Donation Use & FAQ

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Donation Use, Transparency & Frequently Asked Questions

The Brave Foundation | Brave Box Project

How Donations Are Used

Donations to The Brave Foundation support the full scope of our NICU family support initiatives, including the Brave Box Project, unless a donor specifically designates their gift for a particular purpose.

When donors shop directly from one of our wish lists, they are contributing itemized products that go inside our Brave Boxes or into NICU family-accessible spaces.

Monetary donations, unless otherwise restricted, are used where they are most needed to sustain and expand the overall mission and initiatives of The Brave Foundation.

This flexible approach allows us to responsibly steward every gift while responding to the real-time needs of NICU families.

What Your Donation Supports

Donations and funding directly support and expand our NICU family support program, including:

• Ensuring Brave Boxes remain consistently stocked with high-quality, meaningful items
• Covering costs associated with assembling, transporting, and delivering Brave Boxes
• Supporting mentorship efforts through printed informational materials and outreach resources
• Offsetting costs incurred while mentoring families, including transportation, communication tools, and resource development

By funding both tangible care and relational mentorship, donations allow The Brave Foundation to serve NICU families in a comprehensive, compassionate, and sustainable way.

Our Promise to Donors

When you donate to The Brave Foundation, 100% of your donation—no matter the form—supports NICU families.

Every contribution is thoughtfully stewarded to meet families where they are—through Brave Boxes, themed box drops, and NICU family-accessible spaces.

We accept donations year-round and use every gift with intention, care, and transparency.

How the Brave Box Works

The Brave Box was created to serve NICU families on demand and through seasonal themed giving.

On-Demand Brave Boxes

• Provided year-round as families are referred by hospitals, care teams, or community members

Seasonal Themed Boxes

• Including Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day
• Designed around seasons that are especially meaningful and often difficult for NICU families

Because hospitals welcome new patients daily, referrals occur continuously. If a donation is given outside of a current wish list campaign, it is applied to the next mission, a future themed box, or an on-demand referral.

Unless a donation is specifically restricted, funds are used flexibly and responsibly to support NICU families wherever the need exists most.

What Fits Inside a Brave Box

Our Brave Boxes measure 12 x 9 x 4 inches. To ensure items fit comfortably, we primarily seek travel-size or compact items, including:

• Travel-size lotion
• Travel-size body wash
• Travel-size shampoo & conditioner
• Mini loofahs
• Travel-size fragrance or hairspray
• Toothpaste & mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Mini hairbrushes or combs
• Compact mirrors
• Travel-size cosmetics or beauty items

These items allow us to pack each box with care while keeping them practical, portable, and comforting for NICU families.

Wish Lists — How to Shop with Confidence

For those who prefer to donate specific items, we offer:

• A general Brave Box wish list for year-round needs
• Seasonal themed wish lists (Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day)

Shopping from our wish lists ensures items fit inside the boxes and align with the needs of each project.

We also welcome donations such as games, notebooks, art supplies, and creative activities. These items are placed in NICU family lounges and parent spaces, where families can engage during long, emotionally heavy days.

Full-Size & Larger Donations

We are grateful for full-size items and larger comfort or activity-based donations.

If an item does not fit inside a Brave Box, it is placed in NICU family-accessible spaces, including family lounges and parent areas, where families spend extended time caring for their babies.

Gift Card Guidelines

• $10–$20 gift cards are ideal for inclusion inside Brave Boxes
• Larger gift cards ($100–$200) are used to support themed campaigns by purchasing shared treats (coffee, cookies, meals), allowing one gift to positively impact multiple families.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my donation always support NICU families?

Yes. 100% of all donations support NICU families, either through Brave Boxes, themed box drops, or NICU family-accessible spaces.

If I donate outside of a campaign, what happens?

Your donation will support the next mission, a future themed box, or an on-demand referral.

Do all donations go inside a box?

Not always. Items that don’t fit are still given directly to families through shared NICU spaces.

What if I donate something that doesn’t fit the box?

It will be placed in a NICU family-accessible area where families can still benefit from your generosity.

Our Commitment

No matter the campaign.

No matter the season.

No matter the form of donation.

Every gift supports NICU families and supports our mission initiatives as a foundation.

100% of donations are stewarded with care to support NICU families through Brave Boxes, themed box drops, and NICU family-accessible spaces, year-round.