Surrogate FundingSurrogate Funding / Questions
Straight answers.
What families, young men, mentors, and donors ask us most, answered plainly.
Frequently asked questions
For families
Does it cost anything to get help?
No. Mentoring is free to every young man and family, and no one we bail out ever owes us a fee. Surrogate Funding will never ask a family for money. If anyone claiming to be us asks you to pay, do not pay, and tell us.
Who can the bail fund help?
The fund is for people held on small bonds, $70 to $300, only because they cannot pay. It opens after our 501(c)(3) is approved and our bond process is confirmed with Richland County. We start in Richland County and the Midlands.
Do we have to pay the bail back?
No. The person goes home and keeps their court dates. When the case ends, the court returns the bail to the fund, and that money brings the next person home.
How do we ask for help?
Use our request form, with the person's complete name and inmate number, so we can find them quickly. We will tell you plainly whether we can help, and how soon.
What if your fund can't help us?
Our bail fund page lists well-rated bonding companies by county. Ask them about payment plans: many accept a small down payment, and the amount is often negotiable.
For young men and parents
Who is the Crossroads circle for?
Boys and young men ages 12 to 25 in Richland County and the Midlands: young men at risk, young men at a crossroads, and young men already on probation, in diversion, or just released.
How does a young man join?
A parent, guardian, pastor, coach, or the young man himself can reach out. A parent or guardian signs consent for anyone under 18. Our first circle opens in early 2027.
For mentors
What does a mentor commit to?
One hour a week with one young man, for at least a year. Every mentor passes a background check and completes training before meeting a young man, and no mentor is ever alone with a minor.
Do I need experience?
You need a steady life and the willingness to tell the truth. Retired military and men who have walked the road themselves are exactly who young men need to see.
For donors
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Not yet. Surrogate Funding Foundation's 501(c)(3) status is pending. Gifts are not tax-deductible until the IRS approves it, and we will tell every founding donor the day it does.
Where does the money go?
To the Crossroads circle (room, meals, materials), to background checks and training for mentors, and to the bail fund. We will publish every young man served, every bond posted, and every dollar spent.
How is the payment handled?
Online gifts are processed securely by Square. We never sell or share a donor's name or contact information.