What Happens to Your Donation to Start with a Smile Project?

Who runs the Start with a Smile GoFundMe?

A project volunteer who lives in the US organizes it, and Amalia Jarquín, who founded Start with a Smile Project (Proyecto Sonrisas), is listed as co-creator. According to the fundraiser page, the money is for students in Las Delicias del Jobo, Taxisco, Santa Rosa: improving their schools, furnishing them and giving the kids school supplies.

It is a personal fundraiser, not a charity one. Start with a Smile is a nonprofit, nonpolitical and nonreligious community initiative, but it is not a registered NGO and cannot issue tax-deductible receipts. GoFundMe doesn't send tax receipts for personal fundraisers either (GoFundMe tax information).

One detail explains the setup: GoFundMe only pays out to bank accounts in 20 countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Australia and several in Europe, and Guatemala isn't one of them (GoFundMe requirements). For causes in other countries, GoFundMe says the organizer receives the funds and delivers them outside the platform (GoFundMe).

How much of my donation actually reaches the fundraiser?

For personal fundraisers in the US, GoFundMe charges nothing to start or run the fundraiser, but takes a processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation (GoFundMe pricing). For example:

• You give $50.
• The fee is $1.75 ($1.45 plus $0.30).
• The fundraiser receives $48.25.

At checkout, GoFundMe suggests a tip for the platform. It's optional and doesn't go to the project, so you can set it to zero before you confirm (how to donate). If you give from outside the US, your bank may charge a currency conversion fee; GoFundMe doesn't. Whatever you carry in your suitcase skips fees entirely and arrives as is.

What have donations to Start with a Smile paid for?

The results come from all donations together, cash and in-kind, plus the work of Amalia, her family, friends, volunteers and partner projects. In the schools of Las Delicias del Jobo, that adds up to:

• more than 4,000 notebooks;
• more than 100 desks and more than 120 pieces of school furniture;
• electricity, a kitchen, blackboards and roofs;
• painted schools, toilets and medical days;
• school supplies for about 500 children every year.

And since Christmas 2014, the project has set out from Antigua every December 24 to bring gifts to children waiting by the road to Tecpán. Each package holds a toothbrush and toothpaste, a nutritious food and a toy; one recent year that meant 500 packages and, with donated toys, close to 1,000 gifts. See both projects on Help Las Delicias and Paint Smiles for Christmas.

What happens to the supplies and toys I pack in my suitcase?

In-kind donations never touch GoFundMe. The path is short and starts with a message:

1. You write to us before your trip on WhatsApp at +502 5562 3313 or at amaliajarquin@gmail.com.
2. We agree on how to receive what you bring in Antigua Guatemala.
3. Amalia and the volunteers hand it to the children, at the schools or at the Christmas delivery.

Bring items from our How to help list, since that's what the project asks for. Guatemala's customs agency lets travelers bring up to $500 in goods beyond personal luggage duty-free, under its conditions (SAT). The details are in how to donate from the US or abroad.

How do I know my donation reached the children?

• Photos of deliveries. Deliveries and progress are posted with photos on Facebook and Instagram, with a selection on our photos page.
• Independent press. Guatemala's Prensa Libre told the project's story in October 2021, and Guatemala.com covered its Christmas drive in December 2022. More on our press page.
• Ask directly. Write to Amalia, or use the contact button on the GoFundMe page, which the platform recommends as your first step if you have questions about a fundraiser (GoFundMe, donating safely).
• GoFundMe's protection. If something isn't right, GoFundMe guarantees donors a full refund (GoFundMe Giving Guarantee).

What do the schools in Las Delicias del Jobo need now?

The 7 schools the project supports, primary schools and lower secondary schools known as telesecundarias, serve more than 700 children ages 6 to 16. Today's list: school supplies, desks, shoes, recess games for the primary grades, backpacks and a computer. The biggest challenge is building a proper secondary school so more young people can keep studying.

To help with that, give on GoFundMe. If you're traveling to Guatemala, message us and we'll coordinate your in-kind donation. Still comparing options? Read how to choose a charity in Guatemala and our donating in Guatemala FAQ.