Travel with Purpose

Youth Sponsorship

Support one underprivileged youth per Thatman Travels trip—starting with Vietnam 2026.

OUR MISSION

Imagine growing up in a community where opportunity feels distant, where travel is a luxury only seen on TV, and where your view of the world is filtered through movies, stereotypes, and propaganda. That’s the reality for many underprivileged youth; brilliant minds held back not for lack of potential, but by lack of access.

Thatman Cares was created to change that.

This initiative sponsors one deserving young adult who may have never traveled beyond the confines of their zip code to join a Thatman Travels trip. The opportunity is thoughtfully designed to immerse the recipient in new cultures, meaningful conversations, and transformative experiences that no classroom or screen can replicate.

Growing up in struggle often means being handed a limited view of what’s possible in the world. However, once you experience a new culture, breaking bread with new friends, and engaging in real human connection the illusions start to dissipate. You realize people everywhere want the same things: love, safety, joy and opportunity. It becomes clear that what connects us is far greater than what divides us.

Our goal is not just to help someone take a trip. We're offering a rare and powerful chance to experience the world firsthand, through their own eyes and heart. In doing so, we’re investing in a future changemaker who will return with an expanded worldview to inspire and uplift their sphere of influence.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING TO SPONSOR

We’re looking for young adults, ages 20 to 23, who have the heart, hunger, and humility to grow—but haven’t had the access or opportunity to explore the world.

Each sponsored traveler comes from an under-resourced background and shows real potential to create change—in their own life and in their community.

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Curious and passionate, with a desire to experience new cultures and perspectives

  • Community-minded, with a track record—or vision—for giving back

  • Respectful, especially in cross-cultural settings and group dynamics

  • Emotionally intelligent, open to feedback, and able to hold space for others

  • A future leader, whether bold and vocal or quiet and visionary

  • Creative and reflective, with the willingness to document and share their journey

  • Open-minded, ready to listen, learn, and grow through new experiences

  • Trying to break cycles, be the first, or create a new path for themselves and others

We especially encourage applicants from:

  • Underrepresented communities (Black, brown, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+)

  • Working-class or low-income households

  • Non-traditional academic or professional paths

What a Donation Covers

Every trip varies in cost depending on the country, length, and type of experience. On average, sponsoring one traveler ranges between $5,000 and $6,500 and includes:

  • Roundtrip airfare

  • Accommodations

  • Cultural excursions

  • Daily meals

  • Visa fees (when applicable)

  • Travel insurance

  • A small allowance for incidentals

  • Credit card processing fees

Thatman Travels also personally donates up to $2,000 per traveler to help lighten the load.

FUTURE TRIPS

Cost Breakdown

    • Trip Package (Single occupancy): $4,250

    • International round-trip flight: $1300 - $1,700 depending on when booked

    • Spending allowance: $400

    • Visa fee: $25

    • Clothing and travel essentials: $400

    Total Sponsorship Cost: $6,775

    Contribution

    • Carey Bradshaw donation: $2,000

    • Amount remaining to raise: $4,775

    • Credit card processing fees (4%): $191

    Final Fundraising Goal: $4,966

  • Coming soon

  • coming soon

Why give?

  • ✽

    Fosters Future Leaders: By investing in their potential, you empower them to become confident, contributing members of society who can inspire positive change in their communities.

  • ✽

    Breaks the Cycle of Poverty: It provides opportunities and skills that enable them to achieve economic stability, preventing poverty from being passed down to the next generation.

  • ✽

    Strengthens Communities: When young people are empowered, they are more likely to stay engaged and give back, building a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

  • ✽

    Promotes a Broader Worldview: Experiences like travel challenge stereotypes and create empathy, leading to a more tolerant and interconnected society.

What Donors can expect

  • Get introduced through a photo, short bio, and message of gratitude.

  • Follow their journey in real time—culture, laughter, and transformation.

  • Read their honest reflection on how the experience changed them.

  • You'll receive direct updates from me as the journey unfolds.

  • Watch someone’s worldview expand—because you made it possible.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

Your donation could change a life—and spark a leader.

 FAQs

  • Each sponsored traveler is a young person from an underprivileged background who demonstrates potential, curiosity, and a desire to grow. They are selected through a nomination and interview process.

  • Yes. Our donation form allows you to select a specific trip—like Brazil 2025 or Vietnam 2026—or contribute to the general fund to support the next traveler in need.

  • Your donation goes toward airfare, accommodations, cultural excursions, meals, visa fees, travel insurance, and a small spending allowance for the traveler. It also helps cover credit card processing fees.

  • We are currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. We’ll update this section as soon as tax deduction eligibility becomes available.

  • Yes. You’ll be introduced to the recipient, get photo/video updates during the trip, and receive a post-trip reflection essay written by the traveler.

  • Travelers are nominated by community partners, educators, and mentors. Finalists are chosen based on need, potential, and alignment with the mission of Thatman Cares.

  • While direct contact isn’t always possible due to privacy and safety considerations, we do our best to create a personal connection through video introductions and follow-up storytelling.
    However, if you decide to join the same group trip as the sponsored traveler, you’ll have the opportunity to witness their journey firsthand—and potentially become a mentor, supporter, or simply a positive presence along the way.

  • We’re all about transparency. You’ll receive regular updates and see your impact firsthand—through storytelling, photos, and honest reflections from the traveler themselves.

  • Currently, we aim to sponsor one young person per group trip, with plans to expand as support grows. Our goal is quality over quantity—ensuring each traveler has a deeply immersive, well-supported experience.