Cost
What is the cost to sponsor a child?
$40 (USD) monthly.
Relationship
Can I communicate with my sponsored child?
Yes—in fact, we encourage it!
You can write to your child as often as you’d like through your online Sponsor Account or by emailing sponsorship@obointernational.com . We’ll handle all the translation, and we’ll print any pictures you want to attach. If you find that writing is a challenge, check out our Basic Letter-Writing Tips to get you started!
Your child will typically hand-write you at least once a year to thank you for the school supplies that your sponsorship provides. They may also write at holidays or other key events in the year. You’ll receive a scanned copy of that letter with an attached English translation in your email.
What other opportunities will I have to learn about the child I’m sponsoring?
Aside from any communications you receive from your sponsored child, One by One will send you periodic updates about his or her progress. If possible, you may also visit in person by coming on a short-term trip with One by One. Follow One by One’s Facebook page to see periodic updates and photos of events and activities.
Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
Yes, with some coordination. The postal system in Nicaragua isn’t ideal for sending gifts, so often the best way to send a gift is to make a donation after communicating with the sponsorship team (sponsorship@obointernational.com). They will let your child choose what special meal they would like, and they’ll also help them pick out a mix of fun items and necessities appropriate for your child’s life stage and situation. No money is ever given directly to the child or to their family.
Logistics
What does sponsorship cover?
Most of your donation is used for your sponsored child’s individual benefit, paying for things that many families are unable to afford: uniforms, backpacks, pens, paper, etc. Your child’s family may also receive assistance paying for some basic medical care, school tuition, or with other necessities depending on their individual needs. No money is ever given directly to the child or to their family. A smaller portion helps cover sponsorship program costs, benefiting both sponsored and unsponsored children who are enrolled in the program.
Does my donation go to help my sponsored child directly?
In compliance with IRS law, your donation for a sponsored child will be under the exclusive control and discretion of One by One to allocate as deemed necessary. Rest assured, however, that it is One by One’s desire to honor your donation preference wherever possible—in other words, that your donation will benefit the child you have selected. In this case, the majority of your donation is used for your sponsored child’s individual benefit, and a smaller portion helps cover sponsorship program costs, benefiting both sponsored and unsponsored children in our after-school program.
Is sponsorship tax-deductible?
Yes! One by One International, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation registered with the IRS. This means that if you pay taxes in the US, your donations to One by One can be deducted along with your other itemized deductions.
At the end of the year, we will send you a receipt itemizing all your donations from that year. If you need a receipt sooner than that, please contact us. Please make sure we have your most current mailing address by logging into your Sponsor Account.
Other
How else can I help the sponsorship program?
We still have several dozen more children waiting on sponsorship. You can help us by encouraging friends, family members, and co-workers to invest in a life through sponsorship. To do so, have them visit our sponsorship page today!
Any more questions?
Let’s start an email conversation!
