Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Sponsor?

Becoming a sponsor is a way to invest in the life of an individual while also having an impact on the greater community.

What does student sponsorship provide?

Gospel-centered education
2 meals a day at our school
Medical care from on-site doctor
Transportation for kids who live far away from the school
School materials and uniforms
Support for their family through the family empowerment program

What does staff sponsorship provide?

Salaries and benefits
2 meals a day at our school
Medical care from the on-site doctor
Professional and spiritual development
Continuing education and scholarship opportunities

Both student and staff sponsorships help cover the operating and maintenance costs of the Makarios school.

What do I receive when I become a sponsor?

Every new sponsor receives a New Sponsor welcome packet that includes a photo of the student/staff as well as stationery to send your first letter. Sponsors also receive personalized updates each year along with an updated photo.

What does it cost to sponsor a student?

Each student has 3 sponsorship shares of $50 a month. Sponsors have the option to cover 1 share ($50/mo.), 2 shares ($100/mo.), or 3 shares ($150/mo.).

What does it cost to sponsor a staff?

Each staff member has 4 sponsorship shares of $50 a month. Sponsors have the option to cover 1 share ($50/mo.), 2 shares ($100/mo.), 3 shares ($150/mo.) or 4 shares ($200/mo).

What are ways I can connect with the student or staff I sponsor?

We encourage sponsors to pray for the student/staff and their family. Writing letters is a great way to build a relationship and send words of encouragement.

How often can I write?

Letters and cards can be sent at any time, either through postal mail or electronically through your sponsor portal. Our sponsorship team will translate your message, make sure they receive it and send their reply to you! Letters and cards are a great opportunity to uplift your sponsor child with words of affirmation, sharing a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and encouraging the student in both their school studies and their walk with God.

Can I send a birthday gift to the child I sponsor?

Yes! If you choose to send a gift to your sponsored student, we ask that it be sent only for your student's birthday (your child’s birth date is readily available on their sponsorship page when you click their photo). We recommend sending a birthday gift a couple of months before the student's actual birthday. This will help the student receive their gift around their actual birthday, but if it can't be done, know that each student greatly welcomes a “belated birthday gift.” The entire gift must fit into one 9½” x 12½” envelope.

A Note about Postal Mail: The DR does not have a postal mail system. As such, every card and gift sent to Makarios must be sent in visiting mission teams and/or Makarios staff luggage. Due to limited amount of luggage space, it is imperative that the gift fits in one 9½” x 12½” envelope.

Can I send a Christmas gift?

The best time to send a gift is for the child’s birthday. Gifts are not typically given or received in our Makarios communities for Christmas. Culturally, Christmas in the DR is a time to spend with family and share a special meal together.

What are a few suggestions for gifts/letters?

Our students love to receive stickers, toys, clothes, books written in Spanish, and photos of their sponsors! We kindly ask sponsors not to send candy, food, liquid items, battery-operated toys, pretend weapons, and/or electronics.

Where should I mail a letter or birthday gift?

To the following address:

Makarios Sponsorship- Your Sponsored Student's Name

1801 E. 51st Street, Ste. 365-300

Austin, TX 78723

How long does it take for my card or gift to arrive?

Letters and gifts sent in the mail can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to arrive in-country. We do not have a mailing service to the DR but instead rely on groups or staff members to bring mail with them in their luggage.

Can I visit the child or staff I sponsor?

YES! Having a sponsor visit is an unforgettable experience that blesses all who are involved! Contact us to plan your sponsor trip!

Still have questions?