SONAO – Real Hope Through Meaningful Solidarity

About SONAO

1. Who We Are

SONAO is an independent philanthropic organization, based at Rue Gabriel Chevallier, 69460 Vaux-en-Beaujolais, France. Our core mission is to support individuals, families, and small entrepreneurs in need by offering practical, personalized, and non-discriminatory aid.

We strongly believe that every person deserves a second chance, no matter their background, age, or financial situation. For this reason, SONAO has created a range of support programs designed to restore dignity, offer hope, and empower people to move forward with renewed strength.

2. Our Three Solidarity-Based Offers

At SONAO, we provide three key types of assistance for people facing financial struggles or seeking opportunities to improve their lives:

A. Philanthropic Donations

Our philanthropic donations are offered to individuals or families who are going through hardship or need a significant boost to improve their lives. This support may be used for:

Starting a small business (such as fruit sales, artisan goods, farming),
Managing urgent household needs (school fees, medical needs),
Supporting elderly or retired individuals with low income.

Each donation is tailored to the applicant’s needs and does not require repayment. It’s a trust-based support system, grounded in social assessment and compassionate listening.

B. Interest-Free Loans

SONAO also offers interest-free loans with flexible repayment terms. In some cases, repayment may be symbolic or optional, depending on the beneficiary’s circumstances. These loans help to:

Launch or expand sustainable business ventures,
Avoid excessive debt or harmful lending practices,
Rebuild economic stability after hardship.

This form of ethical micro-financing ensures that those excluded from traditional banking systems can access funds without fear or pressure.

C. Gift Offers via Numbered Box Games

To make giving fun and inclusive, SONAO runs gift campaigns through numbered box games. Participants receive useful gifts based on randomized selection. These gifts might include:

Food supplies or kitchen equipment,
Clothing, school supplies, or hygiene kits,
Vouchers or small devices to help improve daily life.

This unique format promotes joy, creates community bonds, and turns support into celebration.

3. Who Are Our Offers For?

SONAO supports a wide range of people:

Seniors and retirees, particularly those with limited income or no financial support,
Young entrepreneurs from rural or suburban backgrounds, seeking to launch a business,
Modest families needing extra help for education, healthcare, or stability,
Women entrepreneurs, who often face systemic financial barriers.

Each case is assessed individually, and our goal is always to provide targeted help with dignity and care.

4. Our International Reach

Although SONAO is based in France, our activities extend across the world. We have received Many testimonials come from different countries around the world

These stories show how our model works in real life:

A pastry chef tripled her income with a SONAO grant,
A retired couple now lives with peace of mind thanks to a monthly gift box,
A young gardener started selling fresh produce with a microloan,
A disabled person in the UK received essential items via our gift program.

SONAO’s impact is real, visible, and transformative.

5. Human-Centered and Personalized Approach

What makes SONAO truly different is our personal and respectful way of working. Every request is more than just a form — it’s a life story. Our team listens, evaluates, and offers help based on:

Integrity
Compassion
Practical needs

Our team includes:

Donation Program Manager: assesses needs, handles requests, and oversees follow-ups,
Loan Program Manager: analyzes proposals, sets flexible terms, and monitors progress,
Gift Game Coordinator: organizes distribution, selects participants, and ensures transparency.

This division of roles ensures efficiency and fairness, while also maintaining a high ethical standard.

6. How to Apply for Support

There are several ways to apply for support from SONAO:

Online via our secure form,
By mail to our address in Vaux-en-Beaujolais,
Through our local partners and community contacts.

We handle each case with full confidentiality. Processing times may vary based on demand, but we are committed to providing a clear and compassionate response.

7. Our Core Values

At SONAO, we stand by strong, clear values:

Practical Solidarity: not words, but real actions to help people.
Dignity for All: we support without judgment or humiliation.
Fairness and Neutrality: no discrimination, only needs-based selection.
Social Innovation: using creative formats to make giving more accessible and joyful.

Whether it’s through a no-interest loan, a generous donation, or a joyful surprise gift, SONAO’s aim is always to lift people up.

8. SONAO: A Bridge to a Better Future

SONAO is more than a support service — it is a lifeline. A bridge between today’s difficulties and tomorrow’s success. A quiet force that brings light into dark moments.

We don’t just give. We believe, we accompany, and we empower. Our hope is that everyone who benefits from SONAO today can become a source of light for others tomorrow.

Join our journey. Share our mission. Refer someone in need. Together, we can create a more humane world — one act of kindness at a time.