Frequently Asked Questions Find out more about the TEST mission

Visit our Donate page, choose “Recurring Donations”, enter the amount, check recurring box on the right, date to start and select frequency (monthly or bi-weekly). Then continue with your information to complete the process. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail TEST at TESTinfo@ourtest.org or call TEST (503) 894-1289.

Whatever your heart tells you. We’re asking for a 100% Tax-Deductible donation as little as $11.00/month to provide financial support for our TriMet Employees, ATU Local 757 union members (Front-line Workers), and lend a helping hand to our Retirees in need. You may want to check with your accountant to give you the best advice to impact your support and tax benefits.

Yes, just e-mail your request to TEST at TESTinfo@ourtest.org.

Absolutely! Both are equally important to ensure that we have the funds to provide financial support for those in need. Recently TEST helped a young lady who works in the administration office. She never heard of TEST before but was glad for our support. TEST was able to pay her house payments, utilities, and food for 4 months. Unfortunately, TriMet had exhausted their availably funds. That’s why it’s important to support both. You can find the form to donate your vacation time or sick time with the catastrophic leave bank forms.

Yes, with the convenience of using your bank card, anyone can join our Team. We welcome Businesses, TriMet Employees, ATU Local 757 union members, friends and family members, plus retirees. We welcome anyone and organizations who want to make a difference in the lives of TriMet Employees, Front-line Workers and Retirees in their time of need.

Yes, 100% of your gift will go to the person you Choose, just write in the memo area on your check the person you would like to receive your gift (includes retirees). Make your check payable to TEST and mail your gift to TEST, PO Box 13332, Portland, Oregon 97213. Include your e-mail address so that we can e-mail your receipt.

First you need to apply for the Catastrophic Leave Bank Program through TriMet to qualify, using their guidelines. Once you qualify e-mail your approval letter to TESTinfo@ourtest.org, then call 503 894-1289 to let us know that you’ve been approved and find out your needs so that we can issue funds based on availability.

Go to https://trinet.trimet.org/ in the upper left corner of the page and type in “Catastrophic” in the “Search Site” box, which should appear 1.5 Donated Catastrophic Leave Bank Program. Below you will see 3 files, 1. Recipient 2. Physician 3. Doner. You need to fill out Part 1 of the Recipient page and Part 1 on the Physician page, make sure you have your doctor fill out the Physician form before you hand in both completed forms to your supervisor. You can click on 1.5 Donated Catastrophic Leave Bank Program, then clicking on the 1.5 Donated Catastrophic Leave Bank Program.pdf below to download the page to downloads on your computer to review TriMet’s guidelines to qualify and applications.

It will take on average about 2 weeks to hear a reply.

No, but if your claim was denied and you decide not to fight it, or lose your claim in court, then yes, you can apply for the Catastrophic Leave Bank Program. Check with TriMet concerning your status.

It all depends on the availability of funds at the time and their circumstances. We’re looking at a set given amount and a matching donation for named retirees in need. Submit your request to TESTinfo@ourtest.org.

“100% Tax Deductible!” When setting up your account on our website for a one-time donation or monthly recurring donations you’ll receive an e-mail with each transaction made, showing the amount you donated and our EIN number (TAX ID) showing that your donation went to Transit Employee Support Team Inc., a 501©3 nonprofit. “This will be your only proof of your donation from TEST.”

You can check online with the IRS to see our Tax filings and contact the Board Treasurer for a spreadsheet showing our financial activities.

Years-ago I saw a real need to provide financial support for TriMet Employees. Whenever I saw a post go up asking for donations, I would see a glass jar placed on the counter for donations. I knew deep in my heart that we could do better. With TriMet’s Catastrophic Leave Bank Program in place I felt that creating a program called TEST would be a perfect partnership using their guidelines to balance out the funds creating a greater financial impact to those in need. Knowing that TriMet’s program has a limit of $25,000.00 to bank and that the donations are not Tax-Deductible, I had a vision of not only matching TriMet’s program but surpassing the funds generated because of TEST being a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with all donations Tax-Deductible and having no ceiling on revenue that can be generated. TEST has a unique opportunity to do great things for our friends and co-workers. So far in our best year TEST was able to pay out to one person $19,000.00 thanks to our awesome Team members who made this all possible through their kind donations, we could not have done this without you.

Just think how we supported our community businesses over the years, helping foster their success, watching them grow and prosper. This is an opportunity for these same businesses to pay it forward, supporting our cause helping those in need.

Our plan is to give 95% of the revenue received to be designated for the needy and 5% used for fundraising and administration costs.

All corporate officers and board members are volunteers with no pay.

First set your account up and make recurring donations of $11.00/month, then show 3 people how to set up their account making recurring donations of $11.00/month, now have those 3 people do the same, repeating the process. Remember anyone can Join our Team. The more people who know about our program and join, the more help our Team can provide. Getting the word out is crucial to the success of our program, we’re counting on your help. We can’t do it without your support. Thank you for making a difference.

By Subscribing to our ENewsletter at the top of our website, and by going to Facebook at “OurTest” or “Transit Employee Support Team.”

Our long-term goals are to provide financial support for decades to come for those who need our help. This can only be achieved by having dedicated volunteers who see the value and have the passion and willingness to carry on the tradition set by the founders to move this program into the future. I’d like to see TEST continue like TEI is managed, having mostly TriMet Employees and ATU Local 757 Union members operating the program. I see TEST working with TriMet and TEI completing that special bond, working together as a Team, providing that added support for all TriMet Employees and ATU Local 757 Union members.

Our financial strategy has 3 legs of support, 1. From TriMet Employees, ATU Local 757 union members and Retirees 2. From our Fundraising programs 3. Business donations. The following will show you our game plan.

1. Donations by TriMet Employees, ATU Local 757 Union members and retirees will be key to our success. With about 3000 TriMet Employees we need about one third of the work force (1000 people) onboard making a recurring Tax-Deductible donation of $11.00/month. That will create a revenue of $11,000.00/month or $132,000.00/year.
2. Fundraising using AmazonSmile, Consumer Direst Shopping and Fred Meyer combined should create $2,500.00/month or $30,000.00/year.
3. If we had 288 Businesses donate $11.00/month that would create about $3,200.00/month or $38,000.00/year revenue.

$132,000.00 Donations by TriMet
$ 30,000.00 Fundraising
+$ 38,000.00 Business donations
$200,000.00 /year in revenue
– $ 10,000.00 5% fundraising, administration costs
$190,000.00 TEST revenue to help those in need