What would be the best way to solict funds for an orphanage being built in China?

Question

I am an American who wants to help some Tibetans in China establish an orphanage. They need just $100,000 to build an orphanage for 120 children. They are currently applying for an NGO/NPO (non-profit organization), but this will take time. The local government has given them a 1 year time limit (until 12/31/07) to construct the orphanage. Could foundations provide funding before the Tibetans establish their NGO/NPO? Is it legal to ask American individuals to donate money without an NGO/NPO? What would be the best way to get funding for this very worthy cause?

Answer 1

Keep it non-Christian. Benevolent religious groups still scare the Bejeezus out of the Marxist bureaucratic dictatorships.

But I'm biased.

Free Tibet.

Answer 2

Most foundations will NOT provide grants to organizations without NPO/NGO status. The Foundation Center website can give you more info if you need it
http://foundationcenter.org/

Most Foundations will have it in their grant guidelines if they give to organizations without NPO/NGO status. Your local library should have a copy of the Foundation Center's "Foundation Directory" which lists the basic guidelines for a majority of American foundations.

It *is* legal to ask Americans individuals to donate to something that is not a registered NGO/NPO - as long as you don't claim to be registered and you do NOT tell them their contribution is tax deductible. In fact, you should explicitly state that it is not tax deductible on your solicitation, to be on the safe side.

Essentially, it is like a homeless person asking for your change. The person who gives money to this person is helping someone in need, but doesn't expect them to have any official status or to be able to claim it as a tax deduction.

Ideas for funding - these groups and or their members: local Buddhist groups, organizations of Tibetan exiles or other supporters, non-denominational churches & religious organizations. Perhaps use the internet to research for prominant individuals in your area who are active in overseas child welfare or Tibetan issues. Maybe a "word of mouth" campaign - put up a MySpace or some such page talking about how the project is worthy and why people should support it....