Thank you for your interest in changing a child’s life, and your own, through sponsorship. Whether you’re a part of the Children Incorporated family or just beginning to explore how sponsorship works, we’re glad you’re here.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a sponsor. We strive to make every step simple, transparent, and authentic, so you can focus on what matters most: giving a child the chance to learn, grow, and dream.
Together, we’re building a brighter future, one child, one sponsor, and one act of kindness at a time.
What Is Sponsorship?
Sponsorship connects a caring donor with a child in need through a monthly gift of $35. Your support provides essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies, and healthcare. In addition, your act of care provides encouragement and kindness to the sponsored child.
Why Sponsorship Matters
In addition to financial assistance, sponsorship builds hope. Many children treasure the relationships they form with their sponsors just as much as the assistance they receive. Every letter, photo, and exchange reminds a child that they are seen and valued.
WILL I RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE CHILD I SPONSOR?
Yes! You’ll receive an annual update and photo of your child, along with information about their school progress, interests, and achievements. These updates let you see how your support is changing lives over time. All children will write at least one letter a year to their sponsor, but of course you are welcome to have a written communication with them anytime!
WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CHILD I SPONSOR?
Please call us at 1-800-538-5381 or email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org. Depending on the nature of a child-specific question, we may need to contact our volunteer coordinator at your sponsored child’s affiliated site. We will get the requested information to you as soon as possible, as long as it does not violate the child protection and privacy laws to which we adhere.
MAY I WRITE TO THE CHILD I SPONSOR?
Yes! Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a wonderful experience. Our site volunteers will translate your letter, if necessary, and deliver it to your sponsored child. You will find the affiliated site’s mailing address in your child’s information brochure.
Children Incorporated provides resources for children in need in the United States and abroad because we passionately believe that children everywhere deserve education, hope, and opportunity.
WHAT SHOULD I WRITE ABOUT?
Writing to your sponsored child can be simple, heartfelt, and fun. The most important thing is to be genuine, kind, and respectful; your sponsee will be excited to hear from you no matter how short or simple your letter is. You can find a detailed description of a guide to writing to your child here.
Can I send packages to the child I sponsor?
For U.S. children: You may send packages directly to your sponsored child’s site address. Please send monetary gifts directly to our North Chesterfield, Virginia office, as our site coordinators are not able to process checks or cash. We recommend using a tracking service, if possible, when shipping a package to the child you sponsor.
For international children: Please send monetary gifts only, as mailed packages can be delayed or lost.
You’re always welcome to send extra financial gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special needs. YOUR additional gift directly benefits your sponsored child and their community.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT MY SPONSORED CHILD?
Depending on the child’s location and local site policies, visits are sometimes possible. If you’re interested in planning a visit, please contact us for details specific to your child and their site. If the location does allow visits, reach out at least 45 days in advance so we can help with arrangements.
A member of our sponsorship team will guide you through the process. We will ensure that you can complete our visit request forms easily and we’ll make you aware of our child protection policy, which requires a background check (at the sponsor’s expense).
We’ll do everything we can to help make your visit a safe, positive, and unforgettable experience for both you and your sponsored child.
MAY I SEND ADDITIONAL GIFTS FOR MY SPONSORED CHILD (FOR BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, BEGINNING/END OF SCHOOL YEAR NEEDS, ETC.)?
Yes. Contributions beyond regular monthly sponsorship amounts are always welcome, and there are no minimum or maximum amount restrictions.
With these additional gifts, the needs of the child you sponsor will be addressed first and foremost, and any remaining funds may be shared among other children in need at the same affiliated site at the volunteer coordinator’s discretion. Children Incorporated will designate 10% of your additional contribution to cover our administrative and processing costs; this means your sponsored child and possibly other children at the same affiliated site will benefit from 90% of the total you send as an additional monetary gift.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MONTHLY SPONSORSHIP?
Sponsorship contributions may be made by check, money order, credit/debit card, or ACH transfer (debit from a checking or savings account). Please call us or visit our website if you would like to set up automatic recurring contributions on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or yearly basis.
ARE THERE DEADLINES FOR SENDING ADDITIONAL MONETARY GIFTS FOR THE CHILD I SPONSOR?
Yes. It takes time to process a gift and send it to the child you sponsor, particularly if your child lives in a foreign country. To send additional monetary gifts to your sponsored child, please ensure the gift arrives in our Richmond, Virginia office at least sixty days before the date you would like it to be received by the child.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CHILD I SPONSOR LEAVES THE PROGRAM?
Sometimes, children graduate or move out of program areas. If that happens, we’ll notify you immediately and share another child’s story so you can continue making a difference.
Rest assured: the positive impact of your generosity on each child, as well as on his or her community, endures for a lifetime!
What if I Need to Cancel My Sponsorship?
You can cancel your sponsorship whenever you need; you never have to worry about being locked into a long-term agreement. Sponsorship is flexible, because life and finances can change.
If you need to stop your monthly contributions:
- You may cancel at any time.
- Please let us know of your decision so we can find a new sponsor for the child you currently support.
Your past gifts have already made a meaningful difference in that child’s life, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity.
Other Ways to Stay Involved
If you’d like to remain connected but cannot commit to a monthly gift:
- You can explore other ways to give that do not require ongoing sponsorship.
One-time donations, special project support, or other forms of involvement can still provide vital help to children and communities.
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Ready to Make a Difference?
Sponsorship changes lives, both yours and the child you choose to support. With a small monthly gift of $35, you can help provide education, nourishment, and hope where it’s needed most.
Every sponsorship begins with one simple step.
Thank you for believing in a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.







We are incredibly proud to partner with the Msamaria Mwema Center. Currently, sixty children call the boarding home their safe haven, and
During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting Faith, a brilliant high school student. Her father expressed his profound gratitude for the sponsorship that is helping Faith pursue her dream of attending college; a dream that might have been out of reach due to their family’s hardships. Its stories like Faith’s remind us of the powerful, lasting impact we can have when we invest in the future of a child.









