FAQ'S
Where does Ripples International get its resources?
We receive our resources from local and international donors, local and international friends, well wishers and NGO grants. NGO Grants go to particular projects like establishment of self help groups in Samburu and Northern Meru, women empowerment workshops, poverty relief projects and education projects. Our main donors are Kindernotifle (KNH), the Steven Lewis Foundation, Brenda Boone, and many local well wishers.
What kind of support is needed to support the projects?
Our needs vary depending on the project or campaign direction.
However our daily function revolves around providing care, support, counseling, food and nutrition, clothes, shelter and legal assistance to the girls and babies under our care. The best way to support this is through a cash contribution which is then channeled to the pressing need at that point in time. We discourage physical contributions of clothes and sweets, because we have a high number of babies and girls at our Centers. To avoid creating impressions of favoritism (where some girls/babies receive different clothes and others don’t) we prefer to receive money to fund clothes for all the children at a go.
How do I make a financial donation?
When you make your contribution, clearly state its intended project. This will ensure that you reach an understanding of the expectations and outcome of your contribution enabling us to respond to you with a detailed breakdown of how your monies were spent. In the case of funding a needy child’s school fees, you receive a Student Child Pack that details the name of the child, the overall amount of school fees required (annual/monthly) and needs. Thereafter, you then receive a detailed report for that child -grades, general school performance, funds expenditure and student expense priorities.
Can I contribute to a specific cause?
It’s important to specifically indicate the Cause you’re interested in sponsoring so we can give you a tracked account of how your contribution was utilized. Our needs are indicated above. If your donation’s specified need is not mentioned, we will still allocate the funds accordingly based on unmet program needs and notify you in due course.
How do I know that my contribution has reached the intended beneficiary?
When you make your contribution, clearly state the project you are dedicating it towards. This will ensure that you reach an understanding of the expectations and outcome of your contribution enabling us to respond to you with a detailed breakdown of how your monies were spent. In the case of funding a needy child’s school fees, you receive a Student Child Pack that details the name of the child, the overall amount of school fees required (annual/monthly) and needs. Thereafter, you then receive a detailed report for that child -grades, general school performance, funds expenditure and student expense priorities.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes it is. Most revenue authorities offer tax exemptions on donations including the United States Government and the Kenyan Revenue Authority (KRA). We will provide you with the necessary documents you need when filing your returns. One of the most important documents you need is one you receive immediately upon sending a contribution – an official Ripples International receipt. To get your receipt, or to get more assistance, email our Finance Department on accountant@ripplesintl.or.ke
Who do I contact regarding my sponsor-child beneficiary?
Send any questions you may have to the Executive Director, Mrs Mercy Chidi Baidoo via email ceo@ripplesintl.or.ke; or info@ripplesintl.or.ke. She will get back to you as soon as possible. For matters concerning operations, please send an email to: operations@ripplesintl.or.ke
Can I donate gifts in kind?
We adhere to our Child Policy in the strictest way possible. Therefore, we request that you do not send gifts in kind to children supported by Ripples International. Because we shelter many children, we aim to give every child equal numbers of the same item to ensure we don’t encourage impressions of child favoritism. Moreover, we may already have sufficient gifts in kind (clothes, toys, books, etc) in stock, which could be the items you may want to supply. It is best to send money as we can then allocate it to the best possible use. However, you can send a separate donation with instructions for specific gifts to be purchased for your child within Kenya. Every donor gets a feedback report and receipt for donations received by Ripples International.
Can I visit the various projects?
We would be so happy for you to come over and visit our projects and learn more about Ripples International! As mentioned above, we have four key projects that are worth your time.
- Brenda Boone Hope (Tumaini) Center.
- New Start Center.
- Ribui Primary School Feeding Project
- Samburu Game Reserve and the Loruko project
- Meru Museum
- Meru Tea Factory
We need one (1) month’s notice to prepare for your visit. We usually host a large number of mission teams at our complex and they experience a wonderful time touring these projects, and ministering to our girls and babies.It’s your turn too.
First things first…
Please keep in mind as you prepare for your visit that when you arrive at Ripples International, you will be required to sign a Press Policy and get a Gate Pass from the Executive Director’s office to approve your visit. We do not allow impromptu visits.
Please note that if you are traveling from outside Kenya, you may need a VISA. (Find out here which countries are eligible for Visa’s)
If you are traveling from East Africa, a VISA may not apply, but you will need to fill in a Travel Pass at the border point of entry. Feel free to contact us to make arrangements on the same. Please read our comprehensive guide on Planning A Mission Trip to Kenya and particularly to Ripples International for detailed information on sights, sounds, travel logistics and must-do activities.
Can I volunteer at Ripples International?
Yes. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities at Ripples International in the following areas:
- 160 Girls Project.
- Tumaini Center.
- Community Service.
- Finance and Administration.
- Missions and Outreach.
Who is Ripples International accountable to?
One of Ripples International’s core values is “accountability”. We are therefore accountable to many stakeholders including The Government of Kenya, Meru Law Courts, Ministry of Special Programs, our Donors and Parents of pupils in our school.
