FAQ's
How do I know my money goes to the right place? And how is money handled?
Money is sent from our Bank of Montreal account in Canada to our Equity account in Kenya, or to our CRDB account in Tanzania. Each account is managed by a trustee of Education is Power along with four other signatories from our local partner non-profit organizations. Our chief partner KENVO (The Kijabe Environment Volunteers – www.kenvokenya.com) is based in Kenya, who works together with our Tanzanian partner organization called Uvikiuta. Money is directed to school fees in East Africa and other necessary school related expenses, as well as to specific projects that improve the quality of education, such as hiring a new teacher. We also fund extra curricular activities for our students, empowering them to give back to their communities (see more info on this in About Us).
When paying secondary school fees and student expenses, money goes directly to the school in most cases, unless EIP representatives are needed to oversee the payment of smaller incidental fees such as transport. This avoids students or families to be in contact with the money. The same applies for post-secondary students except that we will sometimes give the student small amounts for expenses. Receipts are all scanned and emailed to Education is Power in Canada to be kept on record. The receipts are available at the donor’s request and are used to file our annual report with the Revenue Canada. Our partners KENVO and Uvikiuta also provide us with quarterly financial records and bank statements that show proof of transactions. Click here for further financial information on Education Is Power.
What are Education is Power’s administration costs?
We are a volunteer run organization with very low administration costs; to show our dedication, our Canadian trustees pay all Canadian expenses out of pocket, except for the banking fees required to send money to Africa. Additionally, We direct a small amount of donations to cover on-the-ground expenses for our East African volunteers including communication, banking, local transport, and stipends for large and involved work assignments.
How does a student qualify to be a student of Education is Power?
To qualify a student must fill out an EIP application. In the application, all students must meet the following major requirements:
a) Demonstrate a lack of funds.
b) Demonstrate ability to contribute financially even if very small.
c) Outline past community volunteer experience and demonstrate intent for future community volunteering and helping out in the community.
e) Demonstrate how the education will help them help others in their community.
f) Have credible references.
g) EIP post-secondary students must engage in fundraising activities for EIP and all students must volunteer while in school.
h) EIP post-secondary students must accept a written contract that when they graduate and obtain a reasonable paying job, they will pay forward 25% of their total donations over a five year period to help new EIP students.
Do you provide report cards and updates of the student?
Yes. report cards and assignments are provided at the request of donors, as well as periodically on the website. Updates of the students are listed on the student’s page on our website or by other means desired by the donor.
Is Education is Power registered?
Yes. EIP is Revenue Canada charitable organization. Our number is 84627 9693 RR0001.
How does it work to get a government recognized tax receipt?
Tax receipts are only applicable in Canada. We must have the donor’s full name and address. Email is our preferred method to issue tax receipts so please provide your email address if you have one.
Note: Tax receipts will only work if the Canadian taxpayer earns more then the minimum of about $11,000 annual income (Check T4 slip for actual number).
What if I want to donate but can’t pay the whole student’s costs?
We welcome all donations. Please do not feel it necessary to contribute to the whole tuition price. We understand this is unrealistic for many people.
Can I choose to donate to a specific student or do you decide?
Donors can decide which student they wish to donate to unless that student already has a sponsor.
Can I communicate with the student I am supporting?
Yes. Donors can write emails that will be delivered to EIP students and in some cases Skype meetings can be set up.
Will EIP set me up with a volunteer experience in Africa?
EIP does not have any organized structure for this at this time. However, if donors wish to arrange their own trips to Kenya we can give contacts of our Kenyan affiliates to arrange to meet students and local partners.
What are the administrative costs of Education is Power?
Currently we are all volunteer staff at Education is Power. Necessary expenses are donated by EIP Trustees, except the bank transfer fees which we minimize as much as possible. For this reason we are able to maintain almost zero administration costs from any money that is raised.
Can I donate online?
Yes. Canadians can send email donations to donations@educationispower.org. As well, you can go to the how to donate page and donate through PayPal.
Note: Paypal deducts 1.9% before the deposit reaches our account hence email transfers, direct deposits and cheques are better if possible.
How else can I donate?
a) Go to any Bank of Montreal location in Canada and donate with no fees deducted.
Account Name: East Africa Education Trust or Education is Power
Bank of Montreal Branch: Perth, Ontario
Contact info@educationispower.org if any more banking details are required.
Please ask the teller to note your name with the donation. Also please contact us with your name, address and email so we can issue your tax receipt.
Note: East Africa Education Trust is our legal name and Education is Power is our trade name.
b) Mail a cheque payable to Education is Power:
Education is Power
c/o Ken Cuddy
23 Mary st.
Perth, Ontario, Canada
K7H 2X1
Note: We prefer to email tax receipts so please include your email address if possible.