What is the SOAR Foundation's purpose?
We are a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political organization dedicated to providing scholarships so indigent students in China can continue their secondary, vocational and higher education. We were founded in California in 1995.
Who receives SOAR Scholarships?
Academically excellent students who lack the funding to continue their high school or similar level vocational school education. They are mostly between the ages of 15-18, and live in remote regions of China.
Since 2022, SOAR has been officially registered as an overseas NGO with a representative office in Beijing. As part of this transition, we changed our approach: instead of accepting individual applications, we now collaborate directly with schools in rural areas where over 25% of the students come from families facing financial difficulties.
How is the SOAR Scholarship distributed?
Since 2022, scholarship funds are sent directly to the schools, which then distribute the appropriate amounts to each selected student. Each student is required to sign upon receiving their scholarship, and SOAR collects all signed receipts for verification and record-keeping purposes.
How are SOAR Scholarship funds used by the selected students?
The annual scholarship fund is used to help cover tuitions and fees, and to purchase books. The amount is US$450 for high school and vocational school recipient, and US$700 for college student.
How does SOAR Foundation ascertain how the scholarship funds are used?
- After receiving funding the scholarship recipient will mail the receipt back to SOAR Foundation. Records are kept in the SOAR headquarter in USA. Specifics are available for review by the donors.
- Using their own funding, SOAR Foundation members get a first-hand knowledge of how the funds are used during periodic onsite visits.
What does the SOAR Foundation expenditure come from?
SOAR Foundation expenditure comes from general donations and membership dues. Donations are designated exclusively for scholarship use. Membership due is US$25.00 per year, and US$500.00 for lifetime membership. All SOAR Foundation workers are non-salaried volunteers.
Are donations to SOAR Foundation tax deductible?
Yes. The foundation’s 501C-3 tax ID number is 94-3255490.