Financial Information for LST International Projects

Financial Information for LST International Projects

We believe God provides the resources needed for the work He calls us to do. We also believe it’s important to be clear about how project funds are raised, managed, and used. The information below explains LST’s financial policies for international projects.

1. General Information
   1. The Let’s Start Talking Ministry (LST) is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization located in Hurst, TX. EIN: 73-1570162.
   2. All donations are non-refundable, become the property of LST, and are used at its discretion to support its charitable mission.
2. Fundraising for LST Projects
   1. LST uses a shared-cost model. Funds raised for all projects are pooled and used to cover expenses across all projects.
   2. Each Worker commits to raising the fundraising goal established by LST. In return, LST covers all work-related project expenses.
   3. Each fundraising goal includes an LST administrative fee ($600 for LST Projects; $300 for YoungFriends and domestic Projects).
   4. Fundraising goals are based primarily on project length.
   5. 2027 Fundraising Goals:
      1. 2 weeks: $3,900
      2. 3-4 weeks: $4,100
      3. 5-6 weeks: $4,400
      4. Minor (18 or under and traveling with family): Same fundraising goal minus $1,000.
      5. Domestic: Base+=$585 plus budget submitted by team
      6. YoungFriends: Contact LST.
   6. Workers are also responsible for personal expenses, including:
      1. Application fee (non-refundable)
      2. Passport fees
      3. Fundraising expenses
      4. Personal spending during travel (souvenirs, gifts, free-time travel, etc.)
3. Fundraising Deadlines
   1. 90 days before departure: $2,000 due
   2. 30 days before departure: Remaining balance due
   3. Teams formed fewer than 90 days before departure must submit half immediately, with the remaining funding due 30 days before departure.
4. If You Miss a Deadline
   1. 90-Day Deadline:
      1. Your status becomes inactive and a two-week grace period begins.
      2. If the required amount has not been received by the end of this period, you will be removed from the project.
   2. 30-Day Deadline:
      1. A five-day grace period will be provided.
      2. If the remaining balance has not been received by the end of this period, you will be removed from the project.
   3. If you are removed from a project, funds already raised will first cover incurred expenses and the administrative fee. Any remaining funds will stay in your project account for future use.
5. Travel 
   1. LST pays for a standard (“Base”) airline ticket from one U.S. city to the project site and back to the same US city.
   2. Any travel arrangements beyond the Base Ticket are the Worker’s responsibility. Additional costs must be paid when LST purchases the ticket.
6. Medical Expenses
   1. LST provides Workers with a basic travel/medical insurance policy but does not pay medical expenses.
   2. If a host country or LST Host requires immunizations or preventive medication, LST will reimburse eligible costs according to the current project budget.
7. Cancellations and Remaining Funds 
   1. If you Cancel or Defer
      1. Any project expenses already paid or committed will be deducted from your project account whether or not you travel.
      2. The LST administrative fee will also be deducted.
   2. Remaining Funds
      1. If your project account has remaining funds after all project expenses and fees have been deducted, you may request that LST:
         1. Hold those funds for a future LST project
            1. Going next year? Submit a request (below) and complete next year’s Project Application. No holdover fee applies.
            2. Going in a later year? Submit a request (below). An annual holdover fee of $300 applies.
         2. Transfer the funds to another approved Worker currently fundraising for an LST Project.
         3. Release the funds to support LST.
      2. Unless you submit a request by December 15 (link below), any funds remaining in your project account will be released to LST. All decisions regarding the use of funds are final.
      3. A new request is required each year. Submit it HERE.
      4. Project accounts with less than $300 cannot be carried forward.
      5. Held funds may not exceed $5,000 per person ($10,000 for a couple, etc.). Any amount above these limits will be released to LST at year-end.

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