As Bolivia is a developing country, unemployment rates are high and the average wage for a factory worker is only $120 a month. Sustainable Bolivia does not want to take jobs away from locals, but rather offer support to organizations that are strapped for resources. One of Sustainable Bolivia’s purposes is to promote sustainable community work in Cochabamba without allocating resources back to the first world.  In an effort to realize this purpose, we acquire funding to support grassroots initiatives in the field.  We use these resources to directly fund participant designed projects.  Our fees do not merely cover administrative costs but also act as contributions where resources are most needed.

You will also notice that our fees are much lower (in many cases as much as 400% lower), than similar programs.  We are able to maintain such low prices since we are a non-profit foundation.  Our mission is to provide global educational opportunities and work experience, while promoting economic and environmental sustainability in Bolivia; not to turn a sizable profit. All fees go directly to funding project development and participant expenses.  Fess are principally allocated towards the following:

1. Donations and mini grants made to our partner organizations
2. Room and Board (utilities, telephone, internet, etc.)
3. In-Country Support and Administration
4. Program Maintenance
5. Legal and Logistical Costs

• 75% Field expenses. This includes room and board, in-country support sessions, in-country administration, logistics and program maintenance.

• 8% US Administration. These expenses cover the cost of maintaining and growing the organization in the United States. This includes rent, office supplies, copies, printing and internal costs.

• 17% Grants. These grants fund Sustainable Bolivia’s Partner Organizations for approved sustainable development projects. A portion of each participant’s program fee is granted to the hosting organization, to be put to use as you and your supervisor decide.

These amounts reflect our mission to both provide the most support to you and provide the most direct line of help to the NGOs with which you will be working. Sustainable Bolivia makes every effort to ensure that are costs are minimized, thereby allowing a maximum number of participants to have a hands-on experience with organizations that genuinely appreciate and require the services of volunteers and interns.