A Gift for You to Give.
Give Local Ohio (GLO) is a new Community Shares of Mid Ohio program that connects people who want to give to over 60 vetted local nonprofits in Ohio. With GLO, you can provide unrestricted funds to the organization(s) of choice that are working to strengthen our community.
And this holiday season, we’re making it even easier to share that good.
Give your clients something meaningful to share.
Each year, businesses show appreciation with cookies, gift baskets, and other treats. Thoughtful? Absolutely. But this year, your gift can have a bigger impact.
A GLO Gift Card lets your clients support the local causes that matter most to them.
You choose the gift amount, starting at $25. Your client gets a GLO Gift Card and decides which local nonprofit will receive the donation.
Your gift. Their choice. Our community benefits.
How it works.
1. You give.
Buy GLO Gift Cards starting at $25 and send them to your clients, partners, or anyone you want to thank.
2. They choose.
Each recipient visits GLO online and chooses from over 68 local nonprofits. If the gift is larger, they can split it among several organizations, giving them more ways to support what matters to them.
3. The gift stays local.
Your gift makes a real difference in Mid-Ohio by helping organizations meet the real needs of our local communities.
Your holiday gift budget can truly make a difference.
Local nonprofits do incredible work. They feed families, support children, protect animals, strengthen neighborhoods, promote the arts, care for the environment, and help people through hard times.
Many people carry out all this even with fewer resources and greater demands.
Unlike traditional donations on your clients’ behalf, GLO let’s them choose the cause themselves. This makes your corporate holiday gift personal, meaningful, and truly local.
GLO Gift Cards start at $25.
The GLO Gift cards start at $25 with no maximum gift amount. The donations are 100% unrestricted to the selected recipient organization and are tax deductible.
Let’s give local, together.
GLO | Give Local Ohio brings together local businesses, people, and nonprofits to make giving close to home easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is GLO Charitable Gift Card?
A. A GLO Charitable Gift Card works like a traditional gift card, but instead of redeeming it for a book, clothing, or another item, the recipient uses it to donate to one or more Community Shares member nonprofits. The purchaser receives the tax benefit, and the recipient is given the opportunity to choose one or several nonprofit organizations to support. This makes it more personal than just a donation in someone’s name.
Q. Is there a minimum purchase for a GLO Charitable Gift Card?
A. GLO Charitable Gift Cards start at $25. You can also choose your own denomination above $25.
Q. Is there a service fee for the GLO Charitable Gift Card?
A. There is a 10% service fee for each GLO Charitable Gift Card. The fee covers all platform, credit card processing, and administrative fees to ensure designated member nonprofits receive 100% of the GLO gift card balance.
Q. Is there a bulk purchase option for my business?
A. Yes, we can handle large orders on behalf of your business. The GLO Charitable Gift Card is a great client gift for an anniversary, new contract, or the holidays. Contact us at hello@communityshares.net to get started.
Q. How much does an organization receive from a GLO Charitable Gift Card?
A. 100% of the GLO Gift Card balance goes directly to the selected eligible member nonprofit(s) upon redemption.
Q. Does a GLO Charitable Gift Card expire?
A. Every GLO Give Card expires exactly twelve (12) months from its date of purchase and issuance. The specific expiration date is detailed on the digital card delivered to the purchaser or recipient.
Q. What happens to the remaining balance when a GLO Charitable Gift Card expires?
A. Any unredeemed balance remaining on a GLO Gift Card after 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the date of expiration is automatically forfeited by the cardholder. All forfeited and expired funds revert directly to Community Shares of Mid Ohio. Retained balances are classified as unrestricted charitable contributions and are utilized by Community Shares to further its core mission of building mutually beneficial partnerships and supporting central Ohio nonprofit organizations.
Q. Can I transfer or regift a GLO Charitable Gift Card?
A. GLO Gift Cards may be freely transferred or gifted to another individual prior to redemption. Once a card has been fully redeemed for a charity, the donation choice is final and cannot be transferred or revoked.
Q. Is the purchase of a GLO Charitable Gift Card tax-deductible?
A. Payments made to purchase GLO Gift Cards may qualify for tax-deductible status as charitable contributions under applicable local, state, and federal laws. Purchasers should consult a qualified tax professional regarding the deductibility of the purchase price and administrative fees.
Q. Are GLO Charitable Gift Cards refundable?
A. All GLO Gift Card purchases are final. GLO Gift Cards cannot be canceled, refunded, exchanged, or returned once issued. GLO Gift Cards represent revocable charitable donation vouchers. They possess no cash value, are non-negotiable, and cannot be redeemed for legal currency, cash equivalents, or commercial merchandise.
Q. How many nonprofits are available to support? Which issues do they represent?
The GLO Charitable Gift Card supports more than 60 nonprofits (and growing) providing programs and services in Columbus and Central Ohio. Community Shares of Mid Ohio member nonprofits work across 13 categories.
Q. Can a GLO Charitable Gift Card support more than one nonprofit organization?
Yes, you can split the GLO Charitable Gift Card denomination between multiple nonprofit organizations.
Q. How does an organization qualify for the GLO Charitable Gift Card program?
A. Only active Full Members of Community Shares of Mid Ohio in good standing are eligible to participate in and receive donation disbursements from the GLO Gift Card program. Full Member organizations must have had their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for a minimum of two years, be current on all state and local filing requirements, provide services and maintain an office in the State of Ohio, and be committed to challenging injustices and supporting social change.
Community Shares of Mid Ohio – GLO Gift Card Terms of Service
Effective Date: October 14, 2026
Welcome to the GLO Gift Card Program operated by Community Shares of Mid Ohio ("Community Shares," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the purchase, issuance, redemption, and management of GLO Gift Cards (charitable gift cards) acquired through our website or associated platforms.
By purchasing, redeeming, holding, or utilizing a GLO Gift Card, you ("Purchaser," "Recipient," or "User") agree to be fully bound by these Terms, as well as our Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not purchase or redeem a GLO Gift Card.
1. Program Overview
The GLO Gift Card program is a charitable gift card initiative designed to connect donors with local nonprofit agencies and secure critical resources for central Ohio communities.
- Purchasing: Website visitors purchase digital GLO Gift Cards directly on the Community Shares website via an embedded GiftUp checkout tool.
- Redemption: The recipient of a GLO Gift Card subsequently redeems the card's face value on a dedicated web interface powered by Square, designating the full gift amount to one or more eligible Community Shares member charities.
2. Fees, Pricing, and Fund Allocation
Community Shares maintains full transparency regarding program fees, credit card processing operational costs, and direct charitable distributions:
Fee / Component | Rate / Amount | Operational Purpose & Allocation |
Purchase Fee | 10% added at purchase | Covers credit card processing merchant fees and administrative oversight costs incurred by Community Shares. |
Gift Card Value | Selected by Purchaser | The designated face value chosen at checkout (e.g., $25, $50, $100, or custom value). |
Redemption Value | 100% of Face Value | 100% of the GLO Gift Card balance goes directly to the selected eligible member charity upon redemption. |
No additional administrative deductions or service charges are withheld from the gift card balance at the time of redemption.
3. Recipient Eligibility
To ensure regulatory compliance and uphold the standards of our workplace and public giving programs, strict eligibility criteria apply to organizations receiving GLO Gift Card redemptions:
- Full Member Qualification: Only active Full Members of Community Shares of Mid Ohio in good standing are eligible to participate in and receive donation disbursements from the GLO Gift Card program.
- Standards Compliance: Full Member organizations must have had their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for a minimum of two years, be current on all state and local filing requirements, provide services and maintain an office in the State of Ohio, and be committed to challenging injustices and supporting social change.
- Ineligible Entities: Associate Members, non-member charities, political action groups, government units, and educational institutions are ineligible to receive GLO Gift Card funds.
- Status Changes: If a selected nonprofit loses its Full Member status prior to fund distribution, Community Shares reserves the right to request that the recipient select an alternative active Full Member charity.
4. Expiration Dates and Unredeemed Balances
GLO Give Cards are subject to fixed expiration schedules to encourage timely support for community non-profit programs:
- 12-Month Validity: Every GLO Give Card expires exactly twelve (12) months from its date of purchase and issuance. The specific expiration date is detailed on the digital card delivered to the purchaser or recipient.
- Unredeemed Balances: Any unredeemed balance remaining on a GLO Gift Card after 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the date of expiration is automatically forfeited by the cardholder.
- Reversion to Community Shares: All forfeited and expired funds revert directly to Community Shares of Mid Ohio. Retained balances are classified as unrestricted charitable contributions and are utilized by Community Shares to further its core mission of building mutually beneficial partnerships and supporting central Ohio non-profit organizations.
5. Technical Platforms and Third-Party Integrations
The Give Card program is powered by integrated third-party technology systems:
- Purchasing Engine (GiftUp): Purchasing, payment intake, design selection, and digital card generation are embedded on the Community Shares website using the GiftUp platform. GiftUp facilitates secure digital delivery via email or downloadable mobile wallet formats.
- Redemption Engine (Square): Card validation and donation redemptions take place on a separate website utilizing the Square POS and eGift redemption ecosystem. Redemptions are processed via 5-digit alphanumeric gift codes or scanned QR codes.
- Third-Party Terms: Use of these tools is subject to the respective terms and privacy policies of GiftUp and Square. Community Shares assumes no liability for technical interruptions, server downtime, or software defects originating from third-party service providers.
6. Card Rules and Usage Restrictions
- Non-Refundable: All GLO Gift Card purchases are final. GLO Gift Cards cannot be canceled, refunded, exchanged, or returned once issued.
- No Cash Value: GLO Gift Cards represent revocable charitable donation vouchers. They possess no cash value, are non-negotiable, and cannot be redeemed for legal currency, cash equivalents, or commercial merchandise.
- Transferability: GLO Gift Cards may be freely transferred or gifted to another individual prior to redemption. Once a card has been fully redeemed for a charity, the donation choice is final and cannot be transferred or revoked.
- Partial Redemptions: Partial balance redemptions are supported where available on the Square redemption portal. Any remaining balance remains subject to the original 12-month expiration timeframe.
7. Tax Treatment and Disclaimers
- Purchaser Tax Status: Payments made to purchase GLO Gift Cards may qualify for tax-deductible status as charitable contributions under applicable local, state, and federal laws. Purchasers should consult a qualified tax professional regarding the deductibility of the purchase price and administrative fees.
- Recipient Tax Status: GLO Gift Card recipients who redeem cards for a designated member charity do not receive a tax deduction, as the underlying funds originated from the original card purchaser.
- Issuance of Receipts: Automated payment receipts delivered upon purchase via GiftUp serve as proof of purchase. Community Shares makes no formal representation regarding individual tax liability.
8. Warranties and Limitation of Liability
THE GLO GIFT CARD PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL PORTALS ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. COMMUNITY SHARES DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL COMMUNITY SHARES OF MID OHIO, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, OR PARTNERS BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE, USE, TECHNICAL FAILURE, OR INABILITY TO REDEEM ANY GLO GIFT CARD.
9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
All matters arising out of or relating to these Terms, the GLO Gift Card program, or transactions executed hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to conflict of law principles. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding shall be instituted exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Franklin County, Ohio.
10. Modifications to Terms
Community Shares reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, update, or revise these Terms at any time. Changes become effective immediately upon posting to the Community Shares website. Continued purchase, holding, or redemption of GLO Gift Cards following posted revisions constitutes full acceptance of the updated Terms.
11. Contact Information
For technical inquiries, eligibility questions, or assistance with GLO Gift Card redemptions, please contact:
Community Shares of Mid Ohio
1699 W Mound St.
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Telephone: (614) 262-1176
Website: www.communityshares.net
