General
| Who is Rainbow Network? | We work to eradicate economic poverty in rural communities around the world. We encourage and empower rural families through authentic relationships that are centered on the hope of Christ. |
| How does Rainbow Network help communities overcome poverty? | We have a holistic approach to tackling poverty that focuses on healthcare, education, economic development, and housing. Participation and leadership within the communities is vital to the success of our mission. |
| Why is this work necessary? | Rural communities suffer from extreme economic poverty. People are often malnourished, have little to no access to education, live in unsanitary conditions, and have limited opportunities. |
| Where does Rainbow Network work? | We are currently partnered with over 100 rural communities across Nicaragua - with plans to expand! |
| What is Rainbow Network's EIN / tax ID? | 43-1720451 |
| What can I do? | You can make a gift, travel with us, sponsor a high school student, or simply spread the word! Find out more here. |
Healthcare
| How do the medical clinics work? | Rainbow Network physicians visit each community approximately twice a month, carrying medication and supplies to the communities. |
| What if a patient needs more intensive care than the medical clinic offers? | A patient who needs specialized care will be added to our Medical Needs program. These patients are supported by Rainbow Network through assistance with scheduling appointments and procedures, transportation, navigating the public healthcare system and financial support. |
Education
| How does Rainbow Network support education? | Rainbow Network provides "colectivos," (afternoon reinforcement classes), for all primary school students, where they also receive a nutritious meal.
Students are given the opportunity to attend high school through the Rainbow Network scholarship program. |
| What is included in the high school scholarship program? | A scholarship provides students with supplies, uniforms, and stipends for transportation to school and other education-related expenses. The program is managed by Education Coordinators that regularly check in with the students and monitor their progress and well-being. Scholarship students give back to their community by teaching at the colectivos.
Students, their families, and their communities have access to all Rainbow Network services. |
| How do I sponsor a student? | Click Here to learn more about student sponsorship and register to sponsor a student. |
| Can I sponsor more than one student? | Of course! You may sponsor as many students as you'd like. |
| Is my sponsorship contribution given directly to my student? | While you are connected with one specific student, your sponsorship contributions are pooled for maximum effectiveness. Your $360 annual gift supports all the programs of Rainbow Network that benefit your student and their community, including education. |
| How much does it cost to sponsor a student & how do I give? | Sponsorship is $30/month or $360/year per student. You may give online, sign up for automatic withdrawals, call our office to submit your credit card information, or mail your donation to us. Find out more about sponsorship contribution options here. |
| If I sponsor a student, will I have contact with them? | Yes! Sponsors are encouraged to build a relationship with their student throughout their high school years. Consider regularly corresponding with your student via letters. Letters must be sent through Rainbow Network. Personal contact (via Facebook, phone, etc.) is not permitted. Write a letter to your student here.
The relationship you build with your student provides them with much-needed encouragement. Your letters and prayers communicate to them that they are seen and loved. Students dream bigger when they know that they are supported and cared for! |
| Can I send my student a financial gift for a special occasion? | Yes! You may send your student a financial gift for their birthday, Christmas, and/or graduation, up to $20 per occasion. Click here to give a special occasion gift. |
| Can I send my student a physical gift? | Physical gifts and packages are not accepted. Please see above for financial gift guidelines. |
| How long will I be able to sponsor the same student? | We ask for a one year commitment, but sponsors often choose to sponsor their student through their high school graduation.
Sponsorship may end for any of the following reasons: 2. Your student becomes self- sufficient. In many cases, students are sponsored until they finish school, are able to support themselves, or marry. 3. Occasionally, circumstances arise where a student must leave the sponsorship program. For example, a child’s family may move out of the community to a location where sponsorship is not available. If circumstances change and your student is no longer available for sponsorship, we’ll notify you and send you a new student in need of sponsorship. |
| Can I stop sponsoring a student if they have not graduated yet? | We encourage you to sponsor your student through graduation and celebrate this exciting accomplishment with them! However, we understand that this is not always possible. If you would like to end your sponsorship for any reason, please feel free to reach out to us at info@rainbownetwork.org. |
Economic Development
| What does the economic development program consist of? | Individuals who are interested in starting their own business in their community are supported by our Economic Development Coordinators. These individuals receive the materials needed to start the business and training on how to build a sustainable business. They also receive ongoing business coaching. |
| How does this help communities become self-sustaining? | A lack of education in rural communities leads to few job opportunities, and it is difficult to access bigger cities where there are higher paying jobs. These small businesses increase income levels and the quality of life for many families. |
| What are the most common small businesses? | Sewing groups, bakeries, animal husbandry, barber shops and more! |
Housing
| What materials are Rainbow Network houses made of? | Each house is 20’ x 20’ and made of cement blocks. The houses have cement floors, a front and back door that lock, a tin roof, and one window. There are several vertical and horizontal seismic beams, built to withstand movements from volcanoes and earthquakes. Houses are typically built 25 at a time. |
| What amenities do Rainbow Network houses have? | Each house has a covered porch, space for a family garden, and an area for children to play. There is electricity, a latrine, and access to clean water. |
| What requirements must families meet in order to apply for a housing project? | Each family must have children in order to participate. This creates multi-generational impact! They must be willing to assist with construction until the project is complete and make a contribution back to Rainbow Network to help cover the cost of materials. |
| How are families selected to participate in a housing project? | Interested families submit an application, and they are interviewed by Rainbow Network staff. Participants are selected based on their current living conditions and whether they meet the above requirements. |