Frequently Asked Questions

Inspire covers the costs of accommodation, in-land transportation, food, and scheduled activities during the field study. However, each volunteer is responsible for purchasing their roundtrip flight ticket and medical insurance for travel purposes. 

The registration fee to join the Inspire Program is non-refundable. We understand that emergencies happen; however, the fees are non-refundable once we start the onboarding process, as this involves lots of effort and work to support the volunteers and plan all the aspects of the trips. 

Please note that the registration fee is tax receipt eligible and is due once the applicant has successfully passed the interview and been accepted to the Inspire Program.

Following the field visit, each volunteer is required to engage in a personal passion project of their choosing. In addition to individual initiatives, volunteers are encouraged to conceptualize and implement community impact projects. The Inspire team is readily available to provide assistance and support throughout your endeavours.

Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants, we are unable to provide everyone with an interview invitation. If you wish to inquire about the status of your application, please email us at [email protected]. 

The program only accepts applicants who are 18 years old and older. If you are turning 18 at the time of the trip, you are eligible to apply.

Due to the overwhelming number of applications and the limited spots for each trip, we suggest focusing on one preferred trip when submitting your application. If applicable, please indicate second and third choices in the application form. In the event of an interview, we will revisit this matter and offer you the chance to adjust your choices at that time.

If you are looking to return as a participant with Inspire, you must have completed your passion project and reached the fundraising goal associated with your prior trip. Please note that given the high volume of applicants, we are unable to guarantee your selection due to the program's demand, but we still encourage your application!  

We advise participants to consider purchasing their plane tickets promptly upon selection into the program to ensure ticket availability to the destination country and to secure the best price. 

However, it's important to note that the deadline for submitting ticket details is 2 months before the trip date. This information is essential for Islamic Relief Canada staff to coordinate all logistical arrangements, including airport pick-ups and hotel bookings.

Yes, volunteers have the flexibility to choose the duration of their trip since they are responsible for purchasing their flights. However, it's important to note that Islamic Relief will only cover the food and accommodation for the days of the field study.

While volunteers have the autonomy to select their own flights, we strongly encourage coordination to enhance the group experience. You are welcome to coordinate and book the same flights as other volunteers in your cohort for the journey to the destination. If you need assistance or prefer guidance in this process, we can connect you with travel agents who can help facilitate the booking. It's important to note that for in-land movements to and from projects and activities, all volunteers will travel together to ensure seamless coordination.

All donations made through your fundraising page are tax receipt eligible, given that they provide all the correct information needed for a tax receipt. Please note that all tax receipts will be issued during the next tax season.

The project includes zakat-eligible components. If a donor wishes for their contribution to be designated as zakat, kindly request that they indicate this preference by checking the appropriate box on your fundraising page when donating.

Unfortunately, the Inspire projects do not have Fidya/Kaffara components, as this money is used for a different purpose. Fidya or Kaffarah is paid for missed fasts in Ramadan, and this type of donation would not be used towards Inspire programming.

All donations will be allocated to service projects that contribute to ongoing, long-term projects in the region. None of the donations will go towards the costs of the volunteers.

Fundraising is an essential component of the Inspire program. The funds raised will be allocated to service projects contributing to ongoing, long-term projects in the destination country.

As such, all volunteers are expected to commit to achieving their fundraising goals before the trip dates. Historically, most of our Inspire volunteers achieved their fundraising targets before their trip dates. Many have even exceeded their fundraising targets. Furthermore, a session on fundraising will be held to provide volunteers with various strategies and materials to approach donors and meet your targets.