Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long term goals of To Return?
Our goal is to provide 200 children in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania with access to education by 2014. To achieve this goal, we match individuals, groups and businesses with students and grant scholarships to attend local, quality schools. To Return strives to make a long term commitment to these students and focuses on quality of education over quantity of scholarships granted.
Our long term goal is to create a scalable model for sustainable tourism through improved access to education for children and to expand into other developing countries.
Is To Return a non profit organization with 501(C)3 status?
Yes, To Return is a 501 C 3. Our Federal ID # is 26-3570959.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
There are two conditions for a child to be eligible for a scholarship.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Parent or guardian works as a full time porter or guide on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
If these conditions are met, the To Return board of directors welcomes applications for scholarships. Scholarships are granted on the basis of need as we seek to support those children who are at the gratest risk.
How does To Return oversee the scholarships to ensure the funds are being used properly?
To Return maintains strict oversight over the scholarships to ensure that the students are provided with safe, quality education and that donors are provided with a fully transparent means of supporting students. Joel Siao, our director of operations, overseas the scholarships. He visits the schools, gets to know the families, collects report cards and reviews the financials. In addition, one or more the board of directors performs an annual site visit to the schools and meets with the scholarship recipients first hand. Scholarships are paid directly to a school under an arrangement whereby the school will apply the grants funds only for the enrolled students specified who are in good standing.