profits are allocated to capacity building programs for local organization partners. This investment strengthens the humanitarian ecosystem while maintaining operational sustainability.

 

8.  How does Story of Helping make money?

Platform fees (30% of base project funding) cover operational costs. Profit share from premium book sales (50% of net profit after production costs) enables growth and investment.

 

Our financial model is transparent. Local organizations receive equitable value through unrestricted funding and revenue sharing. Purchasers receive professional documentation worth the price. Story of Helping achieves sustainability enabling continued operations.

 

About Getting Involved

 

9.  Can I work for Story of Helping?

Story of Helping hires based on specific context expertise and language capabilities. Current focus on Myanmar and Thailand operations. Future expansion depends on finding team members with deep expertise in new contexts.

 

Contact Story of Helping to express interest. Include specific context expertise, language capabilities, and relevant humanitarian experience.

 

10.  Can I suggest an organization or project?

 

Yes. If you know a local organization doing excellent work in Myanmar or Thailand, share their information with Story of Helping. Referrals from credible sources help identify strong potential partners.

 

Organizations must still go through vetting process, but trusted referrals are valuable starting points.

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