Our Approach
We believe that each child is worthy and unique and can transcend poverty with the right support.
Children are different in their talents and abilities, likes and dislikes, but they all deserve our assistance. Unlike some organizations that only provide education, or only serve the "smartest" of poor children or those of a particular religious ideology, the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children (MNFC) helps all children in need including those with mental, educational and physical disabilities, as well as those who are academically gifted. We utilize a holistic approach that is tailored to each child's needs. We support children through their journey into adulthood and independence. We respect their religious affiliations and never seek to influence them. We also recognize that our children's needs extend beyond education. Children from poor families are best able to succeed and grow when they have access to social, emotional, medical, educational and environmental support; to this end, we provide more services such as counseling, career guidance, training for mothers, empowerment workshops, after school programs, nutritious meals and a school readiness/Montessori based day program.
The result is that children in MNFC programs are often the first in their families to get an education, enabling the whole family to exit the vicious cycle of poverty that is so common in Nepal. Educating a child offers tremendously positive socio-economic improvement for a family and, in turn, a whole community. This approach to changing lives guides our organization in everything we do and has allowed us to make a difference by working with one child at a time.
Discover the Benefits of Giving Wisely
Did you know there are creative ways to support Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children, Inc.? Ways in which Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children, you and your loved ones all benefit at the same time?
Such giving techniques are called "planned gifts", because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children.
Name Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children in Your Will
Make us part of your family. A gift through your will or estate is the easiest gift you can make today.
- Learn More →
- Here's the language to use in your will →
- Or use a simple codicil to modify your will →
United States Savings Bonds
You can donate savings bonds to Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children by designating us as a beneficiary of the bonds.
Stocks and Investment Accounts: You've Planned for the Future
You receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them.
Join the Nancy Williger Legacy Circle
The Nancy Williger Legacy Circle honors those who share our commitment to maximally impact the lives of severely underprivileged Nepali children who in turn contribute to their community. As a member of the Nancy Williger Legacy Circle, you will have access to annual special events. You will also receive updates on our programs through the annual Legacy Report and letter from Executive Director and Founder Dr. Christine Schutz.
The Nancy Williger Legacy Circle was created to honor the leadership and legacy of Nancy Williger, PhD. Nancy is a retired social worker and clinical psychologist who, with Christine, created MNFC and tirelessly worked to establish and maintain our vision, mission, core values and operating principles. Nancy has served since MNFC's inception as our first child sponsor and the longest continuous sponsor since 2002. She is the former Board Vice President and President, Chairperson of the Executive and Sponsorship Committees and now serves as Past President of the MNFC Board of Directors and is a member of the Board Development, Sponsorship and Executive Committees. Her first sponsored child Ishwori graduated in 2019 and is now a social worker in Nepal. She currently sponsors another young woman who is also studying to be a social worker.
"Over the years I have had many roles with Mitrata and have been actively committed to helping Mitrata grow as an organization. It has been one of the best parts of my life for so many reasons. As I get older it makes sense to me to look into how I can continue to help Mitrata grow into a future that goes beyond my lifetime. In my estate plan, I have made Mitrata a beneficiary of my SEP IRA, which will make it easier on my heirs as money they receive from there is taxable to them while Mitrata can use it tax free. While I am still alive, I can take my annual donation to Mitrata off the top of my required minimum distribution (RMD) that I must take every year and is considered taxable income. This donation reduces my actual income so it is a tax savings as well. I have also set up a Donor Advised Fund to which I can make tax deductible contributions and then donate from there to Mitrata. I know this all may sound complicated and it is easy to put off planning of this type, but I think it helps me to think that I can still be helping and making a difference at this time in my life. From someone who knows this organization inside and out, both in Nepal and the USA, I can tell you that what you give will be used with care and it will help children who otherwise would not have a chance to get an education. For children in Nepal, an education gives them a chance to succeed while helping their family too. What you give will change their lives and, you never know, it might change yours too."
- Nancy Williger