Top 5 Sponsorship FAQs
Does my $39 a month go directly to the child’s family?
As a child sponsor, you’re connected with one specific child. But sponsored children do not receive direct cash benefits. Your monthly donation is pooled for maximum effectiveness — meaning sponsored children do not receive funds directly. You join forces with other sponsors to fund long-term community development programs that benefit your sponsored child and their community, as well as other children in need.
How long is my sponsorship commitment?
Your sponsorship is an ongoing commitment that helps your sponsored child and their community overcome poverty. We partner with communities, typically 10-15 years, until they can sustain improvements. Your ongoing sponsorship allows you to witness the progress firsthand, as long as you’re able.
Is this child “real?” Do others sponsor the same child?
Each child is matched with only one sponsor. They’re real children with real stories. Get to know your sponsored child through letters and emails, photos, progress updates, and more. You can even visit your sponsored child and see firsthand how your donation is helping to transform their community.
How do you share your Christian faith around the world?
We practice our Christian faith in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way that’s appropriate for the communities we work in. World Vision clearly identifies as a Christian organization, no matter where we go. We serve all people, regardless of their faith. In restricted regions, we believe that the selfless acts of our staff are a testimony to God’s love and the power of the Gospel.
Do I have to write my sponsored child letters?
No, letter writing is not required. When you first sponsor a child, you will receive a letter from them introducing themselves. You don’t need to respond, but we make it quick and easy to send your child an email through your My World Vision account. You could also send a card or care package. Children really value a life-enriching connection with their sponsors. Your encouragement will give your sponsored child hope and confidence and will be a tangible reminder of God’s love.
Does my $39 a month go directly to the child’s family?
As a child sponsor, you’re connected with one specific child. But sponsored children do not receive direct cash benefits. Your monthly donation is pooled for maximum effectiveness — meaning sponsored children do not receive funds directly. You join forces with other sponsors to fund long-term community development programs that benefit your sponsored child and their community, as well as other children in need.
How long is my sponsorship commitment?
Your sponsorship is an ongoing commitment that helps your sponsored child and their community overcome poverty. We partner with communities, typically 10-15 years, until they can sustain improvements. Your ongoing sponsorship allows you to witness the progress firsthand, as long as you’re able.
Is this child “real?” Do others sponsor the same child?
Each child is matched with only one sponsor. They’re real children with real stories. Get to know your sponsored child through letters and emails, photos, progress updates, and more. You can even visit your sponsored child and see firsthand how your donation is helping to transform their community.
How do you share your Christian faith around the world?
We practice our Christian faith in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way that’s appropriate for the communities we work in. World Vision clearly identifies as a Christian organization, no matter where we go. We serve all people, regardless of their faith. In restricted regions, we believe that the selfless acts of our staff are a testimony to God’s love and the power of the Gospel.
Do I have to write my sponsored child letters?
No, letter writing is not required. When you first sponsor a child, they’ll write you a letter introducing themselves. You don’t need to respond, but we make it quick and easy to send your child an email through your My World Vision account. You could also send a card or care package. Children really value a life-enriching connection with their sponsors. Your encouragement will give your sponsored child hope and confidence and will be a tangible reminder of God’s love.
What your sponsored child gets
- Regular monitoring of their progress and well-being by local staff
- Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Activities such as children’s clubs, learning events, and community celebrations
- Any encouraging cards, letters, photos, or packages that you send
- Opportunity to contribute as agents of change in their communities
- Community-wide solutions such as clean water systems, improved schools, health services, and farming co-ops
What you get when you sponsor a child
- Welcome packet with child information
- Your first letter from your child (within about 12 weeks)
- Yearly child photo and updates
- Annual progress reports from your child’s community
- Complimentary greeting cards to send to your child
- An online My World Vision account where you can email your child, send extra gifts, and see the latest photos, videos, and community updates
- The life-changing opportunity to visit your sponsored child
What your sponsored
child gets
- Regular monitoring of their progress and well-being by local staff
- Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Activities such as children’s clubs, learning events, and community celebrations
- Any encouraging cards, letters, photos, or packages that you send
- Opportunity to contribute as agents of change in their communities
- Community-wide solutions such as clean water systems, improved schools, health services, and farming co-ops
What you get when you
sponsor a child
- Welcome packet with child information
- Your first letter from your child (within about 12 weeks)
- Yearly child photo and updates
- Annual progress reports from your child’s community
- Complimentary greeting cards to send to your child
- An online My World Vision account where you can email your child, send extra gifts, and see the latest photos, videos, and community updates
- The life-changing opportunity to visit your sponsored child
How does child sponsorship work?
World Vision child sponsorship programs focus on improving the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the most vulnerable children. Our decades of experience have proven that the most effective way to help a child is to strengthen the child’s entire community, caring for every child along the way. In fact, because of these community-focused solutions, for every child you help, 4 more benefit, too!
We partner with communities
Local staff start by partnering with children, families, and the community. Our aim is to enable children, with their families and communities, to build a better future for themselves.
1 Child + 1 Sponsor
Vulnerable children are nominated by the community for the child sponsorship program. Each child is matched with only one sponsor. This one-to-one connection is a powerful way to share God’s love.
Your donations go to work
In 2020, we used 88 percent of our total operating expenses for programs that benefit children, families, and communities. Your monthly sponsorship gift is combined with other donations to invest in long-term resources for your sponsored child and their whole community, as well as other children in need.
Celebrate the progress
Your love, prayers, letters, and donations result in real, lasting change for your sponsored child, their family, and their community. Enjoy sharing the journey and seeing proof that your support is changing children’s lives and futures for good.
Sponsor a child today!
How does child sponsorship work?
World Vision child sponsorship programs focus on improving the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the most vulnerable children. Our decades of experience have proven that the most effective way to help a child is to strengthen the child’s entire community, caring for every child along the way. In fact, because of these community-focused solutions, for every child you help, 4 more benefit, too!
We partner with communities
Local staff start by partnering with children, families, and the community. Our aim is to enable children, with their families and communities, to build a better future for themselves.
1 Child + 1 Sponsor
Vulnerable children are nominated by the community for the child sponsorship program. Each child is matched with only one sponsor. This one-to-one connection is a powerful way to share God’s love.
Your donations go to work
In 2020, we used 88 percent of our total operating expenses for programs that benefit children, families, and communities. Your monthly sponsorship gift is combined with other donations to invest in long-term resources for your sponsored child and their whole community, as well as other children in need.
Celebrate the progress
Your love, prayers, letters, and donations result in real, lasting change for your sponsored child, their family, and their community. Enjoy sharing the journey and seeing proof that your support is changing children’s lives and futures for good.
Sponsor a child today!
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Patricia Heaton
actress, mom, child sponsor
“World Vision stands out as an organization with impeccable accountability, transparency and most importantly, effectiveness.”
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Chris Brown
lead singer of Elevation Worship
“We just wanted to establish a routine of generosity monthly that we were thinking about others more than ourselves. […] Now we have kids of our own — they’re 7 and 5 — and it’s such a great conversation to have while raising kids of your own. It’s a great teaching opportunity.”
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Celeste & Stuart
Sherman
long-time child sponsors
“We hugged them, we laughed with them, we ate with them, we listened to their goals, and we heard all that World Vision had done to help their family because of our sponsorship.” (After visiting their sponsored children in the Dominican Republic)
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Patricia Heaton
actress, mom, child sponsor
“World Vision stands out as an organization with impeccable accountability, transparency and most importantly, effectiveness.”
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Chris Brown
lead singer of Elevation Worship
“We just wanted to establish a routine of generosity monthly that we were thinking about others more than ourselves. […] Now we have kids of our own — they’re 7 and 5 — and it’s such a great conversation to have while raising kids of your own. It’s a great teaching opportunity.”
Testimonials
from Sponsors
Celeste & Stuart
Sherman
long-time child sponsors
“We hugged them, we laughed with them, we ate with them, we listened to their goals, and we heard all that World Vision had done to help their family because of our sponsorship.” (After visiting their sponsored children in the Dominican Republic)
More child sponsorship FAQs
How do I sponsor a child?
Sponsor a child, and your monthly gift helps bring essentials like clean water, nutrition, education, basic healthcare, and hope to your sponsored child and the community. When you sponsor a child, you can build a relationship with your child through letters and photos. Sponsor a child for $39 a month and help that child, and other vulnerable children in the community, break free from poverty for good.
- Sponsor a child whose story, interests, and circumstances resonate with you. You can even pick a child who shares a birthday with you or a family member.
- When you sponsor a child for $39 a month, your sponsorship donation is pooled with other sponsors for maximum impact to fund programs that benefit your sponsored child and their community.
- Along the way, you can build a relationship with your sponsored child and your child’s community through letters, videos, time, prayer, updates, encouragement, and more.
- Sponsors who have the flexibility and resources can even arrange a visit to meet their child. It’s a life-changing experience – we’ll help you arrange the meet-up!
When you sponsor a child, you get to watch the impact of your donation on your child, their family, and their entire community, celebrating with them along the way.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
Child sponsorship with World Vision costs $39 per month. To make the most of your monthly sponsorship donation, we combine it with other donations to invest in lasting, long-term resources for your sponsored child, their community, and other vulnerable children. In fact, because of our holistic, community-focused approach, for every child sponsored, 4 other children benefit! That’s because everywhere we work, our aim is to strengthen and empower the entire community, so all children can thrive.
What is child sponsorship?
World Vision’s child sponsorship programs focus on improving the well-being of children in need, especially the most vulnerable. Child sponsorship pairs one sponsor with one child. When you sponsor a child, you help provide essentials like clean water, nutrition, education, and more as planned with the child’s community, while you connect through letters and photos. All with the goal of helping your sponsored child and other vulnerable children in their community break free from poverty for good. Our programs are Christ-centered, child-focused, and community based. Learn more about what makes World Vision child sponsorship programs unique >
Why sponsor a child?
Sponsoring a child is the most personal, effective way to fight poverty. When you sponsor a child in need, you build a special relationship that encourages your child with hope for the future. Plus, your donations join forces with other sponsors to lift your child, their community, and other vulnerable children out of poverty for good. Everything we do has one aim – the sustained well-being of children. Your support helps pursue the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of vulnerable children.
Where can I sponsor a child?
You can sponsor a child in many areas around the world:
- Africa
- Asia
- South America
- The Middle East
- Eastern Europe
Where are you most passionate about helping end poverty? What country is on your heart? Sponsoring a child through World Vision means supporting local staff to partner with communities to develop custom solutions for your child’s community that will last.
Why sponsor a child through World Vision?
Sponsoring a child through World Vision is unique because we look at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community. Then we work with each sponsorship community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better future for all children.
You can exchange letters and photos, and even visit your sponsored child, but we don’t just give sponsored children cash every month. Instead, we pool monthly sponsorship donations and leverage them for maximum impact. We call this our community development approach.
Depending on the needs of your sponsored child’s community, things like clean water systems, improved schools, health clinics, farming co-ops, pastor training, and community savings groups create a vibrant, sustainable future for every child. And since 95 percent of our staff work in their local regions, they know the culture and can help create tailored solutions for every community. Learn more about how World Vision works >
More Child Sponsorship FAQs
How do I sponsor a child?
Sponsor a child, and your monthly gift helps bring essentials like clean water, nutrition, education, basic healthcare, and hope to your sponsored child and the community. When you sponsor a child, you can build a relationship with your child through letters and photos. Sponsor a child for $39 a month and help that child, and other vulnerable children in the community, break free from poverty for good.
- Sponsor a child whose story, interests, and circumstances resonate with you. You can even pick a child who shares a birthday with you or a family member.
- When you sponsor a child for $39 a month, your sponsorship donation is pooled with other sponsors for maximum impact to fund programs that benefit your sponsored child and their community.
- Along the way, you can build a relationship with your sponsored child and your child’s community through letters, videos, time, prayer, updates, encouragement, and more.
- Sponsors who have the flexibility and resources can even arrange a visit to meet their child. It’s a life-changing experience – we’ll help you arrange the meet-up!
When you sponsor a child, you get to watch the impact of your donation on your child, their family, and their entire community, celebrating with them along the way.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
Child sponsorship with World Vision costs $39 per month. To make the most of your monthly sponsorship donation, we combine it with other donations to invest in lasting, long-term resources for your sponsored child, their community, and other vulnerable children. In fact, because of our holistic, community-focused approach, for every child sponsored, 4 other children benefit! That’s because everywhere we work, our aim is to strengthen and empower the entire community, so all children can thrive.
What Is Child Sponsorship?
World Vision’s child sponsorship programs focus on improving the well-being of children in need, especially the most vulnerable. Child sponsorship pairs one sponsor with one child. When you sponsor a child, you help provide essentials like clean water, nutrition, education, and more as planned with the child’s community, while you connect through letters and photos. All with the goal of helping your sponsored child and other vulnerable children in their community break free from poverty for good. Our programs are Christ-centered, child-focused, and community based.
Why sponsor a child?
Sponsoring a child is the most personal, effective way to fight poverty. When you sponsor a child in need, you build a special relationship that encourages your child with hope for the future. Plus, your donations join forces with other sponsors to lift your child, their community, and other vulnerable children out of poverty for good. Everything we do has one aim – the sustained well-being of children. Your support helps pursue the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of vulnerable children.
Where can I
sponsor a child?
- Africa
- Asia
- South America
- The Middle East
- Eastern Europe
Where are you most passionate about helping end poverty? What country is on your heart? Sponsoring a child through World Vision means supporting local staff to partner with communities to develop custom solutions for your child’s community that will last.
Why sponsor a child through World Vision?
Sponsoring a child through World Vision is unique because we look at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community. Then we work with each sponsorship community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better future for all children.
You can exchange letters and photos, and even visit your sponsored child, but we don’t just give sponsored children cash every month. Instead, we pool monthly sponsorship donations and leverage them for maximum impact. We call this our community development approach.
Depending on the needs of your sponsored child’s community, things like clean water systems, improved schools, health clinics, farming co-ops, pastor training, and community savings groups create a vibrant, sustainable future for every child. And since 95 percent of our staff work in their local regions, they know the culture and can help create tailored solutions for every community.