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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• How can I become involved in MPI?
• How can I start a MPI chapter at my university/college?
• How do I sponsor a child?
• Is Managua, Nicaragua the only international on-site location?
• What will the money I donate be used for?
• Does MPI have a religious affiliation?

How can I become involved in MPI?

There are a number of ways to become involved in MPI. If you are interested in volunteering to work and serve with MPI, please learn more in the volunteer section of this site. If you are interested in financially supporting MPI, please visit the donate page. Your support and interest in MPI is what keeps us serving those communities who are in desperate need of love and care.

How can I start a MPI chapter at my university/college?

There are a few steps in order to start a MPI chapter at your university/college. The first step is to contact us to talk about your ideas. From there, we will help guide you with advice and support to contact the appropriate departments at your school. The growth of MPI is greatly up to you, so your effort to expand MPI will help us all reach a greater number of needy communities.

Is Managua, Nicaragua the only on-site location?

At this point, the only MPI international on-site location is Managua. However, MPI is always looking to send teams to other parts of the world, regardless of the country. In fact, we´re currently working on plans to start a new site in Ecuador. If you have an idea for a potential trip, contact us. We would love to hear your ideas.

What will the money I donate be used for?

The decision is yours. When you donate money to MPI, you have the option of donating your money to any part of the program. If you want to support a particular volunteer, you may specify this. If you want to donate to a particular program (ie: sports, literacy, etc.), you may also do that. Or, if you have no preference, your donation will be applied to the area of MPI in greatest need. Your donations are a key factor in keeping MPI stable and able to carry out our mission and vision. We greatly appreciate your support.

Does MPI have a religious affiliation?

MPI is not a religiously affiliated organization. Religious teaching and/or evangelization is not included in our mission. However, some members of the group take their faith seriously, so it is important to be aware that each individual is entitled to their own set of beliefs. Manna Project members represent diverse personal beliefs and backgrounds; most importantly, MPI volunteers are united in their passion to serve others, both on-site and within the communities of focus.

In raising support for MPI, members should feel comfortable approaching religious and non-religious groups. Likewise, MPI volunteers will be working aside other organizations that have a religious affiliation, as well as those that do not. In Managua, Manna´s primary partners are the August´s, a Christian missionary family. They are aware that our organization is non-religious and that our group members represent different faiths. MPI´s efforts will be made with as many nonprofit organizations and other religious groups to create as many opportunities as possible for volunteers and community members alike. This comes back to one of the fundamental goals of MPI: to participate in a strong network of transnational organizations focused around service to impoverished communities.

Nicaragua is a predominantly Catholic country with a growing Evangelical Christian movement. Volunteers in Nicaragua will most likely be exposed to church services, worship, Bible studies, and other religious practices and rituals. MPI members may or may not take part in these activities. However, no one ought to feel forced to participate or uncomfortable as an observer.

For further questions or clarifications, please call (615) 866-5179.