Funding the Work, Not Just the Posts

Your Donation Funds Operations: The Essential Expenses Behind the Mission

Stolen Horse International (also known as NetPosse) operates as a professional non-profit business, a structure fundamentally different from an informal social media page. While both use social media to share information, NetPosse's business model involves significant operational expenses and a structured approach that a simple social media group does not. 

A Business, Not a Free Page

The key distinction is that NetPosse provides comprehensive, reliable services through a dedicated, maintained infrastructure, which costs money to operate. A social media page, by contrast, merely provides a free platform for individuals to post information without guaranteed results, support, or ongoing management. 

Operational Expenses and Infrastructure

Stolen Horse International incurs numerous expenses to perform its functions professionally:

• Dedicated, Professional Website: NetPosse manages a robust website and a searchable database with over 8,000 reports that has been revised multiple times over 20 years to stay current and mobile-friendly. The ongoing cost for the website is a minimum of $400 per month just for hosting and technical maintenance.
• Specialized Software & Technology: The organization uses professional software for graphic design, video creation, office productivity (like Microsoft Office), and database management. These tools require licensing and subscription fees, which are vital for creating high-impact, immediate alerts and for efficiently managing complex data.
• Victim Support Programs: Beyond just posting a picture, NetPosse volunteers provide counseling, guidance, custom web pages, and direction to victims on conducting a ground search. This structured support network and the resources we offer require coordination and operational costs that a social media page cannot provide.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: As a registered federal 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization must meet specific financial obligations, file annual reports (Form 990), and adhere to legal standards for data privacy and security. These compliance measures are part of running a legitimate, accountable organization and involve costs. For instance, a monthly fee is remitted to an accountant for the purpose of reconciling expenses. 
• Education and Prevention: NetPosse engages in extensive educational outreach, creating articles, speaking at events, and developing resources such as the NetPosse ID registry. These proactive measures to prevent theft require dedicated time, resources, and funding to continue. 

The Business Model: Mission First

While we operate as a business in terms of management and expenses, we are a "non-profit" because all revenue—from report fees, product sales, and donations—is reinvested directly into the mission: helping victims recover missing horses. No salaries are paid to staff, including the founders, who are all volunteers. 

Comparing Stolen Horse International to a free social media page is like comparing a professional, managed search-and-rescue operation to a bulletin board post; one has the infrastructure, tools, and expertise to provide reliable, long-term help, while the other is a free platform with no attempt to verify information or follow up.

WAYS TO DONATE:

Donate on our website: https://netposse.com/donate.asp 

Mail a Check: You can send a check or money order made payable to Stolen Horse International, Inc. TO:  Stolen Horse International, PO Box 1341, Shelby, NC 28151

Use the PayPal.Me Link: For direct PayPal donations, use this link: paypal.me/netposse.

Venmo: The organization also accepts contributions through Venmo using their handle: @stolenhorseinternational

Stolen Horse International (also known as NetPosse) operates as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As such, financial contributions and donations to the organization may be eligible for tax deductions under U.S. tax law.
 

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