🎓 How to Apply for Financial Aid from the KJSO
Students in need of financial assistance to participate in the KJSO international tour may apply for a scholarship or extended payment plan. A committee of KJSO board members will review financial aid applications based on financial need and instrumentation. All travelers are eligible to apply regardless of income levels. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they’re unsure whether they qualify, as the review process considers a variety of factors and aims to support the widest possible participation in alignment with KJSO’s educational mission. Financial aid may take the form of direct financial support (a scholarship), an extended payment plan, or a combination of both, depending on the applicant's eligibility and need.
Financial Aid Application Form: KJSO Tour Financial Aid Application N.B. Tour Scholarships have been already dispersed.
🍊 Fundraising for the International Tour
In addition to financial aid options such as scholarships and extended payment plans, students, families, and friends can support individual travelers and the Tour Scholarship Fund through independent fundraising efforts.
Best way to raise money for your individual travel costs:
Create a personal crowdfunding project. Here are some informational links to get you started:
Note: These links are provided for informational purposes only and are not endorsed by the KJSO. Please research carefully and choose the option that works best for you. Some travelers may prefer traditional methods such as collecting cash or checks from family and friends, depositing those into a personal account, and then making payments directly to the KJSO.
Q: Will the KJSO organize fundraisers that I can participate in to directly reduce my individual tour costs?
A: No. Due to current IRS regulations, the KJSO is not permitted to organize fundraisers that credit proceeds to specific individuals. (See explanation below.)
Q: Can my family and friends make payments or donations directly to the KJSO on my behalf?
A: No. Per IRS guidelines, the KJSO can only accept tour payments from the traveler or the traveler’s legal guardian. (See explanation below.)
Q: If the KJSO can’t accept donations toward my individual tour cost, what is the organization doing to help?
A: The KJSO will:
Direct proceeds from KJSO-wide fundraisers (such as the Annual Fruit Sale) and staff-driven campaigns (such as general donations) into the Tour Scholarship Fund.
Pool all tour-related fundraising profits and distribute them based on criteria outlined in the KJSO International Tour Financial Aid Application.
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If you know someone who would like to support the Tour Scholarship Fund, they can donate at kjso.org/tour-donations.
For more information about matching gifts, stock transfers, or other ways to contribute, please contact the KJSO office.
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Below are IRS resources that explain why the KJSO structures its financial aid and fundraising program this way:
IRS Guidance Supporting KJSO’s Approach:
Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Readers should consult qualified legal or financial professionals to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or situation.
