Five things all new sponsors should do

get your sponsorship off to a meaningful start

You did it. You signed up to be a sponsor. Your monthly donations are making an immediate — and lasting — impact in the life of a child living in poverty. What should you do now?

Here are the first five things all sponsors should do to create a stronger connection with your child and to learn more about the amazing work you’re doing:

1. Create your MyCI account.

MyCI is your sponsorship home base. It’s where you go to manage your account, learn about your child, and connect with other sponsors. Here are a few of the many things you can do at MyCI:

Receive letters and photos from your child

Send letters and cards to your child

Update your personal information and payment methods

View your
giving history

Donate additional gifts or contribute to other Children International efforts

Participate in our community of like-minded supporters

 

As a new sponsor, you should have received an email with a link to create your MyCI account. No worries if it got lost in your inbox, though. You can always head over to the MyCI login page, go to the “Create account” tab and sign up with your account number (included in your sponsorship welcome packet) and last name.

Once you've signed in, the box labeled with your child’s name will take you to their details.
Learn about their life and the impact your sponsorship is making.

2. Get to know your sponsored child and their family.

Keep your eyes on the mailbox because something really special is about to show up: your sponsor welcome package.

This little envelope is packed with some very important information. You’ll get a photo of your sponsored child and a biography detailing what life is like for them at home and school. You’ll learn more about the challenges facing your child’s community and how your support is specifically helping in that area.

Your package will include a quick-start guide to help you set up that MyCI account (if you haven’t already) and write your first digital letter to your child.

We’ve also included more information on how your sponsorship impacts your child’s daily life. (A little preview: Through sponsorship, you are providing support to a child and their family, including economic assistance, health services, mental health support and educational opportunities.)

Veteran sponsor tip: Use your welcome folder to store letters and photos of your child, along with your sponsorship details, like your account number.

3. Explore children.org to learn more about the impact you are making.

You’re already here, so why not stay a while? We have so much to tell you about what your sponsorship is making possible. Don’t quite know where to start? Here a few suggestions:

  • How sponsorship works: A primer on the very big difference your $39 a month is making.
  • Our programs: Get an in-depth look at how sponsorship transforms the lives of children and young people. Here’s how our programs help them grow up healthy, educated, empowered and (eventually) employed.
  • Explore more about your child's country.
  • Frequently asked questions: Want to know our history? How your monthly donation can do so much? What happens after children graduate from the program? Find out the answers to these and other important Children International questions here.
  • Our stories: Dive into the stories of sponsored children and youth. Try searching for stories from the same country as your sponsored child to learn more about how Children International is working in their community.
  • Smart giving: Children International operates transparently, so you can trust that your donation is doing the most good possible. Get access to financial reports and more here.


4. Write a digital letter to your child.

If you haven’t already guessed, corresponding with your child is one of the best parts of sponsorship. Your financial contributions mean a lot to your sponsored child and their family, but so does your interest in their lives. Living in poverty is stressful. It might seem obvious — or even too simple — but a few kind words from a sponsor can give a child hope right when they need it.

In the MyCI message center, you’ll find digital letter and card templates where you can write a message and upload photos to send to your child. It’s fast and easy, and we’ve even got some idea starters for you if you don’t know what to say!

After your message is reviewed and (if necessary) translated, it will be sent digitally to your child’s local office. Staff will work hard to get the message to your child. When possible, your child’s message back to you will be transcribed and sent digitally as well. You’ll get a notification in your MyCI account when you receive a message.

5. Call us!

Our Care Team loves speaking with sponsors. Many of them are sponsors themselves, many have traveled to the field, and some even grew up in the countries where Children International works. The Care Team gives each new sponsor a welcome call — your phone should be ringing soon! But you don’t have to wait if you have questions you’d like to talk about now. We have both Spanish and English speakers on the team, and they are standing by to answer your call. You’ll talk to a real human, right away.

Just pick up the phone Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT): 800-888-3089 (toll-free in the U.S.) or 816-942-2000 (in Kansas City or outside the U.S.)

You can also reach us on chat (again, you’ll be corresponding with a real person, not a bot).

That’s it! Do these first five things, and your sponsorship will be off to a strong start. And make sure to take a little time to celebrate the difference you are making in the life of one very special child.

What are you doing to celebrate becoming a sponsor?

Leave a comment below

Comments

Pam_5bf3b
Nov 1, 2021

I am praying for Riya to grow up strong, healthy and safe.

Vít_176d0
Nov 14, 2021

Hello, I am not American, I live in Europe, will I get the welcome package too? thank you?

Janie_e2426
Jan 8, 2024

just come a cross this sight, tucked away at the corner of my eye. did not hessite, becoming a sponsor. I, know! somebody is going to be telling that Child! You! got a sponsor. Thrills My very Soul. for 39 bucks. looking forward to this!! God bless all givers and receivers. n Jesus name.

Cristina_14a84
Jun 26, 2024

Estoy muy emocionada y feliz por dar este primer paso y poder impactar positivamente en la vida de un niño! Espero de corazón que así sea.

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