Is your organization a public charity?
Yes. Ngatha International is a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization with the US Internal Revenue Service. Our EIN# is 01-0844762. To find us on the IRS Website of approved charities, go to http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/
Are my contributions tax deductible?
Contributions and sponsorships to our organization are indeed deductible under section 170 of the IRS Tax Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.
Will my child have more than one sponsor?
No. The children receiving full sponsorship of $36 per month have only one sole sponsor.
Can I communicate with my sponsored child?
Absolutely, and often we hope. Your child will love to receive your prayers, letters, photographs and perhaps small gifts [from time to time].
How do I send correspondence to my sponsored child?
The postal service is quite different in rural Kenya than it is in the U.S. In rural Kenya, there are no mailboxes at the end of the driveway. Most larger villages have a post office; however, post office boxes are expensive and it is difficult for many rural residents to retrieve mail on a regular basis due to lack of transportation. Ngatha International has an office in the Kiambu area of Nairobi; however, it is a great distance to Ngamini Village.
For ease and security, please send all correspondence to our U.S. Child Sponsorship Coordinator’s address: Tammi Joy Parsons- Ngatha Intl Sponsorship Coordinator- c/o YOUR CHILDS NAME- 6986 Co. Rd 8 NE, Kandiyohi, MN 56251 (USA) On an on-going basis, all received letters will be packaged and mailed to Kenya for delivery to the Ngatha International Children’s Homestead in Ngamini Village.
Can I send toys?
Due to shipping expense, lack of storage and absence of adequate waste disposal, please do not send toys. Community play is a natural way of life for most, if not all children in rural Kenya, much in the same way it was for American children a decade or two ago. Jumping rope, running and playing in group games such as tag or soccer are healthy activities that provide exercise, laughter and fellowship.
What else can I send besides letters?
Jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet, bookmarks, stickers, even a small toothbrush and toothpaste would be wonderful gifts. Do you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews? Have them draw or paint some pictures to include with your letters. Also we highly recommend purchasing a small profile photo album that your child can keep under his or her mattress, pillow or at the end of the bed in their storage chest. Send it with a few photos and leave the rest of the pages empty. Over time you can send a new photo or two for your child to put in the photo album!
Do Education Sponsors support one specific child?
No. As a $10.00 per month Education Sponsor, your gift goes to support the Ngatha International Learning Center as a whole, to assist the many day-schoolers that are able to live at home with extended family, as well as help cover expenses for school meals, teacher salaries and operational expenses. Although you are not assigned one specific child like those who are full Child Sponsors ($36 per month), your gift is valuable beyond measure. Education is the key to the future of all of the children; those that live at the Homestead, day schoolers, and the very communities that these children will one day be a part of.
Can I send money?
Please do not include money in correspondence to your child. Possible postal corruption overseas may mean your child never receives the money. Furthermore, American currency would have to be converted to Kenya Shillings for use in rural Kenya. ***Instead, please consider giving an extra gift of money to our U.S. office in November. 100% of the earmarked additional funds will be combined and sent to our Homestead manager in Kenya for the purchase of items that will help make the blessed Christmas season brighter for all the staff and children.
Do volunteers or board members use Ngatha contributions to pay for travel to Kenya?
No. Volunteers and board members are responsible for funding 100% of their own travel and in-country expenses.