1. How are students chosen to attend the Balo school?
Check out our Admissions Page. Students apply and are selected to attend the school based on individual need. Children with the greatest need are given priority. Needs of children include, single or no parent home, other siblings in the home, lack of sufficient money to support the family, no or minimal prior education. Applicants go through a formal interview and home visit to ensure proper placement in the school.
2. How are we connected to children and families in the slums in India?
We live in a global society, and although you may not see or personally know the child in India, we are connected. We consume the products they produce regularly. They make our zippers. Their doctors are on call to read our radiology reports at two in the morning. Their computer scientists fix our glitches. We enjoy the spice blends and food they create.
3. How much of my donation goes to help the poor?
100% of your donation goes to support the poor. The Balo USA board covers all of the operating costs associated with the organization.
4. Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! Balo USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You will receive a tax deductible receipt with your donation.
5. Can I fundraise for Balo USA?
Yes! Please contact us at balousa15@gmail.com for more information. Visit our Sponsor an Event page more more information.
6. Why should I contribute to poor children in India? They are not my problem. Why doesn’t Balo do something to help the homeless in our neighborhoods?
One simple word – IMPACT. We live in an interconnected world, not in isolation within our neighborhood or local community. According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States spends an average of $15,621 per student for a public education every year. For a private, English language immersion school that serves students thoroughly screened as the poorest in the slums, Balo spent $333 in 2024.
Providing these children with an education that prepares them to enter the university while teaching them English gives them a life full of opportunities that contribute to our global, thoughtful and compassionate employed adult. Ignoring them because they don’t live in our neighborhood increases the drain of resources in our world and produces another adult trying to get by and raise a family in despair.
Balo loves children in the USA and encourages you to donate funds for education and the homeless. Explore the impact of your generosity, and make comparisons. We hope you can donate to Balo too!