Sponsoring a child’s education in Hispaniola may be the only lifeline that a child has to be lifted out of the cycle of poverty. The cost for sponsoring a child’s education for one year is $300. The tax-deductible contribution can be made annually, bi-annually or quarterly. As a new sponsor, you will receive a photo and biographical information about your child. In addition, you will receive one or two letters from your sponsored child each year. Sponsors are encouraged to write letters of support to the children that they sponsor. You and your child will have the opportunity to develop a relationship that can last a lifetime.
Ideally, sponsorship should be an ongoing commitment. However, we understand that circumstances change and a sponsor may need to withdraw his/her sponsorship. In those instances, we will do all we can to help the child find another sponsor.
Important
After successfully completing your payment with your credit card or PayPal account, you will be redirected to our online Sponsorship Form. Please be sure to complete and submit this form so we may properly process your Child Sponsorship.
I am not able to sponsor a child at this time, but please accept my gift.
See below for frequently asked questions about sponsorship.
Coming soon! A new initiative to contribute toward scholarships regularly, without being a sponsor. This will enable donors to be a partner in mission with us even if you are unable to sponsor a child on your own at this time. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsorship
How much does it cost to sponsor a child’s education?
The cost for sponsoring a child’s education for one year is $300. The tax-deductible contribution can be made quarterly, bi-annually, or annually. The tuition sponsorship funds are sent directly to the school and not to the student or his/her family.
How do children become eligible for sponsorship?
The qualifying student who receives a tuition sponsorship from SJBCF is chosen by a local school administrator. Determination is based on proven financial need and a demonstrated desire to succeed academically. The SJBCF does not discriminate by gender, race, ethnicity or religion.
If I must discontinue my child sponsorship, what happens to the child that I am helping?
If you need to discontinue your child’s education sponsorship, we will immediately look for a new sponsor and continue the educational support without interruption. You can discontinue your child’s educational sponsorship at any time. To inquire about canceling your sponsorship, please call us at 845-594-5597.
How long should my sponsorship last?
Sponsoring a child’s education will usually last through the end of his or her secondary education. We recognize that there are times when circumstances change and sponsorship may have to be discontinued.
There are occasions when a child's circumstances may also change and the sponsorship is discontinued. For example, sometimes the family of the sponsored child will move beyond the reach of the SJBCF program. There are times when a child has to be dismissed from the school due to poor attendance, behavioral problems, or failing grades. Students are required to maintain the attendance, good behavior, and academic performance as set forth by the school in which they attend.
We will inform you as quickly as possible if any such circumstance affects the child you sponsor, and we'll offer you the opportunity to support another child in need of your help.
What benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
The child will be provided with the cost of tuition, school fees, clothing, and supplies. The child will also have the opportunity to receive remedial education, tutoring, help with homework, and encouragement.
Your child will receive an education that develops the whole person; body, heart, mind and spirit. SJBCF works in partnership with Catholic educational institutions that offer a quality education that encourages young people in acquiring habits that
How can I communicate with the child I sponsor?
Once you become a sponsor, you are provided with a photo and information about your child. At the end of the year you will also receive his or her report card. We encourage you to send us a short letter of introduction with a photo of yourself and/or your family. We will forward the letter to the school representative who will deliver the letter to your child. Sponsored children typically keep photos and letters of their sponsors in their homes as treasured possessions. You may write to the child you sponsor as often as you like. Your words of encouragement will make a big difference to your child. Correspondence between sponsors and children can develop into a relationship that will last a lifetime.
Will my child write to me?
Your child will write to you at least once a year.
May I send gifts to my child?
Yes. Sponsors can send additional monetary gifts to their sponsored children for special occasions, to address specific needs, or simply as an act of love. These gifts are another effective way for you to reinforce your care and commitment to your child.
One hundred percent of all individual child gift amounts go to that child. Local cooperators who work on behalf of SJBCF will make certain that these funds are delivered to the child and/or family. As a guideline, we ask that sponsors keep these contributions between $10 and $100 for each child and limit their gift giving to twice a year.
In which countries do you work?
SJBCF is currently working in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.