FAQs FAQs
INVESTING/CONTRIBUTION QUESTIONS
- How does sponsorship payment work?
- How can I be sure that my contribution is actually being used to help the child?
- Are my contributions to Spark tax-deductible?
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.
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.
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.
