Sponsorship Program FAQs
· How long will my sponsorship last?
Each sponsorship description indicates the number of monthly payments by which, given the anticipated number of sponsors, the project’s financial goal will be reached. This number of months represents the length of your commitment. Your dollars are pooled with those of other sponsors of the same project and spent entirely on it. Since administrative overhead is covered by PGL’s general budget all of your dollars go directly to the project.
· Will I receive communications from the project I sponsor?
Yes. You will receive regular updates about, and photos of, your project so that you can see the progress being made with your dollars. Generally these updates will be at least quarterly.
· May I communicate with someone at the project I sponsor?
In most cases, yes. PGL’s program matches you with a project rather than with an individual, and it is not assumed that you wish to have a person-to-person connection. Your project will, of course, benefit people, so if you indicate in your registration that you would like to make a connection with someone, the PGL staff will follow through on your request.
· May I visit the project I sponsor?
Definitely! PGL encourages you to join one of the groups that visits the program in León, where you’ll be inspired to see your project. Delegations of students and community members travel to Nicaragua every year. Keep in touch with PGL for travel information.
· Why should I become a sponsor through Project Gettysburg/León?
One reason is that PGL has over 25 years of experience in León, both in and outside the city, from the hospital emergency room to coffee plantations. Through this work PGL has built up long-standing relationships with local people. A second reason is that PGL relies on local leaders to set the goals and then, with the people contributing resources they have, PGL helps them realize their dreams and bring improvements that are sustainable.
· How do I know what’s happening with my donations?
In terms of security of your financial information and your payments you need not worry. For the electronic transactions PGL uses the professional services of Vanco, a company with over 20 years of experience serving over 17,000 organizations. The donation page in this website and the information you provide is secure through reliable services used by Vanco.
Your initial transaction will be confirmed with an e-mail. Subsequent deductions will be reflected on your monthly banking or credit card statement. In the information you receive regularly from PGL you will be updated as to the specific use of your dollars so that you know that the project is indeed moving forward toward completion.
· Are my sponsorship contributions tax deductible?
Yes. Your donations are a charitable contribution for which you receive no goods or services. You can access your annual statement via the Vanco website by simply logging into your secure account.
