Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why Wheelchairs? 
Wheelchairs provide mobility, which changes everything: it means independence, the ability to participate in society and earn a living. Mobility means renewed dignity, independence, and hope. Learn more here.

Why do your wheelchairs look different from traditional wheelchairs? 
Our wheelchairs are designed with resources in mind. Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchairs are built for maximum cost-efficiency with parts that are readily available in the developing world – for example, our wheels look like bicycle wheels because bicycles are available anywhere in the world, along with the parts to repair them.

How is your GEN_1 wheelchair different from a common patio chair?
While the mold we used to shape the resin used in our original GEN_1 wheelchairs looks similar to that of patio chairs, the similarities stop there. We used a specially-designed polymer blend, incorporating UV stabilizers and impact-resistant additives, that allowed our wheelchairs to withstand UV rays from the sun and endure terrain impact in the developing world. Learn more about our wheelchair design by clicking here.

What is the organization's mission? 
Our mission is to provide the transforming gift of mobility to people with disabilities in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ. See our full mission, vision, and values by clicking here.

What does Free Wheelchair Mission do? 
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Free Wheelchair Mission works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based, and non-governmental organizations to give wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities in less-resourced countries. For $96, you can provide not only the gift of mobility, but also the gifts of renewed dignity, independence, and hope, and a message of the love of God.

Learn more about our mission by clicking here.

How long has Free Wheelchair Mission been giving out wheelchairs? 
President and Founder Don Schoendorfer produced the original GEN_1 chair in 1999, but as an organization, Free Wheelchair Mission has been operating under 501(c)(3) status since 2001.

How many wheelchairs has Free Wheelchair Mission given out, and in which countries? 
To date, we have given away more than 1.4 million wheelchairs in 95 countries. Each month, we provide a Shipping Status Report via our email updates. The report shows where and how many wheelchairs were received in-country during that month.

View the current wheelchair total and distribution map by clicking here.

What does it mean that Free Wheelchair Mission is a 501(c)(3)? 
The 501(c)(3) is legal recognition of our status as a not-for-profit organization, allowing those who donate to us to list their donations as tax deductible when they file their returns. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, there are several standards that must be met and maintained. We can neither operate to make a profit nor participate in political lobbying activities. Learn more about our financial management policies and standards by visiting our Financial Accountability page.

What does it mean that Free Wheelchair Mission is an ECFA-accredited nonprofit?
This means that the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has recognized Free Wheelchair Mission as a Christian organization operating with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. ECFA accredits only those who adhere to their Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ which focus on board governance, financial transparency, integrity in fundraising, and proper use of charity resources.

What does it mean that Free Wheelchair Mission is a "faith-based” organization? 
Free Wheelchair Mission believes that when Jesus Christ walked among us, He had a special heart for the poor, the sick, and those living with disabilities.

When one of our recipients is seated in a wheelchair for the first time, our hope is that they feel they have been placed gently in God’s hands, wrapped in His love and care. However, we are not affiliated with any specific denomination or church, and we do not allow our partners to deny wheelchairs to anyone based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.

Does Free Wheelchair Mission evangelize when distributing wheelchairs?
While we do request that our local distribution partners provide a Christian message along with a wheelchair, not all of them do, as we leave it to their discretion. Whether words are used or not, we believe that a message is delivered through our actions, as the wheelchairs serve as evidence of Christ’s love. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.

Does Free Wheelchair Mission send wheelchairs to Ukraine?

Free Wheelchair Mission is proud to have distributed nearly 16,000 wheelchairs in Ukraine over the past 13 years. Even prior to the current conflict, Ukraine had significant needs for wheelchairs and mobility, and we have transformed thousands of lives in Ukraine. Unfortunately, our longtime in-country partner had to leave the country for reasons related to the war, but also due to other factors. Therefore, we do not currently have an active partner from within Ukraine.

However, another partner was able to connect us directly with the Ukrainian government and we sent four containers of 1,176 brand-new wheelchairs to Ukraine in September 2022. Read more about it here.

These wheelchairs for Ukraine were manufactured by Invacare, one of the world’s biggest for-profit producers of wheelchairs. Invacare Europe has supported Free Wheelchair Mission by collaborating on manufacturing-related projects and co-marketing for the past four years. When we sought ways to send wheelchairs to Ukraine, the Invacare Action 1R model wheelchair was a natural choice as it is already compliant with European Union standards. Free Wheelchair Mission ordered four containers of wheelchairs from Invacare and had them shipped to Ukraine.

We continue to look for other ways to help. For example, in March 2022, we sent a shipment of crucial medical supplies, including masks, surgical supplies, burn dressings, gauze, trauma kits, crutches, tourniquets, and other items needed in an emergency, to treat Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugees in neighboring Moldova.

We are currently planning additional assistance to those with disabilities in the Ukraine war zone region. Please check out our social media sites for updates.

Our prayers are with those who are suffering due to the war in Ukraine, especially those who are living with disabilities.

What is your Charity Navigator Rating?

We are a four-star charity on Charity Navigator, with a score of 94%. View our profile here.

What is your GuideStar rating?

In 2022, we were awarded The Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Finances

Where do your donations come from? 
More than half comes from individual donors. Approximately one-third of our donations come from charitable foundations, and the rest is from a mix of churches and civic/corporate donors. To see more details about our finances, click here.

Do you receive funding from any government agencies? 
Not directly, but some governments offer support in terms of manpower and logistics.

How much of every dollar goes to wheelchairs / what is a programming percentage? 
Charity watchdog and rating websites provide a program percentage, which shows donors how much of each dollar donated goes toward the actual program or service that organization provides versus how much goes towards operating costs. This ratio is affected by how much an organization spends on overhead, management, and fundraising, relative to how much they spend on programs for those in need.

Free Wheelchair Mission is unique in that we pay to manufacture the wheelchairs that we then give away, free of charge. Many nonprofits will have a higher program percentage because they’re not in the manufacturing business; for example, food banks receive donated goods and services that are then given to those in need.

Even though we pay for the manufacturing of our wheelchairs, Free Wheelchair Mission’s program percentage is competitive with those who don’t fund their own manufacturing. Our program percentage for the current fiscal year is 75.03%.

How many staff and volunteers work at Free Wheelchair Mission? 
In the spirit of good stewardship and accountability, FWM has a rigorous system in place to ensure that paid staff are hired and retained only as-needed, with volunteers supporting our administrative needs as often as possible. Currently, Free Wheelchair Mission has 34 paid staff and over 2,000 volunteers around the world. A full list of our Irvine-based, paid staff members can be viewed here.

Additionally, our Ambassadors for Mobility program is a national network of volunteers who give of their own time and effort to help raise awareness and funds for Free Wheelchair Mission. More information on the Ambassador program, click here.

Who sits on your board of directors? 
A full listing of our staff and board of directors can be found here.

Can I request information about some of your donors?
Free Wheelchair Mission does not share any information about our donors, in consideration of the Donor Bill of Rights. To view the full Donor Bill of Rights, visit this page.

Operations

How do you distribute wheelchairs and decide who receives one? 
Free Wheelchair Mission does not hand-select recipients for wheelchairs. Individual distribution is left up to our Distribution Partners, who handle everything following the shipping containers’ arrival at the destination port. Our partners are required to sign an agreement that they will give wheelchairs to people most in need - those who don’t already have one and cannot afford one.

Furthermore, we ask that they give the wheelchairs as a gift at no charge to the recipients. Our Distribution Partners send reports on distribution, and we often visit our partners to see their performance firsthand. Learn more about our distribution model by clicking here.

How do you select your Distribution Partners?
Free Wheelchair Mission requires that our Distribution Partners are nonprofits with experience in importing ocean containers. We also require that our partners provide references from other groups for whom they have supplied humanitarian aid by ocean freight. We do not require our Distribution Partners to be faith-based. However, we do require that our partners have a zero-tolerance policy for bribes and have no intention of selling the wheelchairs. Learn more about our Distribution Partners by clicking here.

Can I designate my donation to go to a specific country?
No, but there are cases where we will make an exception – generally when one entity funds an entire container’s worth of wheelchairs and wants to send them to a country where there is an existing partnership.

We’ve found that the vast majority of donors opt for their wheelchairs to go wherever they’re needed most. We do offer gift cards that allow people to designate a continent to send wheelchairs to, but not specific countries.

I need a wheelchair, or I know someone who needs one - can you give them one?
We only distribute wheelchairs through approved Distribution Partners who work in developing countries and can receive and distribute full containers of wheelchairs in their immediate area. Unfortunately, this means that we cannot fulfill any individual requests domestically or internationally.

If you are in need of a wheelchair for someone who lives in the US, please contact our front desk during normal business hours.

Do you give wheelchairs to hospitals and other health organizations?
There are a handful of hospitals and health organizations that we give wheelchairs directly to. For the most part, we let our Distribution Partners determine where the need is most pressing and trust them to act accordingly.

How are the wheelchairs shipped?
Once our wheelchairs are manufactured and packaged, they’re packed into containers of around 510 wheelchairs each, loaded onto a container ship and sent to the one of the countries where we currently have an active Distribution Partner.

When they arrive, our Distribution Partner pays for all importation fees and overland transport fees to get the wheelchairs to wherever they need to go in-country. Distribution Partners are also responsible for assembling and distributing the wheelchairs to individuals. In many cases, our partners will also negotiate with local governments to reduce or eliminate importation tariffs and duties. As part of our agreement with partners, they must agree to extensive, and ongoing, training on assembly and medically appropriate wheelchair provision.

How much does it cost to ship a wheelchair?
Shipping costs vary based on destination and every country is different. At this point, our volume is not large enough to lock-in rates via contract, so we solicit rates on the open market. We procure free shipping whenever possible. Based on the average of shipping all of our wheelchairs annually, we include the shipping cost in the $96 per wheelchair price.

Why don’t you distribute wheelchairs in the US?
There are several reasons why our wheelchairs are not given away in the United States, the primary reason being that there are already systems in place to help support people in need of a wheelchair. In addition to private health insurance coverage, Medicare and Medicaid are available in the US to help provide for peoples' medical necessities. Whereas options such as these are available in the US, people living with disabilities in developing countries often have little to no options at all.

Free Wheelchair Mission is happy to provide interested parties with a list of wheelchair organizations that distribute within the US if someone has a need. Please call our offices during business hours for a list of organizations that do provide wheelchairs within the US.

What challenges do you face in transporting wheelchairs?
The biggest challenge we face is customs clearance. Wheelchairs are shipped via ocean liner directly from our manufacturer to the recipient country, at which point the Distribution Partner is responsible for clearing the wheelchairs through customs. Since each country has their own unique set of requirements, it's the responsibility of the Distribution Partner to stay informed about local policies and communicate them directly to Free Wheelchair Mission in order to ensure a smooth delivery.

Free Wheelchair Mission works closely with our Distribution Partners, shipping companies, and freight forwarders to manage this process as efficiently as possible.

Wheelchairs

How much does a wheelchair cost?
The average cost of our Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchair models is $96, which covers manufacturing and shipping of wheelchairs. We are able to keep the price of our wheelchairs low because of strategic partnerships we’ve developed with our distribution partners, manufacturers, and shipping companies.

What’s the difference between your different wheelchairs - GEN_2 and GEN_3?

The GEN_2 chair is designed for users who have a longer commute, users who need more support due to their disability, and users requiring a smaller fit. GEN_2 is customizable, available in four different widths, and has multiple adjustment points.

The GEN_3 is functionally the same as GEN_2 but can be folded up for storage or easier transportation.

To see a full product comparison of our three models, please click here.

When did you retire the GEN_1 wheelchair?
The GEN_1 was retired in 2020.

How do you decide who gets which model of wheelchair?
This process is the responsibility of Free Wheelchair Mission’s Distribution Partners. See previous FAQ question “How do you decide who receives a wheelchair?” for more details.

Can I donate an old wheelchair to you?
As much as we admire the generosity of this question, we cannot accept used wheelchairs, wheelchair parts, or other mobility aids since our distribution model doesn’t support these types of donations.

There are a number of great charities that can and will accept used wheelchairs and wheelchair parts to be redistributed to someone in need. Please contact info@freewheelchairmission.org for a list.

Do you train recipients how to use and maintain their wheelchairs?
All Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchairs come with an assembly, maintenance, and usage guide.

Developed by physical therapists, this guide covers the prevention of pressure sores, recovery from falls, and safe methods of transfer in and out of the wheelchair. Each manual contains contact information for Free Wheelchair Mission and our Distribution Partner in the recipient’s area.

Is your wheelchair user's manual available in language other than English?
Yes, it is. We make an effort to provide simple-to-understand instructions and clear visuals for wheelchair assembly. Our wheelchair user manual is currently available in 14 languages. We are always looking for people who are willing to translate our manuals into new languages. If you are interested in potentially volunteering to help us in that process, please email us at volunteer@freewheelchairmission.org to find out how to get started.

How long do your wheelchairs last?
An academic study of our wheelchairs reported that, after 18 months of use, 199 out of 200 wheelchairs were still functional (a 99.5% success rate). An internal study monitored 354 wheelchairs over two years, and during this period, only 17 wheelchairs needed any kind of repair. Using a test track at our Irvine office, we are continually conducting tests to further the longevity of our wheelchairs.

Is there a study that shows how well your wheelchairs work in the field?
Yes – in fact, there are two. Both were conducted by Dr. Susan Shore of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Physical Therapy and cover the quality of life of Free Wheelchair Mission recipients before and after receiving a wheelchair.

Study results concluded, “…recipient evaluation of the Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchair in two different countries has shown a positive, cost-effective benefit to both health and function without unusual risk.” Both studies demonstrated that a wheelchair had positively impacted families and demonstrated a decline in the problems of skin breakdown and pressure sores.

The abstracts of our most recent study (2012) can be found here while the abstract of the original study (2008) can be found here.

How do you test your wheelchairs for durability?
Our groundbreaking test track, developed in partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and RPM and Associates, Inc., allows us to test four wheelchairs at once, in a controlled environment, compressing three to five years of field testing in to a few months.

What happens if a wheelchair breaks and needs repairs?
Replacement parts are included in every container, and recipients are provided with their local Distribution Partner’s contact information in the event that repairs are required. Furthermore, our wheelchairs are designed so that replacement parts can easily be located in most parts of the world.

Do you only give wheelchairs? What about other mobility aids?
Free Wheelchair Mission primarily gives away wheelchairs, but through our long-established “Mobility Beyond Wheelchairs” program, we also provide the communities we serve with essential medical supplies such as masks, gloves, needles, syringes, blankets, and much more, in addition to mobility-assistance devices and support, including wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. The demand for these items has grown in response to COVID-19. Your support of the Medical and Mobility Emergency Fund will go towards providing more of these essential supplies to our distribution partners around the world.

How to Help

I would like to do more than donate. What can I do?
There are a number of ways you can extend your support for the gift of mobility.

Volunteers provide indispensable support to Free Wheelchair Mission. Click here for information about volunteering.

One of the easiest way to support us is to spread the word about us on social media. You can like our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, or subscribe to our blog and forward the stories to your friends.

What is a Free Wheelchair Mission Ambassador, and how do I become one?
An Ambassador is empowered by Free Wheelchair Mission to use their own creativity and passion to represent us. They are part of a nationwide community of people who love our mission and are dedicated to spreading awareness and raising funds.

Ambassadors volunteer at events or at our headquarters. They spread our message at their workplaces, civic groups, schools, sports teams, and social networks. Ambassadors have hosted gatherings, competed in athletic events, held bake sales, played benefit concerts, and built lemonade stands.

Matching your talents or interests with the story of Free Wheelchair Mission is the key to becoming an effective Ambassador. Learn more about the Ambassador Community by clicking here.

Can I go on a vision trip to distribute wheelchairs?
Vision trips are just now resuming in the aftermath of the pandemic and are currently being offered by invitation only.

How can I be invited to go a vision trip?
With a limited number of vision trips per year and a limited number of spots on each trip, invitations are extended to individuals or groups that are passionately invested in our mission and have helped to provide at least a half container of wheelchairs ($25,000).

What countries do these vision trips go to?
Our vision trip destinations change each year, based on a variety of factors including travel safety and the capacity of our in-country partners to host a team.

How can my church get involved?
We would love to have your church get involved! For more information on churches partnering with Free Wheelchair Mission, click here for church-related resources.

If our church already has a partnership with a group where we want wheelchairs sent, can this be arranged?
We currently only ship wheelchairs to approved Distribution Partners. To learn more about shipping wheelchairs to an international group you are affiliated with, please contact info@freewheelchairmission.org.

Mobilize Monthly Giving

How does monthly giving make a difference?
Your monthly donations provide stability and sustain the progress of Free Wheelchair Mission. Plus, the lower administrative costs associated with monthly giving mean that your gifts will make an even greater impact.

How will my donations be used?
Your monthly gifts will send wheelchairs to recipients in developing countries we serve. Each month, you’ll receive an exclusive email newsletter with updates and information about which country and distribution partner received your wheelchairs, along with an exclusive story and photos of a recipient from that country.

What does being a Mobilizer mean? What should I expect?
When you sign up for Mobilize, you’ll receive a monthly email newsletter with exclusive stories, photos, videos, and updates from the countries your gifts are going to. You’ll also have early access to Free Wheelchair Mission webinars, partner updates, and other programs and events for a behind-the-scenes look at our work and ways to connect with other Mobilizers in a thriving community of givers. Plus, through your commitment to this program, you’ll know that you are helping Free Wheelchair Mission to provide a long-term, regular source of resources that enables us to save costs and plan for future shipments of wheelchairs.

How many wheelchairs will my monthly donation provide?
$96 per month provides 12 wheelchairs a year, $48 monthly provides 6 wheelchairs a year, and $32 monthly, or just about $1 per day, provides 4 wheelchairs a year--transforming 4 lives every year!

What day of the month will my card be charged?
The day of the month that you enroll in Mobilize will be the day that your gift will be processed in future months. For example, if you enroll on the 3rd of the month, all future gifts will be charged on the 3rd of each month.

Can I increase or change my donation amount?
Yes! To change your donation amount, log in to your account and make your changes directly or contact us for assistance.

How can my company, group, or church participate in Mobilize?
You can hold a membership drive and encourage members of your group or church to sign up for Mobilize. Free Wheelchair Mission can provide you with promotional materials and videos for a “missions moment” where your group can learn more about our work. For more information on ways your group can participate in Mobilize, contact us at mobilize@freewheelchairmission.org.

Can I give monthly through my donor-advised fund?
Yes! Automatic donations can be set up with a few clicks through your donor-advised fund.