Frequently Asked Questions

What are the guiding principles of the China AIDS Orphan Fund? The sole purpose of our work is to provide AIDS victims and their children medical, educational and humanitarian support. The China AIDS Orphan Fund gives grants to qualified non-governmental organizations to maximum effect by keeping overhead costs to a minimum. With the largest known HIV+ population and to date the most AIDS orphans, our humanitarian support is focused in Henan Province.

How are contributions used in China? The Fund works to ensure orphans have a future! Our funding priorities are education for AIDS orphans, humanitarian services to families affected by HIV/AIDS, medical care and training, as well as foster care and orphanage programs. For example, donations to the China AIDS Orphan Fund are distributed to ensure that children in villages most adversely affected by the AIDS virus have a future by providing tuition and fee assistance to attend local schools.

How are orphans helped? The Fund ensures that AIDS orphans in rural villages are able to receive an education, the essential building block of a successful future. The basic needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS are also met by providing humanitarian services to families and medical care services and training where they live. We are also exploring possibilities to support foster care and orphanages for children whose parents have succumbed to AIDS.

How are children chosen for sponsorship? Under the guidance of Give2Asia, we work with non-governmental, non-profit organizations in China who have a proven track record in identifying orphans eligible for assistance without further stigmatizing them. In every instance CAOF’s goal is to cooperate with village and township officials who have detailed knowledge of each child’s circumstances. Already a very poor region, we seek out only those orphans with the greatest needs and fewest resources to provide for their education and other basic needs.

How is CAOF different from other organizations? The China AIDS Orphan Fund puts the children first. CAOF works with local and reputable on-the-ground organizations to assist in the education of orphans otherwise without resources to fulfill even this basic need. We have knowledgeable, culturally sensitive partners in the villages to ensure that orphans do not fall through the cracks. Our goal is to provide support for humanitarian services with long-lasting impact (e.g., clinics; schooling; water wells; community-based care systems; social support networks; and, income-generating activities).

What is the relationship between CAOF and The Minneapolis Foundation? The Minneapolis Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the United States, recognizes the concern for and desire by our community to provide assistance to AIDS orphans in China. Therefore, the Minneapolis Foundation helped to launch CAOF by serving as the non-profit host of the Fund.

Is CAOF incorporated? Yes, CAOF now stands as its own non-profit organization organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota and has a 501(c)(3) designation.

What is the relationship between CAOF and Give2Asia? Give2Asia is subsidiary foundation of The Asia Foundation based in New York City. Give2Asia facilitates the philanthropic work of organizations in Asia and assists CAOF in establishing reliable and accountable partnerships in the growing non-profit sector in China.

Are donations tax deductible? YES!

How does CAOF pay its staff? CAOF does NOT pay its staff. It is a volunteer organization comprised of committed board members from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and interests. Please see our board member biographies for more information on who we are.

How does CAOF send funds overseas? Give2Asia prepares a grant agreement and oversees the use of CAOF funds by non-governmental organizations in China.

How much is spent on overhead? Since the inception of CAOF, we have used 3.6% of the total funds received to cover administrative expenses, including materials for creating our Henan children’s art exhibit, printing stationery, and filing for non-profit status and incorporation. Through CAOF’s affiliation with The Minneapolis Foundation, 2% of the donations go toward this overhead. An additional small amount (5%) is made to Give2Asia to cover the costs of due diligence and grant administration. The total overhead costs are approximately 10% (ten cents on the dollar), a very low amount compared to virtually any comparable non-profit organization.

How do I know my donations are going where they should? One easy way to learn how your donations are making a difference for AIDS orphans in Henan Province is to sign up for our quarterly newsletter updates. Each issue of the Update will include the Fund’s progress on all fronts: donation goals, orphan assistance provided, prospects for the future, etc. Also, you can track progress by periodically checking our website.

What is the position of the Chinese government on AIDS in Henan?The central government in Beijing has taken an increasingly proactive role in preventing the spread of HIV in China. A government official has discussed publicly the rapid spread of HIV to the broader population of China and, recognizing the experience of other countries in dealing with this issue, encouraged international involvement.