Child sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to help a child living in poverty and it also has many rewards for the sponsor. We want to offer a comprehensive guide on why sponsoring a child has such a lasting effect on impoverished children and how you can get involved in changing a child’s life.

Child sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to help end child poverty.

What is child sponsorship?

Child sponsorship involves pairing a supporting donor with a child in need. The donor (who we refer to as the sponsor) donates every month to support their sponsored children with basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene items, and educational assistance such as tuition or school supplies. 

Does child sponsorship work? 

Child sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to help end child poverty. When you sponsor a child for $35 a month, you are not only meeting the most immediate basic needs of that child, but you are providing them with an education that will allow them to go on to higher education or obtain employment in the future.

The sponsorship relationship enables a sponsor to help support an impoverished child through monthly contributions and the exchange of correspondence with a sponsored child if the sponsor so desires. A sponsor’s friendship and encouragement are priceless to a child in such circumstances. Indeed, many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they appreciate the financial support they receive from them. There is also an opportunity to build a relationship between a sponsor and a child that can be quite profound.

Who implements the Children Incorporated sponsorship program?

Our sponsorship program is managed by our staff in our office and our 300 volunteer coordinators at our affiliated projects in 21 countries around the world. Our volunteer coordinators work closely with our sponsored children to ensure their particular needs are met and relay those needs to our sponsors.

How long can someone sponsor a child?

Ideally, a child is sponsored throughout their school years leading up to higher education or when they leave our sponsorship program between 18-20 years old. Due to the transient state of many families and the difficult circumstances of the regions where they reside, we cannot always guarantee how long a child will remain enrolled in the Children Incorporated sponsorship program. However, we make every effort to provide services to children for as long as possible. 

What information does a sponsor receive about their sponsored child?

We will send you updated information and an updated photo about once a year, although the frequency may vary depending on the child’s location. The typical progress report includes information about the child’s grade level in school, hobbies, and interests.

In what ways does a sponsor correspond with their sponsored child?

Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a delightful experience, and we encourage letter writing between sponsors and their sponsored children. Our project volunteers will translate your letter, if necessary, and deliver it to the child you sponsor. You are welcome to write as often as you would like.

Your sponsorship can have an amazing impact on children living in poverty. Consider sponsoring with Children Incorporated today.

The children enjoy learning about the lives of their sponsors. Writing about your own family (children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, etc.…) is always a good place to start. The children also like to learn about your part of the world, what you do for a living, your hobbies and interests, and about any pets you may have.

How do you choose a child to sponsor?

It is entirely up to you! Sometimes our sponsors chose a child based on age or location, or they chose a child who has been waiting the longest for a sponsor. The decision is yours. We work in 21 countries with children from ages 5-20 years old who are enrolled in schools worldwide. We would love to work with you to match you with a sponsor child that will give you both a meaningful relationship.

What is the best child Sponsorship organization?

Children Incorporated, of course! For more than 55 years we have been providing resources to children in need in the United States and abroad because we passionately believe that every child deserves education, hope and opportunity. As a recognized reputable organization, we believe in full transparency of our financial management. This protects the trust that you place in us as stewards of your generosity.

Are you ready to make a difference in the life of a child in need? Become a sponsor with Children Incorporated today!

SPONSOR A CHILD

Education, Stories of Hope

written by Shelley Callahan

Shelley is the Director of Development for Children Incorporated. She is also the lead social correspondent, regularly contributing insights through the Stories of Hope blog series. Sign up for Stories of Hope to receive weekly email updates about how your donations are changing the lives of children in need.

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