see answers to top QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILD SPONSORSHIP

Whether you're a longtime sponsor or considering joining our mission, you might have questions about how your support transforms lives. In this article, we've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about our organization and about sponsorship, so you can gain a deeper understanding of the journey - and the powerful difference you’re making in the lives of disadvantaged children.

Q1: How does my gift get used?

A: Your giving dollars ensure sponsored children have access to tailored programs that help them achieve critical development milestones, and that they have caring local staff and volunteers to deliver them. Your monthly gift means your child is immediately able to access basic program services for health, education, social and emotional growth and — when they reach the appropriate age — employment.

We utilize donations as efficiently and effectively as possible. Check out our accountability page, where you can learn more about our responsible use of funds and why some of the most trusted watchdog groups in the industry all give Children International top ratings.

Q3: What happens if a sponsor can no longer support their child? Does that child lose benefits and opportunities of the program?

A: When a child loses a sponsor, our team members around the world work to find a new sponsor for them as quickly as possible. We are committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children: Once a child is in our program, we commit to being a part of their lives until they graduate from our program. When sponsors run into financial hardships, we may be able to temporarily suspend monthly gift commitments. To learn more, please call a member of our Care Team at 800‑888‑3089.

Q4: What is Children International’s vision for the children they help?

A: Our vision for all our children and youth is for them to acquire the skills, knowledge, confidence and opportunities they need to find sustainable employment and break the cycle of poverty by the time they graduate from our program. Helping disadvantaged children build a brighter future for themselves requires a long-term approach. There is no quick-fix solution to poverty. That’s why, for the first two decades of their lives, we focus on age-appropriate, community-specific individualized programs that help children develop into healthy, educated and empowered young adults, engaged in improving their communities, their families and themselves.

Q5: Why does it take so long to receive a letter?

A: It requires a great deal of coordination between Children International headquarters, agency staff, volunteers, and the children and families themselves to synchronize schedules for writing a letter. Children are asked to write a welcome letter to their new sponsors, and once we notify the local agency, our staff notifies the family and arranges for your sponsored child to write this very special letter. Typically, this takes about six weeks after you begin your sponsorship. Beyond that, your child will write to you twice a year, including ongoing correspondence with you.

Because of the resources involved, children are only required to respond to your letters once every 90 days. But we encourage you to write, as kids tell us they treasure your letters. Learn more about letter writing.

Q6: How about other donation requests I receive? How, for example, are funds for birthday or Family Gifts distributed and used? Do these go directly to my child?

A: Many of our expanded programs and interventions require additional funding to allow more children to participate. So, we periodically ask supporters to donate specifically to earmarked initiatives. These funds are pooled to benefit all sponsored children and are developed with input from local staff, volunteers and families to help ensure we deliver contextualized support to our children, based on the specific needs of where they live.

Q7: How can supporters manage what messages they receive from the organization?

A: If you wish to make changes to the communications you receive, such as unsubscribing from emails or opting out of messages, simply reach out to a member of our Care Team. It’s easy to connect and it doesn’t take long to get ahold of us. We have three ways to contact us:

Q8: What is my account number – and where can I find it?

A: Your account number is automatically assigned when you make a donation or become a sponsor. The number is used to help ensure that your contributions are accounted for and are accurately assigned to your intended donations. You will also need your account number to set up your MyCI account.

Q9: How can I send a final letter/donation to my graduating child?

A: We encourage sponsors to send a final letter, and if you wish to remain in contact after graduation, you can include your own contact information. (Please reach out to our Care Team for more details on how to stay connected.) The relationship between a sponsor and child or youth can be deeply meaningful and transformative for both people. See what some of our grateful graduates have to say about their journey and their sponsors. You can send your message to your graduating youth at graduationletter@children.org