General
| What is Rainbow Network? | An interdenominational Christian ministry working to eradicate extreme poverty in rural Nicaragua through community empowerment. |
| What programs does Rainbow Network have? | We have four programs: healthcare, education, economic development, and housing. |
| Where does Rainbow Network work? | We partner with 52,000 people in 159 communities across Nicaragua, and each community has access to our four programs. |
| What does Rainbow Network do? | We provide the structure and the tools for people to lift themselves out of poverty. We require community participation in each area of our work. |
| What can I do? | You can make a gift, travel with us to Nicaragua, sponsor a high school student, or simply spread the word! Find out more here. |
| Why is this work necessary? | Rural Nicaragua suffers from extreme poverty. People are often malnourished, have little to no access to education, live in unsanitary conditions, and have limited options. |
Healthcare
| How do the medical clinics work? | Rainbow Network physicians visit each community approximately twice a month, carrying medication and supplies to each community. |
| 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. |
| How can I help patients with special medical needs? | You can contribute to the Medical Needs program to ensure patients with special medical concerns will receive the services needed. Simply select "Medical Needs" when making your gift. |
| If I contribute to the Medical Needs program, will I receive medical updates? | Rainbow Network sends quarterly Medical Needs updates to supporters of the Medical Needs program. |
Education
| How does Rainbow Network support education? | Rainbow Network provides "colectivos," or 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 educational-related expenses. The program is managed by Education Coordinators that regularly check in on the students and monitor their progress and well-being. Scholarship students serve in their community by teaching at the colectivos.
Students, their families, and their communities have access to Rainbow Network resources including basic healthcare, improved nutrition, and economic development. |
| How do I sponsor a student? | Click Here to view students currently available for sponsorship and to sign up online. |
| 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 gift supports 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 sign up for automatic withdrawals, give online, 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? | Students attend high school for five years in Nicaragua. We ask for a one year commitment, but sponsors often choose to sponsor their student through their 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. |
| 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 training on how to build a sustainable business and the materials needed to start the business. They receive continued mentorship throughout the first year of the business. |
| How can I support new business ventures? | Support entrepreneurs by making a gift to the Economic Development program. Simply select "Economic Development" when making your gift online or specify the program when sending in a check. |
| 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, while also filling needs within the community. |
| What are the most common small businesses? | Sewing groups, bakeries, animal husbandry, barber shops, bicycle repair shops and agriculture businesses have all been started through this program! |
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 is the construction process? | A Rainbow Network foreman oversees a construction team. Families participating in the housing project also assist with construction 2 days per week. |
| What requirements must families meet in order to apply for a housing project? | Each family must have children to create change that is multi-generational. 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 are then interviewed by Rainbow Network staff. Participants are selected based on their current living conditions and whether they meet the above requirements. |
| How can I support future housing projects? | You can support the Housing program by selecting "Housing" when making a gift online. |