How does the program work?

Participating in Upromise is a little like signing up for "frequent flyer miles." When you register by clicking on Join Today, you become “Friends and Family” of Zachary. Then, every time you scan your grocery card at the grocery store, if you have purchased qualifying items, the manufacturer of those items often gives you a discount and donates a small amount to a Upromise 529 account (much like banking frequent flyer miles). That’s it! There is no price mark up, no extra charge, nothing out of your pocket. Usually the manufacturer’s donation is only a few pennies. Yet, over time and with enough people purchasing qualifying items, Zach’s college fund grows. You are making a difference in helping Zach go to the college of his choice while you get the store’s discounts.

How to sign up: It takes two minutes of time and won't cost you a dime!

Click here to complete a very simple sign-up form that asks for your name, address and discount grocery and drug store card numbers. That's it! (Do NOT send us your credit card numbers.)

By sending us your information, you authorize us to complete the basic "paperwork" to establish a Upromise account under your name, sign you up to sponsor Zachary through the discount grocery and drug store card option, approve a guest account, and e-mail you a confirmation including account access information. We will not sell, trade, rent or otherwise make your personal information available to any outside agency other than Upromise unless you specifically authorize such action through an independent opt-in process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Why should I sponsor Zachary instead of some other boy or girl?
If you know of some other boy or girl (perhaps even your own) who is in the program and can use your help, then absolutely, sponsor them.

Are we a 501(c)(3) non-profit?
No. We are simply forward thinking parents reaching out to build a college fund a few pennies at a time.

Is your donation tax deductible?
Since no money is coming out of your pocket, the answer is no. Yet the contribution you make will help Zach.

Can I cancel or change my sponsorship?
You can always change your mind and your sponsorship. For instance, if you do not currently know of any young child to sponsor, Zach would be delighted if you would sponsor him. If you later find an opportunity to sponsor someone closer to you, then go ahead and move your sponsorship. As our thanks to you, we will even help you move it. The important thing is that you sponsor someone.

I am just one person. If you only receive a few pennies per shopping trip, how does that help?
Every penny counts and the more people who join, the better Zach's chances are of attending the school of his choice. If every weekly shopping trip you make facilitates a contribution of ten cents that totals $5.20 per year. If 100 people sponsor Zach, that's $520 per year. If this continues over ten years, that pays $5,200 in tuition. So, don't think of yourself as just one person. Think of yourself as part of a team.

Am I going to get a bunch of junk e-mail from doing this?
No! You won't get lots of junk mail, when I take care of the sponsorship "paperwork" for you. First, I promise that I will not send you more than a few updates a year. If you start receiving junk e-mail, just contact me and I will work through the system to turn it off. I want this to be an easy, enjoyable experience for everyone.