What does Sister Domingas’ Foundation do?
Our stated mission is to channel much-needed donations to worthwhile, hands-on charities, beginning with the Casa da Criança orphanage run by Sister Domingas Loureiro in the outskirts of Luanda, Angola. Her work was featured on American Idol as a part of the “Idol Gives Back” campaign during seasons 8 and 9. Former Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi and contestant Elliot Yamin have visited the orphanage in Angola in order to draw attention to Sister Domingas’ critically important work.
How did the foundation begin?
The Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation was formed by supporters and admirers of the work of Sister Domingas Loureiro. The intention of the founders is to raise funds for the children that Sister Domingas cares for. Her tireless work and her desperate need for funds inspired us to form the foundation to help the Sister help others. As Sister Domingas always says, ‘”It’s all about the Children.”
Why should I donate to Sister Domingas?
Your contribution will have a direct and positive affect on the lives of at-risk and orphaned children in Luanda. Sister Domingas has proven herself extremely worthy of your support due to her lifetime of commitment to helping children in the war-torn country of Angola.
What type of organization is the Sister Domingas Foundation?
The Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation is a registered USA 501(c)3 organization. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible. Please communicate with your tax professional for further information.
Do you accept non-monetary donations?
We have sent uniforms for the children and other such non-monetary donations. If you have an idea for a contribution please contact the President.
At this time there is urgent need to expand the Casa da Criança to properly accommodate the children who currently live there and to take in more children in need. We would gladly accept contributions of any amount. Please contact the President for further information.
What are acceptable methods of giving donations?
The best way to contribute is through our Paypal. We also will gladly accept any check or money order made out to the Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation.
Where can I send check/cash donations?
Checks can be sent to the following address:
Contributions: Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation 2237 Edinburg Avenue Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007
How can I volunteer with Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation in the US?
Please contact the President for information on how you can help.
How can I volunteer with Sister Domingas’ foundation in Angola (OCSI)?
Obtaining a visa to enter Angola is not an easy task and it can be costly. There are Angolan consulates in NYC and Houston where you can find out more information about obtaining your visa. This process can be quite lengthy so make sure to start your visa application process with ample time.
We also recommend you have all of your vaccinations and malaria medicine. Angola requires you to produce your yellow fever card to enter and depart. Usually yellow fever vaccination and malaria medicine are not covered by medical insurance. Make sure to have enough malaria medicine for the length of your stay.
Another good preparation idea is to learn some Portuguese. We have been teaching the children at the orphanage some English, but in reality the children and Sister Domingas only speak Portuguese.
For more information on how you can help, please contact the President at Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation.
How will my sponsorship contribution be spent?
A breakdown of the budget and expenses of the Casa da Criança orphanage is available on our website at the www.sisterdomingas.org.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my sponsorship and/or donations?
Please contact the President or admin.
I’d like to donate to your foundation but I can only donate to religious organizations. How do I go about it?
We are in contact with US based religious charities who are willing to receive donations on behalf of Sister Domingas. Please contact the Executive Director or President for additional details.
Can I donate to a specific child in the orphanage?
Sister Domingas treats all of the children equally based on the funds that are received. In this way, even on a short budget, each child gets the best level of care that can be afforded. We would be happy to offer you information about the specific children of the orphanage at any time.
Can I donate to a specific program?
Yes, we are currently asking for your support for two specific programs. You are free to choose the specific destination of your contribution.
Does all the money donated go to Sister Domingas and the Casa da Criança?
The Sister Domingas Foundation is currently operating on an entirely volunteer basis. All money that is collected will go directly to Sister Domingas except for those fees and expenses which are absolutely necessary to run the foundation, such as legal fees, web hosting, etc. Future growth of the foundation may require the retention of one or more full time professionals at which time we would fully disclose their compensation and expenses. Our primary goal is to maximize the amount of money that is sent to the Casa da Criança in order to make the greatest impact on the lives of the children.
Will I get a receipt for my donation?
You will automatically receive a receipt upon your generous donation through Paypal. If you prefer to give directly to the foundation by other means, we will issue you a receipt upon receipt of your check or money order made out to the Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation and mailed to the address listed above.
How can I be certain that the Sister Domingas and Friends Foundation is a worthwhile organization?
Sister Domingas’ work has been recognized internationally and was highlighted on the television show American Idol. We created the foundation to ensure that her selfless work can continue. We are singularly dedicated to her mission of helping the children of Angola who have been orphaned, displaced or put at extreme risk by thirty years of almost continuous war. As Sister Domingas has shown us, there is nothing more important for the future of our world than the welfare of the children. Sister Domingas remains a beacon of hope for the children of Luanda and an inspiration to all of us.
How are the funds you receive used to help children in need?
The Orphanage is run by a professional staff that cares for their every need within the limits of their budget. Children receive the best care that available funds can provide. Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world which is why funds are so desperately needed to ensure the health and safety of these children.
Can I visit the Orphanage?
Everyone is welcome to visit the Orphanage and see the work that Sister Domingas is accomplishing. “American Idol” standout Elliot Yamin has visited three times already with plans to return soon.
As a sponsor, what do I receive throughout the year?
Please sign up for our newsletter. You will receive information and updates about our successes and our continuing needs.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
All donations to the foundation are tax deductible. Sister Domingas and Friends is a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable foundation with 501 (c)(3) status. Please contact your accountant to understand all of the legal and tax implications regarding your contribution.