STI is a non-profit organization that helps the poor through micro financing & other livelihood project and become a productive member of the community.

2. What makes STI different from other organizations?

STI is different from other organizations in the way help is provided. Beneficiaries are required to undergo seminars on health and sanitation, civic consciousness, spiritual awareness, literacy, values formation, and business management.

3. How many towns does STI service?

STI through STM, our sister organization in the Philippines, serves 5 towns in the Camarines Sur, 3 towns in Albay, 1 in Sorsogon, 1 in Nueva Ecija, and 1 in Pampanga.

4. What types of livelihood does STI support?

STI provides financial support to a vast number of livelihood like fish, meat, rice, vinegar vendors, small time or family type sari-sari store, carinderia, transportation (tricycle,….) and the like.

5. How many times can someone borrow money from STI?

Beneficiaries may apply for loans as long as they meet the requirements set forth by STM.

6. What is the present repayment rate?

Based on second quarter of 2003 report, we have a low of 75% to a high of 98% repayment rate.

7. How can a donor/sponsor find out where or how their donation is being used?

STI provides a quarterly progress report (including testimonials) to each sponsor

8. How is STI structured?

STI is structured as the financial source or the financier of the different micro financing projects through STM, our sister organization in the Philippines, who does the recruiting, selecting, training, educating as well as doing the follow up on the progress of each recipients

9. Where can I get more information on STI?

Call (510) 573-2908
Visit www.save-a-tahanan.org
Email info@save-a-tahanan .org

10. Under what situations is STI unable to operate?

When STI runs out of donors/sponsors who provides financial support, loss faith in the STI vision of helping our poor kababayans

11. What do I get from STI?

The feeling of satisfaction of helping our poor kababayans, use of the tax benefits, philanthropic achievements and the assurance that your donations goes to the right people who needed it most

12. How can I join?

You can be sponsor, a donor, or a volunteer. A sponsor can be an individual responsible for supporting a specific STM Chapter. A donor is an individual or organization who supports STI operations and projects. A volunteer is an individual who gives time and resources to STI. There is no required minimum donation.

13. How much should I give?

Any amount is appreciated.

14. What do I need to put-up a project in my hometown?

You need to be a sponsor to put up a project.

15. Can I choose which chapter will my money go?

Yes, you can.

16. What percentage of my donation actually goes to the beneficiaries?

85% of your donation goes directly to the beneficiaries, and the remainder goes to administrative expenses.

17. What kind of donations do you accept other than cash?

By helping us on our fund raising campaigns, telling your friends and relatives about what we do, looking for potential sponsors, and help in administrative tasks, e.g. typing, and sending out flyers.

18. What is 501(3)(c)?

Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) refers to a classification of charitable organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Please visit http://www.irs.gov for more information.

19 . Can I use STI (and enjoy tax benefits) to send funds to another NGO

Sorry it is not possible, doing so defeats the purpose of the STI mission.

20. What is STI's Tax ID number?

94-3229144

21. What controls are in place to ensure that funds are properly handled and spent?

In every STM Chapter, the officers appointed have specific duties wherein the control of funds is incorporated in their functions, re:

The Treasurer handls the funds wich are deposited in the bank.
The Treasurer keeps record of all cash transactions.
A Bookkeeper also records all transactions. Fund balance should equal with how much the Treasurer have on hand.
Loans should always be covered with Promissory Notes.
All expenses should be supported with bills or other back ups.
No single person should approve payments or withdrawals.

Other controls can be imposed for sustainability.

22. Is there a possibility of collaborating with other non-profit organizatoin with the same mission/vision for strength and project effectiveness?

Our project are implemented in collaboration with other local organizations.

23. Is it necessary for a donor to specify which place or chapter the donation will go?

No, it is not necessary.

24. Do you have statistics on other non-profit organizations doing what STI/STM is doing?

Yes, we have several.

25. Where will STI be ten (10) years from now?

STM projects are designed for long term sustainability.

26. How can you guarantee STI's sustainability?

To guarantee sustainability, we need your help and support!