Hearing about Rainbow Network is one thing. Experiencing it firsthand is something entirely different.
That is what Steve discovered more than 20 years ago when he traveled to Nicaragua with Rainbow Network.
At the time, he was just beginning his career – working hard to build a future for his family while also searching for meaningful ways to give back. Through a chance conversation with one of Rainbow Network’s early supporters, he was challenged not only to support the mission financially but to see the work for himself.
Before his trip, Steve had heard inspiring stories of students overcoming tremendous obstacles to earn their high school diplomas. He learned about fathers creating opportunities for their families through home-based businesses and patients receiving life-changing surgeries and medications. He saw reports of new homes being built and communities working together toward a brighter future.
Those stories inspired him to sponsor a student and travel to Nicaragua to witness the impact firsthand (pictured above: Steve and other visitors with children in Nicaragua).
More than two decades later, Steve still speaks with enthusiasm every time he shares about his trip to Nicaragua.
He remembers working alongside families as they built their homes and witnessing the determination of new entrepreneurs striving to create better futures for their children.
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was an unexpected visit with the student he sponsored and her mother—a reunion that left everyone in tears. (Read more about that special experience in our February 2026 blog.)
In just a few days, Steve gained a deeper understanding of what makes Rainbow Network unique. He saw our programs create new opportunities for people, but he also witnessed something even more powerful: the ownership, dignity, and determination of families working to build lasting change for themselves and their communities.
He realized that every dollar invested in the mission was doing more than meeting immediate needs—it was creating opportunities that would continue multiplying for years to come.
When Steve returned home, he set several goals for how to continue supporting the mission. In the short term, he committed to collecting items for container shipments, sponsoring additional students, and sharing Rainbow Network’s story with others. Long term, he dreamed of one day helping create a matching gift opportunity that would inspire even more people to get involved.
Over the years, Steve faithfully achieved each of those goals. He became one of Rainbow Network’s longest-standing supporters, continuing to invest in families and communities year after year.
Today, he is accomplishing his long-term dream.
This month, Steve is sponsoring a $25,000 matching gift challenge. Every donation made to Rainbow Network’s General Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.
The funds raised will help ensure that our life-changing programs remain available for families working toward brighter futures—families just like those who inspired Steve so many years ago.
Perhaps you have heard stories about Rainbow Network. Maybe you have followed our work from afar. Like Steve, you may be wondering how you can make a difference.
This is your opportunity.
Your gift will be doubled through this matching challenge, helping create opportunities that impact families, communities, and future generations. Every dollar provides a hand up – empowering individuals to build lasting change in their own lives.
Help us reach our goal by making your gift today.
If Rainbow Network has impacted your life, if you have your own goals for engaging with our mission, or if you would like to learn more about becoming a matching donor, we would love to talk with you. Please contact us at info@rainbownetwork.org.
Together, we can create opportunities that change lives—not just for today, but for decades to come.
-Megan Herrera, President
*Steve’s name was altered to protect his identity.