FAQ

FAQ’s

Why should I donate to a Kitechild project instead of sending money directly to an orphanage?

We encourage you to donate to a specific Kitechild sustainable project, as they are designed to increase the financial self-sufficiency of the home in the long run, as opposed to cash-handouts that do not have a long-term impact. An investment in a Kitechild project will continue to raise the standard of living for the children in the orphanage over time, unlike donations of cash or items that are often used up quickly. However, if you are compelled to donate to the operating costs of a specific orphanage, you may either reach out to the home directly or donate to their paypal account by visiting the home’s profile via our Orphanages page.

What percentage of my donation to a Kitechild project goes towards Kitechild operating or overhead costs?

100% of your money will be invested into the project you choose. Kitechild does not take any fees or percentage of donations made to specific orphanage projects. If you wish to support Kitechild’s operating costs, please visit our donate page.

How is my investment to a specific project processed?

For all of our projects, donations are first sent to Kitechild’s Paypal account. The method by which we send your money to our partner orphanages varies from project to project. For some projects, your donation will remain in the Kitechild Paypal account until the project is fully funded, when we send the final amount for the project in full to the orphanage. For other projects, we will not wait until the project is fully funded to send a portion of donations to the orphanage. In these cases, we send donations before the funding goal is reached in order to jumpstart certain projects. If you are curious about which method will be employed for the project to which you are donating, send us an email to donate@kitechild.org.

Where can I support Kitechild’s operations?

Our Paypal ID is info@kitechild.org, or you can mail a check to:

Kitechild
8252 1/2 Santa Monica Blvd Suite A
West Hollywood CA 90046

All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a confirmation receipt within one week of processing your donation. If you would like us to send it by mail, please notify our finance department at donate@kitechild.org, otherwise we will send receipt to your email in your Paypal ID.

Where can I see Kitechild’s Non-Profit Certification?

To see Kitechild’s tax-exempt legal status in PDF, click here. Kitechild is a 501(c)3 licensed non-profit corporation, and all donations, whether intended for operating costs or specific orphanage projects, are tax-deductible.

Where can I check in on the status of a project I supported?

We display updates from specific projects on our blog. Additionally, when you make an investment in a project, we add you to the e-mail list for that project. You will receive an email from Kitechild when the project has been fully funded, as well as periodic updates on the impact the project is having on the children at the home.

How do I know that my investment in a project at a specific orphanage  is being spent wisely?

Each orphanage must submit an application to be considered for our sustainable projects program. After careful selection, Kitechild works with the orphanage to develop the project and find areas in which we can maximize efficiencies. We also partner with local community representatives in each country who are hired as our liaisons. These local liaisons help us oversee projects and transparent practices.

Can I donate to a specific orphanage?

We encourage you to donate to a specific Kitechild sustainable project. Our projects are designed to increase the financial self-sufficiency of the home in the long-term, as opposed to cash-handouts that do not have a long-term impact. If you are moved by a particular home, you may reach out to them directly, or send money to their paypal account by visiting the home’s profile on our Orphanages page.

I’d like to give back at home, are there orphanages in the US?

The U.S abides by a foster care system in which children become wards of the state and are placed with a foster parent for care. There are no typical orphanages in the U.S. However, through our partnership with Children Uniting Nations, you can become a mentor to a foster child in the Los Angeles area. We encourage those outside of Los Angeles to seek out ways to mentor and support foster children in their communities.

I’d like to help, but I can’t donate funding. What are other ways to get involved?

Please view our Volunteer section on our homepage to see the different ways you can make a difference. Kitechild provides many opportunities to volunteer your time and skills.

Does Kitechild plan trips for volunteers to visit orphanages?

Kitechild does not endorse “voluntourism,” a popular way for people from first world countries to visit international orphanages and donate a week or two of their time and energy to the orphans. Research shows that children – especially ones who have already experienced abandonment or abuse – need stable, lasting relationships with caregivers in order to have a chance to develop normal social relationships later in life. There can be damaging effects when orphans consistently say hello and goodbye to caregivers in the span of a few weeks. Kitechild recognizes the benefits that “voluntourism” can have on a community: volunteers often bring items and money to donate, and also gain awareness of the sad state of childcare abroad and spread this awareness at home. However, the long term negative effects outweigh the immediate benefits. If you are interested in volunteering abroad, please reach out to us, as there are some homes that have volunteer opportunities that require a longer commitment and ultimately have a more lasting impact on the home and the children living there.My company would like to partner with Kitechild, who can I contact?

Your company can have a tremendous impact on orphans around the world, and can improve orphanages ability to properly care for its children.  Contact our corporate outreach department at corporate@kitechild.org.In which countries does Kitechild operate?

Kitechild is headquartered in the U.S., and currently operates in Mexico, Guatemala, India, Camaroon, Honduras, Kenya.

Can I adopt through Kitechild?

Kitechild does not process adoptions. You can contact an orphanage directly through their Kitechild profile or the orphanage’s facebook profile if you are interested in their adoption process.

How long has Kitechild been in operation?

Kitechild was founded in June of 2009. We have been incorporated since March of 2010, and our network was launched to the public in December of 2010.

I’d like to start a campus club in my area, who can I contact?

We would love to help you start a Kitechild club on campus; there are many ways for college students to get involved! Please email getinvolved@kitechild.org.