Tag Archives: sponsorship

Children Incorporated | February 28, 2026

Breaking the cycle of poverty takes more than one approach. Children Incorporated has helped more than 300,000 children access education, healthcare, and basic necessities since 1964 — and there are many ways to be part of that work. Whether you want a direct relationship with a sponsored child, the flexibility of a one-time donation, or the scale of a corporate partnership, this guide covers every giving path available to you.

1. Sponsor a Child — $35/Month

Child sponsorship is the foundation of Children Incorporated’s mission.

For $35 a month, you are matched with a specific child living in poverty across one of 20 countries, including the United States. Unlike programs that distribute pre-packaged goods, Children Incorporated works through local volunteer coordinators — teachers, social workers, and community members who know each child personally. They use your monthly gift to individually source custom-fit clothing, proper shoes, school supplies, and medical care tailored to that child’s actual needs.

Sponsors receive letters from their child and annual photo updates, creating a real, lasting relationship. Roughly 10,000 children are enrolled in the sponsorship program each year.

Who this is for: Donors who want a direct, personal connection to the child they’re helping.

2. One-Time or Recurring General Donation

Not ready for a monthly sponsorship? A general donation — one-time or automatic monthly — keeps Children Incorporated’s programs running and ensures that resources can be deployed wherever the need is greatest at any given moment. These flexible funds support operational oversight, volunteer coordinator networks, and the community infrastructure that makes individual sponsorships possible.

Who this is for: Donors who want flexibility without a long-term commitment.

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3. Honor and Memorial Donations

Give a gift that means something. Donations made in honor of a living friend or family member — for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday — are a meaningful alternative to a traditional present. Memorial donations celebrate the legacy of someone who has passed. Children Incorporated sends a personalized card to the honoree or their family acknowledging your tribute.

Who this is for: Donors looking for a purpose-driven gift for someone they love.

4. Host a Fundraiser

You don’t have to give alone. Children Incorporated actively supports donors who want to mobilize their own networks. Options include:

Online birthday fundraisers on social media platforms
School supply drives in your neighborhood or workplace
Community walk/run events
Charity dinners or local gatherings

Hosting a fundraiser multiplies your personal impact and introduces new donors to a cause that changes children’s lives.

Who this is for: Community organizers, teachers, local businesses, and anyone with a network ready to rally around a cause.

5. Specialized Giving Funds

If you want your gift to address a specific, immediate need, Children Incorporated manages four dedicated funds:

Shared Hope Fund — Ensures children on the sponsorship waitlist receive basic necessities while they wait to be matched with a sponsor.
Hope in Action Fund — Provides rapid-response emergency support — food, clothing, and medical care — for families facing natural disasters or personal crises.
Feeding Programs Fund — Funds consistent, nutritious meals for school-aged children so hunger doesn’t become a barrier to learning.
Higher Education Fund — Scholarships and financial aid for students pursuing college or vocational training as a path out of generational poverty.

Who this is for: Donors who want to target a specific area of need rather than give to a general fund.

6. Fund a Special Community Project

Children Incorporated partners with local communities to build and improve the environments where children learn, play, and grow. Special Project donations fund infrastructure improvements that benefit entire groups of children at once:

Classroom construction and expansion — Building or renovating educational spaces and sanitation facilities
Playgrounds — Safe, dedicated spaces for play, physical development, and social skills
Community and school gardens — Teaching self-sustainability while providing a steady source of fresh food

Who this is for: Donors who want to see a tangible, community-level result from their giving.

7. Donor Advised Funds

At its core, a Donor-Advised Fund is a tax-advantaged account dedicated to charitable giving. An individual, family, or corporation contributes to a fund managed by a sponsoring public charity and receives an immediate tax deduction. The money is contributed to the account, grows tax-free, and the donor then recommends grants to their favorite nonprofits over time. While the sponsoring organization is the legal donor of the grant, the donor holds advisory privileges over where the grants go. Learn how to give a DAF here.

8. Legacy Giving and Bequests

For donors who want their impact to outlast them, legacy giving allows you to name Children Incorporated as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or life insurance policy. Your gift continues to fund education, health, and opportunity for children in need for decades to come — a lasting expression of your values.

Children Incorporated has been a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 1964, and contributions may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Who this is for: Donors engaged in estate planning who want their generosity to create a generational legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Giving to Children Incorporated

How much does it cost to sponsor a child? Child sponsorship is $35 per month. That gift is used by a local volunteer coordinator to individually purchase clothing, school supplies, and medical care for your specific child.

Is Children Incorporated a legitimate charity? Yes. Children Incorporated is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has operated since 1964. It has no religious or political affiliation and has assisted more than 300,000 children worldwide.

Can I give a one-time donation instead of a monthly commitment? Yes. One-time general donations and one-time gifts to specialized funds are both available and help Children Incorporated direct resources where they’re needed most.

What happens to children waiting for a sponsor? The Shared Hope Fund provides for children on the sponsorship waitlist so they aren’t left without support while waiting to be matched.

Can my company partner with Children Incorporated? Yes. The Corporate Partnership program allows businesses to fund entire projects or fully support an affiliated site, creating large-scale, measurable impact.

Choose Your Path

Every giving path — from a $35 monthly sponsorship to a corporate grant to a bequest in your estate plan — funds the same core mission: giving children living in poverty access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Explore all giving options at Children Incorporated →

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Join Us in Making a Difference

These stories reveal just a glimpse of your support’s impact. Will you help us write the next story?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Sources: https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025-literacy-statistics?

Rachel Luginbuhl | February 25, 2026

What is energy insecurity?

For many Southern families in the United States, winter brings more than a chill; it brings tough decisions. Energy insecurity (EI), a silent crisis affecting millions nationwide, often signifies an inability to meet heating, cooling, and energy needs. Low-income families, especially in rural areas, often face drafty homes and skyrocketing utility bills that outpace paychecks.

When the cold sets in, some must make heartbreaking “heat or eat” choices, spending what little they have on warmth or on food. In rural regions across Kentucky, West Virginia, and beyond, older homes and limited access to energy assistance leave families vulnerable to another bitter season.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Children

When temperatures drop, the challenge for our enrolled children extends far beyond just a “chilly morning”. By lacking warm coats, shoes, or clothing, some students must miss school entirely, not by choice, but out of necessity. Missing school deepens existing attendance struggles, especially for children already living in poverty.

Helping provide warm clothing isn’t just about comfort; it’s about keeping children in class, connected, and ready to learn. A warm jacket can mean the difference between isolation and opportunity.

Climate and Inequality: When Weather Hits Harder

Extreme weather magnifies long-standing disparities in high-poverty, Black, and Hispanic neighborhoods, which already face structural barriers. When harsh heat or cold hits, those barriers grow higher, affecting health, school performance, and family stability.

Southern cities like New Orleans may see fewer winter storms than northern states, but when cold snaps hit, they hit hard. Older homes aren’t built to retain heat, and families living on thin margins have few safety nets. Even though New Orleans is in the South and bouts of cold weather are limited, the need for warm clothing is still their greatest need and the area in which our sponsors help children the most.

In the deep rural areas of Appalachia, steep mountain roads become treacherous when ice or snow arrives. When communities are cut off, students lose access not only to school but to the nutritious meals they depend on there. When significant winter weather hits, it is not an easy task to make the roads passable again – which limits the resources available to already struggling families.

Across North Carolina, from urban Raleigh to rural mountain towns, energy insecurity creates a health and learning risk. Studies find that households that must allocate more than a large share of income toward utilities are far more exposed to extreme temperature swings and health risks.

In the inner-city neighborhoods where we work in Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, winter brings a different kind of strain. Many families live in older buildings with inconsistent heat and rising utility costs. A stretch of freezing temperatures can mean crowded living spaces, missed school days, and parents forced to choose which bill to pay first. For children already navigating economic hardship, winter can interrupt learning, routine, and a sense of security.

How you can help

In times of hardship, whether from a cold snap, a family crisis, or ongoing energy insecurity, children need to know they are not alone. Through funds like Hope In Action and the Clothing Fund, our donors help provide warm coats, hats, gloves, emergency food, and other critical supplies when families need them most.

Working with trusted school partners and local volunteer coordinators who know their communities well, we quickly identify children who are struggling and respond with compassion and care. Your donations and sponsorship support helps them stay warm, stay in school, and stay focused on learning rather than survival.

Harsh winter conditions do not affect every family equally. Some can absorb the shock; others feel every degree of cold intensely. That is why your sponsorship and donations matter. When you give, you help a child stay warm, fed, and present in the classroom, and you invest in their future, building resilience and hope that last long after winter has passed.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members;
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or
go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child in that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | February 11, 2026

When a child is sponsored, they can count on consistent support for their most pressing needs. This stability ensures that meals, clothing, and school supplies are not just occasional gifts, but ongoing resources they can rely on. With that security, children are able to focus on their education and personal growth, opening doors to a brighter future.

COMFORT AT BEDTIME, CONFIDENCE FOR TOMORROW

Since 2008 we have partnered with Beyond Bedtime (formerly known as Pajama Program) to strengthen the lives of children by providing pajamas for their rest and routine – key elements of a child’s physical, emotional, and academic well‐being.

This year, Beyond Bedtime partnered us with a local church, who went above and beyond in ensuring that our sponsored children here in Richmond could receive pajamas. In the past weeks we were able to deliver over 300 pairs of pajamas to location children, including those who do not currently have sponsors and would not have received any assistance otherwise.

This recent pajama delivery is a reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We are thankful for Beyond Bedtime’s continued generosity and commitment to children in need, and we are proud of the impact our collaboration has made, and will continue to make, in the lives of the children we serve.

more than just lunch

At our affiliated site in the Philippines, students at the Fortune Center were given a special treat during their monthly food distribution – a fun meal delivered for lunch! Moments like this provide not just basic needs but a sense of inclusion and normalcy. When we get to see smiles on the faces of our sponsored children, and see them have chances to truly experience positive occasions, it reminds us why sponsorship is so very important. When children feel normal they are able to more positively approach life’s challenges and achieve better academic performance in school.

The importance of food

Students at Gattorno School in Bolivia received some very special food packages this month. Their faces say it all, each smile is brought about because of their amazing sponsors.

unsponsored child highlight

Eithan lives in Puerto Rico and is waiting for his sponsor. Currently in preschool, he loves to read and watch cartoons. His mother is employed, but holds a job that can not support the two of them. A sponsor will mean Eithan has everything he needs including food, clothing, and school supplies, so staying in class will never be a worry.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | January 26, 2026

Sleep is seen not just for rest, but as a real superpower that fuels learning, well-being, confidence, and connection. That is the core behind Beyond Bedtime, a non-profit that regularly partners with us at Children Incorporated. Children living in poverty and unsettled housing situations many times forgo sleep for safety. This affects their education, development, and overall well-being. On top of working to make sure they have basic needs, Children Incorporated strives to make sure more than just the basics can be provided. We do that with the help of dedicated partners, like Beyond Bedtime. Together we can make the world better for the children living in it.

How they Began

Beyond Bedtime, originally called The Pajama Program, was founded in 2001, and began with a simple but profound idea: every child deserves comfort and care at bedtime. What started as a simple act of collecting pajamas from friends and family grew into a national organization focused on sleep health, emotional well‑being, and healthy nighttime routines.

Today, Beyond Bedtime works with schools, shelters, foster care agencies, and nonprofit partners across the country to ensure children not only receive pajamas and books, but also the support and education needed to build positive bedtime habits that contribute to long‑term success. They are not just giving pajamas, but helping children, caregivers, and educators learn about healthy bedtime routines and sleep habits.

In 2025, the organization officially rebranded as Beyond Bedtime to better capture its broader mission: combining bedtime essentials and tools for nurturing healthy sleep for long-term well-being.

Why Pajamas Matter

Something as simple as a new pair of pajamas can make a meaningful difference. For children experiencing hardship, pajamas can:

Create a sense of normalcy and routine
Support better sleep and focus in school
Help children feel valued and cared for
Ease stress for families already facing difficult circumstances

When children sleep better, they are better equipped to learn, grow, and thrive.

A History of Working Together

Children Incorporated has been grateful to collaborate with Beyond Bedtime over the years. In 2008 the Pajama Program reached out to our the CEO Ron Carter to see how their program could help children enrolled in our program. At that time, donations were coming directly from the Pajama Program, but as they grew they began partnering with other groups to meet the ever growing need. For the last 17 years we have received donations not just from them, but from local churches, run clubs, PTA drives, and many other sources, all because of this amazing partnership. These donations are still helping families meet basic needs while reinforcing the importance of consistency, comfort, and care at home.

While Children Incorporated focuses on providing children with resources such as food, clothing, shelter, and education, Beyond Bedtime strengthens that foundation by supporting rest and routine—key elements of a child’s physical, emotional, and academic well‑being. And the past several years have been a wonderful testament to their mission. Working to ensure our sponsored children had opportunities this year they partnered us with a local church who in turn abundantly provided for local Richmond children. In the past week we were able to deliver over 300 pairs of pajamas to location children, some of which do not currently have sponsors and would not have received any assistance otherwise.

Looking Ahead

This recent pajama delivery is a reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We are thankful for Beyond Bedtime’s continued generosity and commitment to children in need, and we are proud of the impact our collaboration has made—and will continue to make—in the lives of the children we serve.

Together, we’re helping children rest easier tonight so they can dream bigger tomorrow.

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These stories reveal just a glimpse of your support’s impact. Will you help us write the next story?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

Click Here to go online to visit our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship
call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | January 12, 2026

Welcome 2026!

We have had such a wonderful time seeing all the letters, cards, and photos that students sent during the holiday season and throughout the year, and we want to share some of the highlights from 2025.

In November we sent $25 for every child enrolled in Children Incorporated, in a direct effort to combat the increase in food insecurity. The responses were overwhelming, and the hard work of our volunteer coordinators ensured the resources were used to their fullest potential.

Throughout the year we saw gardens growing, birthdays celebrated, food distributed, and children all around the world being provided with what they need to succeed.

When a child has shoes, food, encouragement, and supplies, they have less barriers, and are better able to thrive at school. It is because of each and every one of you.

Thank you from Children Incorporated, you are changing these children’s lives!

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Josh is still waiting for a sponsor and needs someone to help make his school year a success. He is friendly and happy, and would love to just spend his time outside or helping others. At home with his family he makes sure to keep his room clean, and although he is the youngest of his siblings, Josh makes sure to be as helpful as he can.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | January 8, 2026

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.

Start Sponsoring a 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.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Thank you for believing in a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.