Q. How is my donation used?
A. Donations are allocated based on the purpose specified during checkout. However, while we strive to ensure that donations are used as intended, please note that the Kenya Now Board of Directors reserves the right to redirect donation funds to other areas of need as deemed necessary. Sponsorship donations are pooled together to support all participating students collectively. These funds are used to compensate teachers and orphanage staff, as well as to purchase essential school supplies for all program participants. Donations are processed and used promptly to maintain the continuity of our programs. As a result, donations are non-refundable.
Q. Is Kenya Now connected with any donation match programs?
A. Yes. Kenya Now can be found on Benevity. Benevity is a large donor match platform that many private companies use. Email us at opportunities@kenyanow.org if your workplace uses a different match system. We are always looking to expand our network.
Q. How do I download my contribution statement?
A. Follow the instructions in this video:
Q. How does Kenya Now operate in Kenya?
A. Kenya Now uses a framework of providing resources and assistance from a distance. We do this by building partnerships and supporting trusted local ministries who already have deep ties in their own communities. To date we partner with Abundant Mercy of Jesus Ministries located in Kitale, Kenya. They lead a network of small churches, operate a small school and orphanage. Our ministry partner has the calling, knowledge, skills and the community's trust, yet they lack important resources. It is our mission to bridge the gap and provide the resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. Learn more about our mission and philosophy here.
Q. What is unique about our school and children's home in Kenya?
A. Kenya Now operates two key initiatives in rural Kenya: the Rebirth Academy, a small school, and the Rebirth Children's Home, a children's residence. Both facilities are locally managed in partnership with our ministry partner. The Rebirth Academy provides education to a select group of orphans and local children, all of whom come from some of the most impoverished conditions. Thanks to our sponsorship and nutrition programs, these students receive free food, uniforms, and education. Additionally, they are provided with meals during weekends, holidays, and extended school breaks.
Donations to our Healthy Child Program help cover clinic and hospital fees for students in our sponsorship program. While local children return home each day, the resident orphans live full-time at the Rebirth Children's Home. The Rebirth Academy offers primary (elementary) education, and students continue their education at outside institutions to complete secondary (middle/high school) education. Your monthly sponsorship gift also supports these private secondary school fees.
Q. How does the university sponsorship program work?
A. By sponsoring a university student, you commit to contributing $875 per month until the total amount of $3,500 is reached. Your contributions will cover two years of tuition, housing, meals, and the purchase of a laptop. The student will choose the Kenyan school and field of study they wish to pursue. Please note that a student cannot begin their studies until we have received at least two months' worth of funding ($1,750). For personalized payment plan options, feel free to reach out to our Sponsorship Coordinator, Kristen, at sponsorships@kenyanow.org.
Q. When will my university student start school?
A. Unlike American schools, the Kenyan school year is January to the end of December. Students are able to start schooling any time of the year when funding is donated and processed.
Q. I want to raise money to sponsor a student or put on a food distribution event. How do I begin?
A. You can put together your own online fundraiser to raise money for any Kenya Now initiative that you choose. Our fundraiser page is very similar to GoFundMe except with the benefit of being directly linked to the Kenya Now network. After you create the fundraiser you can share the link or QR code to potential donors! Follow the steps in this video:
Q. How often will I get a sponsorship update?
A. Our sponsorship team releases quarterly updates. These updates may be delayed at times due to various factors.
Q. Can I send letters to my sponsor student?
A. Yes! We highly encourage letter writing to your sponsor student, as well as to the class as a whole. They enjoy the encouragement and love shown by people across the world. However, we do discourage writing anything that alludes to providing financial support. This can create an unhealthy relationship and give the student(s) the sense that they can only achieve a bright future with assistance from the Western world. Also please be aware of cultural sensitivities and living conditions in Kenya. We advise against writing about material possessions or family vacations because these topics can come across as insensitive.
- Please send scanned or typed letters to sponsorships@kenyanow.org.
- Letters/drawings from the sponsor student will be emailed to you as they come in.
Q. What is REACH?
A. REACH is a secure online interface that we use to manage online payments, supporter accounts, sponsorships, and more. Find out more at www.reachapp.co.
Do you have lingering questions?
