Questions you may have... Are the bracelets really made in Africa? Yes, this picture is of one of many women who have adopted AIDS orphans and care for them in their homes.   By working on a project like this, she is able to stay near home instead of seeking work in the city.  This woman works in a group near Kampala, Uganda.  They began their craft work with the help of a small loan from Opportunity International. Why can't I order 1 or 2 bracelets? We are a very simple, grassroots organization made up of volunteers.  We don't have the budget to keep track of individual orders.  Also, we want this to be a way for churches and other groups to help get their members involved.  How much money goes to overhead? The AIDS Bracelet Project takes no money for overhead.  No one receives a salary.  The cost of the bracelets and the shipping is paid for by gifts from a foundation and proceeds from sales of The Skeptic's Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis*.  Each organization has agreed to send every penny possible to the orphans with only the necessary costs to pay for personnel and administration of the funds. Some of the proceeds from this book help fund the AIDS Bracelet Project. (Click on image for more information) How are those who make the bracelets compensated? Foundation funding for the AIDS Orphan Bracelet Project buys the bracelets from those who make them so they are able to support their families and the orphans they have taken in.  These women have been able to start and build their bracelet making businesses with a microloan from Opportunity International.  The proceeds from selling the bracelets in the United States go straight back into supporting AIDS Orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. How can I be sure my money goes directly to the orphans? First, you can give your money directly to your church or you can make checks payable to The AIDS Orphan Fund, c/o The National Christian Foundation.  Your church or organization can collect the funds and send one check to the The AIDS Bracelet Project at 5505 Connecticut Ave. NW # 290, Washington, DC  20015. From there, the AIDS Bracelet Project sends all proceeds to the National Christian Foundation/AIDS Orphan Fund where it is divided among the partners. Each of the partners involved has agreed to use the funds for AIDS orphans and has identified specific projects that will receive the funds.  Can I ask that my gift go to just one partner or ministry? No, these groups have agreed to work together for the good of AIDS orphans.  If your church already supports one of these ministries, please keep supporting the organization as you have.  This is an additional fund, just for AIDS orphans.  One of the special aspects of this fund is that Christian ministries are working together.  We don't want to take away from funds already going to a ministry. How can I get my church involved? Your church doesn't have to do anything but be willing to accept funds and then write a check for the same amount.  The church receives credit for the donations.  But most churches will need one person or group to take responsibility for the project.  It can be the women's ministry, the youth group or a Sunday school class.  If you are willing to assume responsibility for the project, you can help your church take on this project.  You can send your order to orders@aidsbracelets.org Can individuals do this on their own? Yes, many individuals are ordering bracelets and then telling their friends about the project.  We ask for a minimum order of 5 just to keep the cost of shipping to a minimum.  You may order the bracelets, collect funds, and then just write a check to The AIDS Orphan Fund so that no cash is mailed. How and when do we pay? We do not ask you to pay for the bracelets up front.  We are an organization based on trust.  Once we send you the bracelets and you collect the donations, you, your church or other organization makes one check payable to The AIDS Orphan Fund, c/o The National Christian Foundation mailed to The AIDS Orphan Bracelet Project, 5505 Connecticut Ave NW #290, Washington, DC 20015. Can we pay for the bracelets up front? If you want to send a check before gathering the funds, that is great.  Your money will get to the organizations more quickly and orphans will get help sooner.  But this entire project is based on trust.  Please send the funds when you can. How much does each bracelet cost? We do not charge a specific price for the bracelets, but ask that organizations request $20 for each bracelet.  We understand that some cannot afford to give $20, so we leave it to the discretion of the individual or organization to give as much as possible. Can we send more than $20 for each bracelet? We ask that you only request $20 for each bracelet in order to be consistent.  Some people cannot afford to give $20 so if some groups give more it will help cover the shortfall.  Anything you send will go directly to the fund. Can we order more than 100 bracelets? Yes, if your church wants to take this on as a major fund drive we will be glad to send more bracelets.  But please be sure that you will be able to really use all of the bracelets. Why are we asking people who take a bracelet to tell someone else about AIDs orphans? Raising money is just one aspect of this program.  Raising awareness of the situation is another.  We want people to wear the bracelet and use it as a reason to tell someone else about the enormous number of AIDS orphans and how every person can help make a difference. After we do the bracelet project what's next? Consider supporting one or more of the ministries involved in this project.  Form an AIDS task force in your church.  See if you can help lead a Sunday school class on the subject.  Write to your member of Congress and ask that more money be spent on AIDS.  Pray. What if I have more questions? Send us an email at info@aidsbracelets.org  Or write to us at The AIDS Orphan Bracelet Project, 5505 Connecticut Ave. NW # 290, Washington, DC  20015.