Why is sponsorship $40/month for all students?

We keep sponsorship at a flat $40/month to make it simple and fair for all sponsors and students. Even though costs vary by age, this shared amount allows us to support students at different stages of their education equally over time.

How do you decide how much each student receives?

We calculate funding based on when a student enters the program and how many years they have left in school. From there, we estimate the total cost of their education, including uniforms, books, and expected increases in school fees over time.

We then average that total into a consistent monthly amount. This means that younger students may receive slightly more than needed at the beginning, while older students may receive more later as costs increase. This system allows sponsors to pay a steady monthly amount while ensuring each student is fully supported throughout their education.

What percentage of my sponsorship goes directly to students?

This depends on the student’s age and needs. Younger students typically receive around $30 per month, while high school students may receive $40 or more due to higher education costs. In some cases, older students receive more than the $40 monthly sponsorship.

The remaining funds go toward program operations, including staff support, communication with sponsors, and ongoing monitoring of each student’s progress. This ensures the program runs consistently and responsibly for every child.

How long is my commitment?

We encourage sponsors to support a student for the duration of their education, as consistency has the biggest impact. However, we understand that circumstances can change. If you need to stop your sponsorship, we ask for at least two months’ notice so we have time to find a new sponsor for your student.

Can I choose my student?

In most cases, we thoughtfully match sponsors with students based on need and priority to ensure support is distributed as fairly as possible across our community.

If you have previously volunteered with us or visited our learning center, you may request to sponsor a specific student from our current priority list. This helps us balance personal connections with our responsibility to support students with the greatest need.

What does the sponsorship cover?

Sponsorship supports the core costs of a student’s education, including school fees, uniforms, books, and other essential supplies. When needed, it can also support additional educational resources.

Will I receive updates about my student?

Yes. Sponsors receive monthly emails directly from their student, creating space for a real and meaningful connection to grow over time.

We encourage you to respond when you can. For many of our students, this is a rare opportunity to connect with someone from a different part of the world. It allows them to practice English, build confidence, and learn about your life and culture, while also sharing their own experiences with you.

These exchanges often become one of the most impactful parts of the sponsorship for both the student and the sponsor.

What happens when my student graduates?

When a student graduates, you will have the option to continue supporting them through higher education, sponsor a new student, or conclude your sponsorship.

Can I visit or meet my student?

Yes. If you are visiting Bali, we can help coordinate a visit to our partner Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi when appropriate and respectful to the student’s schedule and family.

Can I sponsor more than one student?

Yes, and many of our sponsors choose to do so. Supporting multiple students allows you to expand your impact across the community.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. For U.S.-based donors, The Suwandi Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible where applicable.