FAQ FAQ
- What is a Spark Sponsor?
- What happens after I sign-up to sponsor a child?
- How are children chosen for sponsorship?
- What benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
- How long should my child sponsorship last?
- How can I communicate with the child I sponsor?
- Will my child write to me?
- Can I send packages to my sponsor child?
- Can I send a monetary gift or money to purchase a gift locally for my sponsor child?
- Can I send money for a birthday gift for my sponsor child?
- Can I send my child a holiday present or money to purchase a gift locally?
- How often will I receive an update about my sponsor child?
- Can I visit my sponsor child?
INVESTING/CONTRIBUTION QUESTIONS
- How does sponsorship payment work?
- How can I be sure that my contribution is actually being used to help the child?
- Can I send more than one month’s amount toward my sponsorship support?
- Are my contributions to Spark tax-deductible?
TRANSFORMATION TRIPS QUESTIONS
- How much does the trip cost?
- How can I fund my trip?
- Is my trip cost tax deductable?
- What does the $2,000 go towards? Does any of my trip cost go to support Spark's partner?
- How do I apply to go on a Transformation Trip with Spark Ventures?
- What will we do on the trip?
- What documents will I need to travel?
- How do I obtain a Zambian tourist visa?
- How do I book my flights?
- Does Spark have a preferred travel agent?
- What shots do I need?
- How much cash should I bring?
- Where do we stay during the trip?
- What is the food like?
- What about political unrest, violence and disease?
- What is the weather like?
- Will there be email access?
- Can I meet my sponsor child?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
In May of 2006, three friends, living in Chicago decided to take a trip to Zambia (south central Africa), to learn more about the world and see the situation in Africa first hand. They spent most of their time at Hope House Orphanage, which is home to about 15 children, most of whom have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. They also spent a few days at the Hope Community School, which provides education for over 200 extremely poor children.
The time in Ndola was filled with great experiences: new friends, laughter, children and learning about the culture and history of Africa. For as much poverty and sickness that is present, there is also a tremendous amount of hope, energy, and joy that the people of this beautiful African country hold. It was an inspiring two weeks.
The trip raised many questions, but the most important seemed to be---what can we do to make a difference---especially from Chicago?
The journey consisted of taking one step after another. And upon our return, the next step seemed to be inviting one of their new Zambian friends to visit Chicago—Charles Mumba, the Director of the orphanage and school. During his time in Chicago, they discussed the needs of his organization, a realistic operating budget, and a very basic partnership between his organization and them — a yet to be named non-profit.
A generous donor to get things started, some paperwork to form an official organization, a follow-up trip to help with leadership and development, a name, a website, and Spark Ventures was started.
For more, see our History (link to history web page) or watch a video of our beginnings: From Africa to Chicago.
In which countries do you work?
Currently, Spark Ventures has one partner, Hope Fellowship Ministries in Ndola, Zambia, Africa. The goal is to partner with high impact organizations that are already in place, helping vulnerable children in impoverished and/or under-resourced areas.
It is the vision of Spark Ventures to have strong partnerships in Africa, Asia, Europe and North, Central and South America within ten years. These partnerships will serve as models for how to effectively address the needs of vulnerable children and create healthy, sustainable and supportive communities.
Is Spark affiliated with any church or denomination?
Spark Ventures is not a religiously affiliated organization, though our partner organizations may be faith-based.
SPONSORSHIP QUESTIONS
A Spark Sponsor is someone who has made the decision to personally invest in the life of a child in need. As a sponsor, you will be contributing to the future well-being of a vulnerable child. Your monthly sponsorship donation helps provide various levels of physical, educational and emotional support for the children in the programs of Spark's partner organizations.
Your relationship with your sponsored child makes you a very important person who has a significant role in his or her development. You stand alongside parents, teachers, family and friends who are taking an active role in encouraging and developing the child.
What happens after I sign-up to sponsor a child?
About 2 weeks after you sign up to be a sponsor, you will receive a picture and profile of your child. Also included in the sponsorship package will be some facts about the geography and history of the child's country, some information about the specific partner program, and sponsorship guidelines.
How are children chosen for sponsorship?
All of the children who are currently enrolled in Hope Community School are either sponsored, or waiting to be sponsored. These children are too poor to attend public schools, which require students to pay for uniforms and books. For many of these students, this is the first time they have had the opportunity to attend school on a regular basis.
All of the children of Hope House Orphanage are either sponsored, or waiting to be sponsored. Many have lost parents and caretakers because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. All the children, at the orphanage, ranging in age from 4 years old to 17 years old are part of the Spark sponsor program.
What benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
At the Hope House Orphanage, your sponsorship helps provide food and water, housing, clothes and basic medical support, as well as emotional support and round the clock care for the child. Additionally, sponsorship helps cover the cost of enrollment in Hope Community School, the supplies, a uniform, and meal program for the child.
At the Hope Community School, our sponsorship allows the child to be enrolled year-round, and provides school supplies, a uniform, a meal program, and a basic medical check-up and treatment at least once a year.
The children who are sponsored receive a tremendous amount of encouragement and inspiration knowing that someone across the world cares for them. The children are thrilled to receive a letter, note, or picture from their sponsor, as they seldom, if ever get mail.
How long should my child sponsorship last?
Spark sponsorship offers you the opportunity to stay with a child for a number of years, usually through the school year in which the child reaches the age of 18. While we hope that you will be able to continue in your support of your sponsored child until then, we recognize that sponsors' circumstances sometimes change. You may discontinue your sponsorship at any time.
Also, please understand that a sponsored child's circumstances may change, too. For example, sometimes families move beyond the reach of the program and have to leave Spark sponsorship.
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.
How can I communicate with the child I sponsor?
Feel free to write or e-mail letters as often as you would like. All letters sent to Spark will be forwarded to your child, and if necessary, translated. If mailing, please send the letters to:
Attention: Sponsorship
Spark Ventures
P.O. Box 479329
Chicago, IL 60647-9329
If you would rather e-mail the letter, send it to . We will print your e-mail, put it in letter format, and mail it.
Please be patient as the mail to Zambia is very slow and you may not receive a response right away.
Your child will write to you at least two times a year. A teacher or staff person will help children who have yet to learn how to read and write. Letter writing is developmental for these children as it improves their basic literacy and self-awareness. The day that the letters are delivered to the children is a very exciting time for them.
Can I send packages to my sponsor child?
We understand your desire to send packages to your sponsored child. However, Spark has a policy not to accept packages for the following reasons:
° Possibility of tension created in the community by one family receiving numerous or expensive gifts
° High duty charges in many countries
° Possibility of loss, theft or damage
If you would like to send a small gift to your sponsored child, you may enclose items in letters to your child or in an envelope no larger than 6x9 inches. Here are a few items that the children seem to enjoy: pictures, bookmarks, stickers, picture postcards and other flat, inexpensive items.
Can I send a monetary gift or money to purchase a gift locally for my sponsor child?
We have a gift fund for sponsor children. Three times a year, coinciding with the beginning of their school terms (Jan, May and Sept), we purchase small gifts for all of the children in the sponsor program. We have determined this to be the most fair and sustainable process for the children and our partner organizations. If you would like to contribute to the gift fund, please make a donation online and send us an email at: to let us know you would like your contribution to go to the gift fund for sponsor children. You can also send a check to us at Spark Ventures, PO Box 479329, Chicago, IL 60647-9329. Please write "gift fund" in the memo.
Can I send money for a birthday gift for my sponsor child?
In Zambia it is not customary to celebrate birthdays so we do not give gifts or money to sponsor children in connection with their birthdays. However, we do collect gift money and distribute small gifts to all the children in our sponsorship program three times a year. If you would like to contribute to the gift fund, please make a donation online and send us an email at: to let us know you would like your contribution to go to the gift fund for sponsor children. You can also send a check to us at Spark Ventures, PO Box 479329, Chicago, IL 60647-9329. Please write "gift fund" in the memo.
Can I send my child a holiday present or money to purchase a gift locally?
It would be great if you would like to help us give Christmas gifts to the children in our sponsorship program. Three times a year, coinciding with the beginning of their school terms (Jan, May and Sept), we purchase small gifts for all of the children in the sponsor program. The children are not in school during the month of December, so they receive their Christmas gifts when they return in January. We have determined this to be the most fair and sustainable process for the children and our partner organizations. If you would like to contribute to the gift fund, please make a donation online and send us an email at: to let us know you would like your contribution to go to the gift fund for sponsor children. You can also send a check to us at Spark Ventures, PO Box 479329, Chicago, IL 60647-9329. Please write "gift fund" in the memo.
How often will I receive an update about my sponsor child?
You will have the opportunity to correspond with your child via mail or our online message option, and you will receive an update and new picture at least once a year.
Meeting your sponsored child face-to-face can be an exciting and moving event for both of you. And if you ever wish to do so, we're here to help you. Additionally, we hope to have planned trips scheduled in the next 12 months that will allow people to travel in a small group to the partner locations.
Please contact us at or call us at 312-458-9246 if you are interested in knowing more about visiting.
INVESTING/CONTRIBUTION QUESTIONS
How does sponsorship payment work?
If you decide to make the monthly sponsorship investment with a credit card, the amount chosen will be automatically deducted from your account each month. If you decide to discontinue the sponsorship, the monthly deduction will be cancelled.
If you decide to make the monthly sponsorship investment with a check, we will send you six addressed envelopes along with the initial sponsorship package. When we send you the semi-annual progress report for your sponsored child, we will include six more envelopes. It is our hope that sponsors will send their monthly sponsorship gifts at the first of each month, as we do not send monthly correspondence.
How can I be sure that my contribution is actually being used to help the child?
Spark Ventures is governed by a Board of Directors that take your contributions very seriously. Regular visits and correspondence with our partner organizations, along with specific systems and processes for fiscal responsibility are in place. Additionally, contributors will have access to an annual financial report with clear and open explanations for the allocation of our resources.
Can I send more than one month’s amount toward my sponsorship support?
Your gift may be prepaid quarterly or annually; whichever is most convenient for you. A yearly option is available for on-line payment. If you prefer to pay quarterly, please send us an email at .
Are my contributions to Spark tax-deductible?
All contributions to Spark Ventures are tax-deductible in the United States. As a requirement of the 1993 Revenue Reconciliation Act, we verify that no goods or services of value are given to you for your contribution. You will receive an email receipt for your contributions and a charitable donation statement at the end of each calendar year.
TRANSFORMATION TRIPS QUESTIONS
Spark requires a $2,000 contribution per trip participant and each person is responsible for purchasing flights to/from Zambia. Typically, round trip flights from major U.S. cities range from $2-3,000 for a total trip cost of $4,000 to $5,000.
You may pay for your trip outright, in smaller payments or raise funds on your own to pay for the trip. Each participant is required to provide a $1,000 deposit by March 1, 2010 and the $1,000 balance by May 1, 2010.
Is my trip cost tax deductable?
This is a volunteer travel trip, so your $2,000 contribution to Spark Ventures is considered a donation and you will receive a tax deduction letter. You should check with your tax accountant to ensure the legal/maximum tax-benefit.
What does the $2,000 go towards? Does any of my trip cost go to support Spark's partner?
Approximately 10% of the trip contribution will go directly to the work of Spark’s partner in Zambia and to support the children and projects participants will see and experience on the trip. The remaining contribution goes to cover meals, lodging, ground transportation, excursions and other expenses.
How do I apply to go on a Transformation Trip with Spark Ventures?
An application form is available online where it can be completed on our website or downloaded and sent in. You can also contact us and we will mail the application to you.
Trip participants are given an orientation to Spark’s partner Hope Ministries, their programs, staff and facilities. We visit various local markets, historical and cultural landmarks and share meals in the homes of our partners. In addition, volunteers spend time collecting sponsorship information, reading with children at the school and orphanage, helping with current work projects visiting the farming project near Lusaka. The trip ends with an all day safari in Botswana and a visit to Victoria Falls in Livingstone.
What documents will I need to travel?
You will need a passport that is valid for 6 months past our trip date and a Zambian tourist visa. Spark can provide assistance in acquiring a passport and a Zambian visa.
How do I obtain a Zambian tourist visa?
There is a short application that must be downloaded, completed and sent to the Zambian consulate in Washington, DC along with your passport, 2 passport sized photographs signed on the back and a bank check or money order fee (less than $100). This process usually takes 3-4 weeks and is outlined on the U.S. Zambian Embassy website.
Each participant is responsible for getting themselves to Ndola, Zambia (NLA) on June 21st and for their return travel departing from Livingstone (LVI) on or after June 30th. Spark can recommend an international travel agent if needed. Your flight itinerary must be provided to Spark by April 15, 2010.
Does Spark have a preferred travel agent?
Yes. Lynn Billetta, CTC of Liadis Travel (3129 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073) is our preferred travel agent and she can be reached at 610-353-8330 or . Spark will also help with flight suggestions from our experiences.
In addition to routine shots (such as measles/mumps, polio, tetanus, etc.) it is recommended that you consult your physician and see if you need some or more of the following: rabies, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. More information about recommended shots can also be found on the CDC website under the country of Zambia. You will also be required to receive some malaria medication (most commonly in pill form) from your physician.
Once in Zambia, all ground transportation, lodging, meals, activity fees and trip necessities will be covered by Spark Ventures so it depends on how much you want to spend on other things like gifts and snacks. We recommend bringing $100 - $300.
Where do we stay during the trip?
Lodging will be in a lodge or "guest house" which are a cross between a bed & breakfast and a small motel. Participants may have a roommate unless requested otherwise. Each room has individual bathrooms with a shower.
The food in Zambia includes chicken, fish, rice, vegetables and nshima (their staple carbohydrate food). We will not drink tap water unless it is boiled and most foods will be fully cooked.
What about political unrest, violence and disease?
Since its independence in 1964, Zambia has been known as a peaceful nation and a friend to all its neighboring countries. Zambia has not had a civil war and political violence has been rare. Spark has an evacuation plan in case of emergency and will do everything within our power to keep trip participants safe and healthy. As with travel to any developing country, there are some health risks. Participants should take their malaria medication, use hand sanitizer frequently, and avoid physical contact with children or others who have open wounds or seem to be sick. Most of Spark’s volunteer travelers have remained healthy during their travel to Zambia.
In June/July Ndola is usually sunny with cooler temperatures in the evening and ranging from 65-80 F during the day.
We will set aside time two times during the week to visit an internet café where you will be able to have email access. The connection is very slow and travelers should not plan on extensive internet activity.
We will do absolutely all that we can to allow you to meet your sponsor child but cannot guarantee that you will meet him/her as it is not uncommon for children/families to be absent from school or their village for extended periods of time.
