ADOPT-A-VILLAGE

This program provides an opportunity for individuals, service clubs and other organizations to sponsor a Mayan village in Copán, Honduras, and to enjoy a long-term relationship with the community.

Sponsors fund much of our work in their adopted villages. As sponsor of a village, you would:

- Provide every elementary student with an annual kit of school supplies, a backpack and a uniform, under the terms of our Adopt-a-School program

- Pledge to contribute at least $1,000 each year for secondary school scholarships, as needed, under the terms of our Adopt-a-Dream program.

- Provide every student with health insurance, under the terms of our Student Health Fund.

- Contribute a small amount each year to sustain our Mobile Library program in the village.

- Pledge to donate $1,000 each year to support construction and other projects in the village, as they arise.

- Have the right of first refusal (i.e. an option, without any obligation) to fund any other projects in the village, in whole or in part. 

Please refer to the separate brochures that explain our Adopt-a-School and Adopt-a-Dream programs.

Much less than you might think, because money goes a long way in Honduras.The cost of our education programs depends on the number of students in the village, which changes a little from year to year. See attached Brochure for examples.

Optional funding for construction or other projects would be in addition to the education programs. Routine construction projects typically fall between $500 and $5,000, but water systems and development projects can cost more than this. How much extra you contribute to these projects is entirely up to you.

We encourage sponsors to develop relationships with their adopted villages. Communicating with villages via social media is becoming a popular option. Most teachers and some secondary students have basic smartphones.

At least once per year, you will receive a report from your school, letters or art from students, and photos of the school and students. When we visit schools, we deliver any letters and photos received from you. We provide a free translation service for correspondence.

If you come to Copán, we will gladly arrange for you to visit your village with an interpreter. You can also visit the world-famous Copán archaeological park, a major center of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Yes, we will help you select a village whose size matches your budget.
I already support a village in Adopt-a-School. Can I sponsor the same one in Adopt-a-Village? Yes.

Do I have to make a long-term commitment? We ask that you pledge to sponsor your village for at least three (five?) years. Of course we understand that circumstances can change, and that you might need to end your involvement in the program.

Can I do more to support my village? We will send you details of any new projects in your village, so that you can decide if you would like to contribute funding. You might have some project ideas of your own.

How often do you visit each village? We visit each village every three months, in order to sustain relationships, monitor progress and deal with any problems.  After visiting your village we send you any news from the community.

100% of every donation benefits the communities. IPA administration depends on volunteers who cover their own expenses.

Are my donations tax-deductible? Yes, the IPA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service..