Hi, I’m Natan, a high school student and member of the Eritrean Ethiopian Union for Academic Excellence (EEUAE). We are student-led and volunteer-run, and we support Eritrean and Ethiopian first-generation students and new immigrants with mentorship, test and application resources, leadership development, and professional prep in English, Amharic, and Tigrinya.

Why I’m asking for help

We need $275 to file Form 1023 and become an official 501(c)(3). That small, one-time step unlocks tax-deductible giving, grant eligibility, nonprofit partnerships, and the ability to provide certified volunteer hours to student volunteers. Verified hours and formal nonprofit status will make EEUAE a stronger, more sustainable platform that students can rely on and list on college and job applications.

What we already do

• Multilingual college application guides and test prep resources for SAT/ACT and AP.

• Mentorship programs and student panels connecting younger students with peers in college.

• A Publication Co. that aims to publish student writing every week.

• Habesha Voices interview series, featuring students at top universities, which has reached 2,400 views across platforms.

How this $275 will be used

We will use the funds to file Form 1023 and cover the official filing and related administrative fees. If we raise more than $275, extra money will go toward the initial nonprofit setup: basic branding and domain, volunteer verification letters, and minimal legal or accounting consultation.

Why this matters

Becoming a registered nonprofit changes what we can do. With 501(c)(3) status we can: accept tax-deductible donations that attract larger sponsors; apply for grants; offer verified volunteer hour documentation to student volunteers; partner formally with university EESA chapters and community organizations; and start sponsoring scholarships and competitions in pitch, STEM, and writing. That helps students who otherwise would not have the support or culturally relevant guidance they need to succeed.

A few concrete ways your support helps

• Donations move us closer to the filing fee.

• Sharing this fundraiser with family, classmates, and community groups gets us in front of people who can give more or offer sponsorships.

What donors will receive

I will personally send a thank-you note and an update once the filing is submitted. Donors of $25 or more will receive a “Founding Supporter” mention on our social pages and a digital certificate. Donors of $50 or more will get quarterly updates and early invitations to sponsor events or awards.

Our longer-term plans

Once registered we will scale our current programs, launch scholarship and competition programs with named awards, run multilingual LinkedIn workshops and resume services, and professionalize volunteer tracking so students can get verified hours for college applications.

Closing

This is a focused, practical ask. Filing Form 1023 for $275 is the next logical step to turn student-run momentum into a stable organization that can reach hundreds more students. If you can donate, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Both matter.

With appreciation,

Natan

Eritrean Ethiopian Union for Academic Excellence (EEUAE)

Contact: [email redacted] | https://eeuae.base44.app