We're so glad you're here. We believe building trust is just as important as running our sanctuary. You've already found our "Sanctuary Store", and we've gathered a few common questions about how and why we do things this way.
(If you have questions about our broader mission, our 501(c)(3) status, or our therapy horse focus, please see our detailed "Our Mission" page or our main website's FAQs!)
Questions About Our Store & Sponsorships
Q: Why is this store on Shopify, separate from your main longawaysanctuary.org website?
A: This is a great question, and it's all about trust and security. We are a sanctuary, not a technology company. By using Shopify—one of the largest and most secure e-commerce platforms in the world—we ensure that your financial information is handled with world-class security. When you make a purchase, your data is protected by Shopify, giving you peace of mind and allowing us to focus on the animals.
Q: Why is the "Guardian Angel Sponsorship" $1,200? That seems like a lot.
A: Thank you for asking this. We wanted this sponsorship to be a truly transformative gift, and that number is based on the real, hard costs of providing one year of "head-to-hoof" care for a single horse. Actual overall costs of care for an older horse tends to be estimated in the $3,000 - $5,000 range per year. And this does not account for emergency care or other unplanned events. This $1,200 sponsorship provides a powerful foundation for a full year of their care—helping to cover the specialized baseline of feed, essential supplements, regular farrier visits, veterinary check-ups, and dental care that our heroes like Patti, Ginger, and Zorro deserve.
Q: Is there a benefit to paying $1,200 upfront for the "Guardian Angel Sponsorship" versus the $100/month plan?
A: Both are incredible, deeply appreciated ways to support a resident for a full year. We offer the $100/month plan as a convenient way to budget that amazing support. The $1,200 one-time purchase gives the sanctuary a significant, immediate boost and some folks prefer one-time payments. This is incredibly helpful for us, as it allows us to do things like plan for large, bulk purchases (like a season's worth of hay) all at once. But we wanted to also offer an option for folks that need to spread the funding over time.
Q: Is my purchase tax-deductible?
A: Long Away Acres Equine Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
-
Donations (like the "Guardian Angel Sponsorship") are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. We will provide appropriate documentation at year's end for your contribution.
-
Purchases of physical items (like our handmade soap or apparel) are generally not tax-deductible, as you are receiving a good or service in return for the "fair market value" portion.
-
We always recommend consulting your tax advisor for your specific situation.
Q: I love your mission, but I don't need any merch. How can I make a simple one-time donation?
A: Thank you so much! We've made that simple and secure. Our main website, longawaysanctuary.org (opens in new window), has a "Make a One-Time Gift" button. It links directly to our PayPal donations landing page, which is our trusted, secure partner for handling donations, so you know your information is safe.
Questions About Our Products
Q: Are the soaps and lotion bars really handmade?
A: They absolutely are! Shannon (our co-founder and chief animal-carer) lovingly handcrafts every single Farmstead Soap and Lotion Bar right here at Long Away Acres in a dedicated part of the sanctuary for just this purpose. They are a true piece of the sanctuary, from our farm to your home.
Q: Where do you ship to?
A: Right now, we are set up to ship our physical merchandise (like soap, pottery, and apparel) to any address within the United States. We hope to be able to offer international shipping as our sanctuary grows! (Digital-only rewards, like the sponsorship photo, can be sent anywhere in the world.)
Q: What is your shipping & returns policy?
A: As a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our goal is to put every dollar to work for the animals.
-
Handmade Items: For items made here on the farm (like soap), please allow 2-3 business days for us to package them with care.
-
On-Demand Items: For our apparel and other print-on-demand goods, please allow 5-7 business days for your item to be created just for you.
-
Returns: Because we are a nonprofit raising funds and many items are made to order, all sales are considered final. However, if your item arrives damaged or is incorrect, please Get in Touch immediately, and we will make it right.
We hope this helps answer your questions! Your support in our "Sanctuary Store" is a profound and direct way to fund our mission. Thank you for being here.