Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I "gift a goat" on behalf of someone else? Do I fill out the personal information requested for the person receiving the gift or the person paying for it?
A: If you want to make a gift in donating a goat, please follow the steps below:

1.      Click on http://www.ihfonline.org/donating.php

2.       Choose the item you would like to donate and click Next: Enter Amount

3.       Choose the amount you would like to donate ( 1 goat = 20 USD, 2 goats = 40USD, etc.)

4.       Click Next: Add to Basket

5.       Then click on "check out"

6.       If you are new donor, please fill in the information as requested (the person paying for the donation)

7.     Verify your selection

8.     Click on instruction and write the name you would like to have on the certificate

9.     Submit payment

10.   Done 

We will then send you a certificate within 2 days and the photo of the family receiving your goat a few days later.

Q:  I would like a better understanding of how all the donated money is able to go directly to the children and programs. Where does overhead money come from? 
A: Unlike other non-profits and NGO's, IHF is a grassroots foundation, meaning that nearly all of our work is done by volunteers, from teaching classes and caring for the children, to the administrative side, and our paid staff earn local wages on site in Thailand, Indonesia or Kenya, where the cost of living is extremely low.  The overhead generally comes directly from the pocket of our CEO, Ms. Carol Sasaki, who has contributed all of her personal funds and homes to be used for the benefit of these centers.

Q: How are the organization funds spread out through the organization?
A: Sponsor funds are ALWAYS given to the child/class center of their choice. This means we have little say how this portion of funds are distributed. Combined with our private donations we try to ensure that all centers receive proportionally to the classes and children they support. Here is an approximate breakdown:
35% Nakuru, Kenya
15% Chiang Rai, Thailand
14% Jakarta, Indonesia
12% Bali, Indonesia
12% Medan, Indonesia
12% Aceh, Indonesia

Q: How are the funds that are donated to IHF used?

A: The money donated by a donor is only used for the purpose which it's donation was intended. Therefore, a 20 dollar donation for a goat goes to just that - buying a goat. Orphan sponsor money is calculated and used for the food, supplies, and needs of the children at the orphanage. Money intended for one purpose may never be substituted for another purpose.

Q: What if the TEP sponsorship is not enough to cover the higher school fees of secondary school children and those with disabilities?
A: Outstanding school fees can be covered with general donation money or if necessary by Carol Sasaki herself. We never allow our children to be kept out of school because of a lack of school fees. Education is of the highest priority for IHF's children!

Q: As I understand it, IHF has locations in a handful of countries. Are there locals that are hired or volunteer for IHF?
A: IHF firmly believes in hiring local staff. We hire local staff in all our centres who work together with international volunteers. We hope that combining these two will help to ensure that our children keep their values and traditions while also opening them to a wider world.

Q: Does IHF have a standard plan for children who finish secondary school and wish to continue their studies?
A: Each child in this position is considered on an individual basis. At the Kenya centre we have just had two young adults finish secondary school. They are currently working as assistants to the co-directors, while researching possible routes for university in the United States. Currently, all funding for higher education is covered by the founder herself.

Q: Does IHF work with any other affiliates in any of the countries it works in?
A: IHF does not currently work with any other affiliates in other countries. We are always happy to meet and help other organizations with a common value and mission.

Q: Has there been any implicit impact in the communities that IHF work in? Either positive or negative?
A: IHF has had a positive impact in the lives of the many children touched by our programs. For example, our TEP program has provided high-school scholarships which have allowed many children to continue their high school degree rather than dropping out for lack of funds. In addition, all of our centres are a safe house for children in need and are always open. Even for those who do not live out our centres, the walls still provide a safe place off the street where many spend their afternoons socializing with others. The positive impact of our centres can not be doubted. We are unaware of any negative impact IHF projects have had. In the recent political turmoil in Nakuru, Kenya - our orphanage was one of the only buildings that still stood up, un-scorched.  To us, this is a sign that the community wants us there. If anyone is aware of a negative impact IHF projects has had please email gro.enilnofhi@fhi and we will address it immediately.

Q. What are the shipping costs for donated items? Can I get a receipt to claim for tax purposes?

A. Shipping costs vary depending on both the country of origin, destination and method. Check with your local postal authority and customs to find the most inexpensive method for you. Normally the headquarters office or the people in charge of in-kind donations will make an official receipt on IHF letterhead.

Q. Do the children get sponsored for different reasons? How many sponsors can they have?

A. One of Carol's children can have 3 sponsors (Orphan, TEP and Medical). Orphan is 37$ per month. TEP is 10$ per month and Medical is 15$ per month.

Q; What is the special donor team, how does this differ from the other donor teams?
A; The Special Donors team is intended to communicate with specific individuals who require particular attention when dealing with IHF.  These are powerful and influential people who require more than template letters. First and foremost it is reaching out to the wealthy worldwide.

Q:  How do I send a "Special Gift" to my sponsored child?
A: We offer two convenient ways to make donations:
On-line -

• Go to our Donate Page on our website.
• Select the General Donation Option.
• Enter the amount of your donation and add to basket.
  Follow the link to Check Out, where you will be prompted to sign in to your account.
• Select the "Add Special Instructions" button and enter who the gift is for and what the gift is to be used for.  
• Proceed with payment.

Mail by cheque or money order -
Send to:
International Humanity Foundation
4311 Pavlov Ave.
San Diego, CA, 92122
{In the Memo section, please state who the gift is for what the gift is to be used for.}
Upon receipt of your donation, notification will be sent to the center's director.

Q; How can I give my sponsored child something for their birthday?
A; You can go to the IHF website and clicking on "General Donation" to specify the amount and what it is for. That way when we receive the money transfer next month, we will be sent this additional amount.  It is helpful if sponsors send an email to us, via you to let us know the amount, so we can make sure we remind the Finance Team to include it in the transfer. Alternatively, you are welcome to post a gift to the IHF center address listed on the website.

Q; I would like to adopt a goat and chicken as a gift.  Am I able to name the animals and will the name show up on the certificate?
A; Yes, you can name the animals and we will show name in photo you receive of your donation. After making the donation, please send an email to gro.enilnofhi@margorp.lavivrus

Q; I want to donate some money to IHF, am I able to do a direct bank transfer to the IHF account?
A; Yes, you can, as long as you don't need the USA tax exempt. If you do then the direct bank transfer must be to our USA Citibank. If you don't need this USA tax exemption, it can be transferred to our centers account.

Q. How does the TEP program work in regards to my relationship with the child I sponsor?

A. We encourage our children to communicate with their sponsors. Every month you will receive an email with attached sponsored child letter and his/her photo. All communication with the children is through gro.enilnofhi@srettelrosnops and not directly to protect our sponsors emails and privacy.