FAQ
How much does it cost to educate the children you support?
It costs roughly $750 USD annually to support a secondary school child attending boarding school in Uganda. Since the Dobbyn Foundation makes a commitment for financial support over 6 years, that amount is roughly $4500 USD per child.
Why support children in Africa when many children in the United States are in need of help as well?
The best answer revolves around the term of “opportunity.” A majority of children in the U.S. have an opportunity to go to secondary school, despite numerous hardships, family problems, or a variety of other extremely important factors. In most parts of East Africa, children will never have an opportunity to go to secondary school because of a lack of financial resources. While the educational systems of the U.S. are in need of additional resources, they receive considerable institutional and private support from multiple local, regional and national agencies and organizations. All U.S. students are provided with the opportunity to attend school and pursue their ambitions, whereas a majority of East African children will never receive this opportunity due to financial constraints.
How does the Dobbyn Foundation ensure that money fundraised reaches the children?
The Dobbyn Foundation has very tight controls in all respects concerning money transfers. The international wire transfers are sent from our financial institution directly to our affiliate in Uganda. Our affiliate communicates with us on each financial transaction and provides us with receipts each time this occurs. In addition, school receipts are produced for each payment made concerning each individual child. Lastly, hard copies of all wire transfers and receipts are filed with the Executive Director of the Dobbyn Foundation. We take numerous precautions to ensure full transparency, accountability and oversight with all money coming into and out of the Dobbyn Foundation.
How is the Dobbyn Foundation funded?
The Dobbyn Foundation is funded by people like you, who desire to make a difference. We encourage all people to donate since both big and small donations make a difference. As a small non-profit we depend on word-of-mouth and relatively small donors, making every dollar and donor matter to us.
What proportion of the Dobbyn Foundation’s money goes directly to supporting children in Africa?
In fiscal year 2008-2009 our operational efficiency ratio was 91%. This means that $91 out of every $100 went directly to support student scholarships.
How is the Dobbyn Foundation staffed?
The Dobbyn Foundation is a 100% volunteer organized staff. All members of the Board of Directors serve on a strictly voluntary basis, helping ensure that your donation goes directly to helping young East Africans.
What is the Dobbyn Foundations greatest need?
The Dobbyn Foundation’s greatest need is your donation. Since we only make a scholarship commitment after securing all six years of funding, extending new scholarships each year is expensive. Please help us support additional students by donating today.
How do I contact someone directly with further questions about your organization?
Any further questions can be addressed to the Executive Director, Kevin Bouchard, at kbouchard@dobbynfoundation.org.
