Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kensington Cares choose the projects it supports?
Kensington Cares works closely with local communities to find projects and local partners that are committed to education as a means to end the cycle of poverty.  Kensington Cares supports schools and community support networks (e.g. orphanages) committed to the care, support and education of impoverished and marginalized children. 

How much of my contribution goes directly to active projects?
Kensington Tours covers a large portion of the administration expenses of Kensington Cares including office rent and supplies, staff time, IT infrastructure and more to ensure that the money you donate goes where it is most needed.

How will you show me where my money goes and the results of my contribution?
Kensington Cares has a policy of accountability and openness. Electronic/online reports, including photos will provide donors with updates on the fulfillment of donations. We encourage donors to visit our projects, to meet the children, and communities, and observe the impact of their assistance first-hand.

Is Kensington Cares a registered charity?
Kensington Cares is on the process of filling the paper work to obtain status as an officially registered charitable organization in both the United States and Canada.

Is my donation eligible for a tax receipt?
Kensington Cares is the process of filing for tax exempt status. Until we are granted this status we cannot issue tax receipts.

DONATING SUPPLIES

Can I pick exactly what supplies I want to donate?
Donation options and levels listed on our site are guides to give donors an idea of how far their contribution can go and items that may be needed. Unless otherwise required by a donor, actual supplies delivered to each school/organization depend on priority need at the time of donation.

SPONSORING SCHOLARSHIPS

What is scholarship sponsorship?
Scholarship sponsorship is an opportunity to give a child the most important gift they can receive – an education and hope for a brighter future. Scholarship sponsorship is also an investment in a school and the future of a community.  Sponsorship is also a link between individual donors and a child. It allows sponsors and their benefactors to exchange letters, open dialogue and build a relationship. Sponsors receive electronic progress updates on the child they sponsor and the school the child attends.

Scholarship sponsorships are used in two ways (1) to ensure that the sponsored child is able to attend school, that fees and other school-related costs (e.g. uniforms, school supplies) are covered and (2) to provide support to the school to cover/supplement priority items that benefit the school community including text books, teaching resources, a nutritious meal, a new classroom, or part of a teacher’s salary.  By improving the facilities and resources in the communities where children live, Kensington Cares projects help give children their best chance of fulfilling their potential in the long-term future.

Can I visit the child I sponsor?
Visits are encouraged! Please contact info@kensingtoncares.org to arrange a visit or talk to your Kensington Tours sales representative.

May I choose the child I sponsor?
Yes. KensingtonCares.org features profiles of a number of children from our different projects needing sponsorship. Feel free to choose a child that matches your giving profile. Or, if you prefer, Kensington Cares can suggest a child in need. Kensington Tours clients who have visited any of our partner schools are welcome to sponsor a child that they have met. Please contact us to let us know the child’s name and we will make all necessary arrangements.

What is the length of commitment for sponsorship?
Scholarship sponsorship is intended to be a minimum commitment of one year – but we encourage sponsors to support their children for as long as they are able through the child’s education.  Kensington Cares will contact all sponsors ahead of their year anniversary to confirm whether they would like to continue with their support. When a sponsored child graduates or leaves the community supported by Kensington Cares, we will contact you to introduce a new child in need and confirm whether you would like to build a new relationship.