CHANCE FOR CHANGE

Chance for Change was founded in 2011 for the purpose of providing financial aid for the higher education of young women in Burkina Faso, West Africa.  Burkina Faso is not only one of the poorest countries in the world, but it also ranks last in adult female literacy.  Without our support, the young women we sponsor would not be afforded the opportunity for continued education.

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Chance for Change is certified by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, so all contributions are 100% tax deductible.  The employees of Chance for Change are proud to contribute their time and skills to the cause.  We give personalized attention and support to 25 beneficiaries at university, nursing school or in teacher training.

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Because Chance for Change is so small, it is easy for us to work under our primary principles:

• Absolute transparency of how the organization operates.

• Our supporters will always be updated on the beneficiaries’ progress.

 

Co-founder and President Frederic Eckhard makes regular trips to Ouagadougou, Koudougou, and Bobo Dioulasso, the three largest cities in Burkina Faso.  During his trips, Fred takes time to visit our sponsored young women, their families, schools and teachers to track their progress and monitor their needs. As Director of Admissions for Chance for Change, Fred conducts interviews and supplies applications for potential recipients.

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After review and approval by the Board of Directors, the organization pays tuition as well as an allowance for books, supplies, housing, and transportation based on the needs of each student. Typically these costs come to about $1000 USD per year for each beneficiary.

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Chance for Change board members pay the costs of the currency transfers to Burkina Faso, where a representative is authorized to write checks and manage the bank account. She writes out a check in the name of the student’s university of choice and another in the student’s name for general expenses. General expenses are paid in two installments; one at the beginning and one in the middle of the school year. All of the money is carefully tracked and receipts are signed to guarantee full transparency to our donors.

Fred’s regular visits and the support of our associates in Burkina Faso allow Chance for Change to maintain a close relationship with the sponsored beneficiaries and their families.  Through our blog and biannual newsletters, we work hard to keep our donors up to date on the progress of the young women, and the significant impact that a modest donation can make in their lives.

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Please consider making a DONATION to this worthy cause today!