Frequently Asked Questions

TMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Christ-centered organization dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees. We operate without government funding and rely on the generosity of believers, supporters, partners, and volunteers to sustain our mission.

Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of refugee leaders through connection, compassion, and opportunity. We do this by funding education, fostering mentorship, and creating pathways for personal and professional growth. Our guiding belief is Connections Create Possibilities.

TMF serves refugees and children of refugees by providing resources that help them jump-start their lives. To date, TMF has supported 13 scholars representing families from 8 countries, with 5 graduates and counting. While our early work focused on the St. Louis area through partnerships such as Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), our long-term vision is to support up to one million refugees worldwide.

Yes, through funded partner programs.

TMF raises and allocates funds to support refugee scholarships administered by trusted partner organizations and educational institutions. To date, TMF has directed a cumulative total of $53,057.50 toward refugee scholarship support, helping 13 scholars across 8 countries.

Rather than operating as a standalone scholarship administrator, TMF focuses on funding access, expanding opportunity, and supporting long-term educational pathways through partnerships.

Scholarships supported by TMF are awarded through partner-led processes.

Administering partners, such as CFNA or partnered schools, manage application intake, review, and award decisions using their established criteria and procedures. TMF's role is to fund programs, align impact priorities, and support expansion into new schools and communities.

No.

To maintain fairness, transparency, and ethical separation, final recipient selection decisions are made by the administering partner organization, such as CFNA or a partnered school, using their internal criteria and review process.

TMF may provide program-level input as needed to support alignment with funding goals and impact priorities, but does not make or control individual award decisions.

TMF offers an interest form that allows individuals to express interest and be connected to potential scholarship opportunities.

Submitting an interest form does not guarantee selection and is not a formal scholarship application. All formal applications, reviews, and award decisions are managed by TMF's administering partners.

No.

Mentors and TMF representatives may not directly award scholarships to individuals. All scholarships are awarded through partner-led processes to ensure equity, consistency, and integrity.

CFNA and other partners are valued collaborators, and supporters are always welcome to donate directly to them. TMF is proud to be a strong supporter of refugee scholarships and related initiatives.

Donations to TMF help fund this support while also allowing us to build additional programs, partnerships, and long-term resources that expand educational access for refugees across multiple schools and communities.

Program Possibilities is TMF's career mentorship and professional development initiative. It connects refugees with experienced professionals across industries such as technology, sales, marketing, and operations.

Participants receive resume guidance, interview preparation, career insight, and one-on-one mentorship. Every TMF scholarship recipient receives access to Program Possibilities, and refugees who do not receive scholarships may also participate. TMF is currently raising funds to expand this initiative with additional mentors, tools, and long-term career resources.

No. TMF does not place participants directly into jobs or internships. Program Possibilities equips individuals with the tools, confidence, and preparation needed to pursue opportunities independently.

Scoring for Change is TMF's athletic initiative that partners with professional athletes who choose TMF as their charitable beneficiary.

Through athletics, the program is designed to create pathways for mentorship, leadership, and opportunity for refugee youth.

Scoring for Change is currently in a development and pilot phase.

At this time, TMF supports refugee athletes through mentorship, guidance, and access to resources. As funding and partnerships expand, TMF plans to support additional opportunities such as club fees, athletic development costs, and expanded programming.

These components will be publicly launched once operational capacity and funding are in place.

Home Through Our Eyes is a creative storytelling and art project that gives refugees a platform to express their identity, culture, and experiences through art.

Yes, Home Through Our Eyes is an active project. TMF currently offers creative exposure, storytelling opportunities, and features refugee artwork through its dedicated page. TMF is actively raising funds and building partnerships to continue growing this project into a long-term program.

Home Starts With Us: A Gala for Change is TMF's flagship fundraising gala. It brings together donors, partners, artists, and refugee families through storytelling, art, fashion, and music while supporting TMF's long-term mission.

The gala is currently being thoughtfully planned. TMF is taking time to ensure clarity, alignment, and meaningful impact while actively raising funds and finalizing partnerships before announcing the next event date.

Some TMF programs are fully active, while others are in pilot phases.

TMF intentionally launches programs in stages to ensure sustainability, partner alignment, and responsible stewardship of funds. Program updates are shared publicly as initiatives grow.

You can support TMF in several ways:

• Financial contributions through our donation page — every dollar goes directly toward refugee scholarships and programs
• In-kind donations such as household essentials
• Grocery gift cards for refugee families in urgent need

To date, TMF has raised over $53K toward its mission. See the impact of your generosity on our Impact Report page or meet our scholars.

TMF welcomes volunteers throughout the year, especially during events and community initiatives. Volunteer opportunities are shared as needs arise. Contact us at info@tmf.bio to express interest.

TMF maintains responsible financial practices, files required annual nonprofit reports, and ensures all funds are directed toward clearly defined programs and initiatives aligned with our mission. You can view our latest results on our Impact Report page, which includes detailed statistics on funds raised, scholars supported, and program milestones.