Frequently Asked Questions About Child Sponsorship
General:
- What is child sponsorship?
- What types of child sponsorships are available?
- Why should I sponsor with Save the Children?
- How does sponsorship work?
- Will my sponsorship connect me with an actual child?
- Why can I only sponsor a child in select countries?
- What happens once I decide to join sponsorship?
- How will I be kept updated on my impact?
- How long will my sponsorship last?
- Can a child have more than one sponsor?
- Can I have multiple sponsorships?
- Can I sponsor siblings?
- Can I adopt a child through Save the Children?
- Can I give a gift sponsorship?
- Can I set up a sponsorship as part of my organization?
- Can I cancel my sponsorship?
- Will I always be sponsoring the same child?
- What happens when Save the Children moves out of a community?
- What happens when a child grows up?
Financial:
- How much does child sponsorship cost?
- Will my sponsorship always cost the same amount?
- Is my support tax-deductible?
- How will my child sponsorship support be used?
- Are my contributions used differently if I’m corresponding or not corresponding with the child I’m matched with?
- What’s the best way to pay for my sponsorship?
- How do I change my payment type?
- How do I update my credit card number?
- How will I be notified if my support is interrupted?
- How do I change from monthly support to annual or quarterly support?
- How do I increase my sponsorship support?
- Will I receive a tax receipt for my sponsorship support?
- Where can I find Save the Children’s financial information?
Engagement:
- Can I write to the child I sponsor?
- What needs to be included in my letter?
- How long does it take to receive a reply from the child I sponsor?
- Where do I send my letters?
- How much will postage cost?
- Can I email to the child I sponsor?
- What do I write to the child I sponsor?
- What if the child I sponsor is too young to write?
- What if the child I sponsor doesn’t write well?
- Why can I no longer select a child I can write to when sponsoring a child through the website?
- Do I have to write to the child I sponsor to receive letters?
- Can I send a gift to the child I sponsor?
- Can I send cash directly to the child I sponsor?
- Can I visit a sponsored child?
- Can I share information about a sponsorship child via social media?
- How does Save the Children protect the identity of sponsors?
Coronavirus updates:
- How is coronavirus affecting children, including those children in sponsorship communities?
- How is my sponsorship donation contributing to Save the Children’s global response to coronavirus?
- How are sponsorship program operations being impacted by coronavirus?
- When will I be able to engage with my sponsored child again
- Can I visit my sponsored child?
- What if I have questions about my sponsorship
- How can I continue to help children and families impacted by coronavirus?
General Answers:
What is child sponsorship?
Child sponsorship is a unique kind of program that connects children most vulnerable to poverty, inequality and discrimination with compassionate people like you! Becoming a sponsor means giving a child the chance to grow up healthy, educated and safe — forever changing their life and future. You just might find that it changes you, too. When you become a sponsor, Save the Children combines your monthly contribution with the support of other sponsors to help aid projects in your sponsored community — creating a “ripple effect” of positive change throughout the entire area.
What types of child sponsorships are available?
In order to have the greatest impact for children enrolled in our programs, we are currently offering via the web the opportunity to receive updates on a child and broader community benefiting from your support. This means that several sponsors will be assigned to the same child and you cannot correspond directly with that child. This reduces operational costs and more of your monthly contribution can be used to support sponsorship programs.
If you would like the opportunity to write to a child and are committed to doing so, you may request to be matched with a child you can write to by calling us at 1-800-SavetheCihldren or +1-475-999-3842 (outside the U.S.). You may also choose to learn about programs in a specific country and can do so by calling us at 1-800-SavetheChildren or +1-475-999-3842 (outside the U.S.)
Why should I sponsor with Save the Children?
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the U.S. and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we’re always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We develop pioneering programs that deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.
With an ambitious vision and a century of leading expertise, we’re one of the most highly regarded charities in the world. We are consistently recognized for our proven program responsibility and fiscal accountability, with nearly 9 out of every 10 dollars going to programs for children and families in need. We earn high ratings from independent services like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch, and we are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
When you become a Save the Children sponsor, you can be sure you’re joining a growing, global community dedicated to doing whatever it takes for children, transforming their lives and the future we share.
How does sponsorship work?
Save the Children selects communities that will benefit from child sponsorship programs based on need. Our local staff work hand-in-hand with these communities to develop and manage child sponsorship programs. All children are offered the opportunity to participate — in consultation with their families or caregivers — and experience the powerful impact of sponsorship.
Will my sponsorship connect me with an actual child?
As a sponsor, you’ll help support actual children throughout an entire community — children of all ages! Your monthly support combined with support from other caring sponsors will benefit all the girls and boys in your sponsored community. We'll also be sure to share with you updates that will show the tremendous difference you're making.
Why can I only sponsor a child in select countries?
The locations where sponsorship is available is based on needs within the community and whether our child sponsorship programs are determined to be the best fit to address those unique needs. Save the Children takes our commitments to the children, communities and partners and supporters we work with very seriously. We will not abandon any programs, children or communities in the middle of our work with them. We will only transition out of sponsorship communities once we can ensure that community members are equipped and empowered to independently continue the progress we have made together for children. The only time we make an exception to this is if there is a significant safety risk for children, communities or staff. In those circumstances, we always look to pivot our work to address the most pressing needs of the community in the moment, which may result in stopping the traditional child sponsorship programs.
What happens once I decide to sponsor a child?
About 10 days after you join sponsorship, you’ll receive a welcome kit, with everything you need to begin a meaningful sponsorship journey, including photos and information about the children and the community you’re supporting through your donations.
You’ll also receive an annual update report and ongoing print, email and mobile updates about the impact of your sponsorship on the community. You can also keep track of the progress happening in your sponsored community through your online account, which will be periodically updated with photos, videos and country program information.
How will I be kept updated on my impact?
Each year, you will receive an annual update designed to let you know how your sponsorship support is making an impact.
In addition, you’ll also receive periodic print, email and mobile updates from us to keep you fully informed about how your sponsorship is making a difference.
These updates are our way of helping you see how your sponsorship commitment is transforming the lives and futures of girls and boys — and the entire community.
How long will my sponsorship last?
Child sponsorship is a voluntary, ongoing contribution. You decide how long you’re able to help. Many sponsors have supported our work for more than 15 years, and some as many as 50 years!
Can a child have more than one sponsor?
Through our program, a child will likely have multiple sponsors, because he or she serves as a child representative of their community. There is no one-on-one relationship or communication with the child, although you will receive regular updates.
Can I have multiple sponsorships?
Through sponsorship, you’re helping to impact an entire community of children. If you’d like to do more and help even more children grow up healthy, educated and safe, so they can achieve their dreams, you can choose another child representative of their community or even a different area of the world where we work.
Can I sponsor siblings?
Because your sponsored child is representative, your donations support all the girls and boys within the community.
Can I adopt a child through Save the Children?
Our work and resources are solely focused on helping children grow up healthy, educated and safe within their own communities. If you’d like to consider adoption, we suggest you visit the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov and click “Learn about Adopting a Child to and from the U.S.”
Can I give a gift sponsorship?
We encourage you to share the gift of sponsorship. When you check out, simply select your sponsorship as a gift sponsorship and enter your gift recipient’s information. Your gift recipient will receive a card and welcome kit. There’s no better way to share the joys of sponsorship than by letting someone you care about experience the impact firsthand.
Can I set up a sponsorship as part of my organization?
Absolutely! Many organizations choose to make child sponsorship a highlight of their corporate philanthropy program. Sponsorship is an exceptional way to engage employees and build goodwill for your company, while improving the lives and futures of children. For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Can I cancel my sponsorship?
Sponsorship is an entirely voluntary, ongoing relationship that supports our critical work with vulnerable children around the world. Before you make the life-changing choice to cancel your sponsorship, it may be helpful to consider all the ways in which your decision can impact children. Click here to find out
Will I always be sponsoring the same child?
We work in real communities, with real families, in oftentimes difficult situations. But because your child is representative, you can rest assured that your support will be used to help provide a safe environment for children to learn, grow and play — impacting girls and boys and their entire community.
What happens when Save the Children moves out of a community?
Save the Children’s sponsorship programs are structured to remain in a community for 8 to 10 years. This long-term commitment allows us to thoroughly assess the community’s needs and deliver successful sponsorship programs that achieve lasting results. When our teams transition out of a community, we work to carefully transfer ownership of our programs to local community members, so children can continue benefiting for many years to come. This model allows us to move on to help children in other communities, while ensuring our established programs continue.
What happens when a child grows up?
We work in real communities, with real families and in ever-changing situations - and sometimes children must leave our programs. For example, if a child’s family moves to another community or if a child’s community graduates from our program, your sponsorship will be moved to a new child. Wherever possible we will transfer your sponsorship to a different child in the same community so you can continue to create lasting, positive change for children.
Need more help?
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or need additional help, our Supporter Experience Center will be happy to assist you with anything you may need. Contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST). As an existing sponsor, you can also manage your account through our website.
For sponsors living outside the U.S., you can send an email to our Supporter Experience Center at [email protected] or call +1-203-221-4000.
Financial Questions:
How much does child sponsorship cost?
You can become a child sponsor for just $39 a month (or about a dollar a day). We have found that the most effective way to help children is by combining your contributions with those of other sponsors, rather than giving them directly to the child you sponsor. This allows us to more effectively distribute resources to the communities we work with around the world to enable stable funding, long-term support and high-quality programs.
If you can afford to provide support of more than $39 a month, or you can sponsor multiple children, you’ll help us achieve even more and ensure the long-term sustainability of our child sponsorship programs. If you’re interested in increasing your support on behalf of yourself, your family or your organization, please contact our Supporter Experience team at 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
Will my sponsorship always cost the same amount?
Not necessarily. Many sponsors choose to upgrade their gift periodically (Thank you!), allowing us to do even more for children around the world. There are also instances where we prompt this upgrade due to the rising cost of supplies in the countries where we work. We do this to ensure that our programs remain unaffected by economic ebbs and flows. Please know that these small increases pooled together make a HUGE difference for kids. Every cent you give makes change for children. We can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support!
Is my support tax deductible?
Yes. You will have access to an online history of your recurring giving. The most recent history is typically available in late January of the new year, in PDF form, via your online account under “Manage my Giving”. For specific, tax-related questions about your charitable giving, we encourage you to contact your tax advisor.
How will my child sponsorship support be used?
Your child sponsorship support gives children a healthy start in life and continues to support them as they learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment. We work hand-in-hand with children, families and communities to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the unique needs of children in that community.
The most effective way to help children is by combining your contributions with those of other sponsors, rather than giving them directly to the child you sponsor. This allows us to more effectively distribute resources to the communities we work with around the world to enable stable funding, long-term support and high-quality programs. Your sponsorship is truly an investment in children’s lives and futures!
Are my contributions used differently if I’m corresponding or not corresponding with the child I’m matched with?
Your contributions are used in the same way whether or not you are writing to the child you’re matched with. Starting in 2022, we combine all sponsorship gifts so we can ensure stable, long-term support. This approach will reduce our overhead and operational costs significantly so we can be more flexible in response to crises - like the COVID-19 pandemic, earthquakes, conflict and other emergencies.
What’s the best way to pay for my sponsorship?
You can pay for your sponsorship in a variety of ways, including through a bank transfer, recurring credit card gift, wire transfer or personal check. We recommend setting up an automatic (or recurring) bank transfer, because it saves us on the significant processing fees associated with credit card and check payments. We want to ensure as much of your support as possible goes to the children who need it most.
How do I change my payment type?
To change your method of payment, simply contact our Supporter Experience Center at 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
How do I update my credit card number?
You can update your credit card number by logging into your online account and clicking “Manage My Giving.” From there you can find your sponsorship gifts on the right column and can update your credit card number by selecting “Update Credit Card”. If you need assistance, call our Supporter Experience Center at 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST). To ensure the security of your information, we do not recommend sending credit card information over email.
How will I be notified if my support is interrupted?
If your sponsorship contribution is unable to be processed (when, for example, your credit card account number changes), you will first receive a notification letter by mail and then a printed statement each month. In addition, you will receive an email or mobile alert and a phone call from a Supporter Experience Center Representative to help you update your payment information.
How do I change from monthly support to annual or quarterly support?
Your Supporter Experience Center can assist in changing your contribution frequency and can be reached at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, (EST)
How do I increase my sponsorship support?
If you’re ready to provide even more support to your sponsored child and his or her community, you can easily update your contribution amount online in the “My Giving” section of your online account. Your Supporter Experience Center is also happy to assist you and can be reached at 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
Will I receive a tax receipt for my sponsorship support?
Each February, you will receive an official tax receipt for all of your sponsorship gifts made during the previous calendar year.
Where can I find Save the Children’s financial information?
Save the Children has a proven track record of program responsibility and fiscal accountability. You can be assured that Save the Children uses the valuable resources sponsors provide in the most efficient, cost-effective ways possible.
Our independently audited financial statements consistently show that nearly 9 out of every 10 dollars we spend goes to programs and services for children and families in need. Click here for more financial information.
Engagement Questions:
Can I write to the child I sponsor?
Not all sponsored children can be written to. Over time, we’ve learned that the majority of sponsors do not choose to write letters to the child they sponsor, but would rather just like to stay updated on a specific child’s development and the programs in their community. As a result, we are only offering the opportunity to correspond with a child upon request. This avoids having children feel disappointed if they don’t receive a letter and allows us to direct even more money towards programs.
If you are already corresponding with a child, you can continue to write to them. Considering the costs to translate and transport letters back and forth to a child’s community, we recommend that you send no more than two letters a year. Limiting the number of letters sent also allows our team to spend more time and resources on our program work for children in the communities.
Via the web, we are currently offering the opportunity to receive updates on a child and broader community benefiting from your support. This means that several sponsors will be assigned to the same child and you cannot correspond directly with that child. This reduces operational costs and more of your monthly contribution can be used to support sponsorship programs.
If you would like the opportunity to write to a child and are committed to doing so, you may request to be matched with a child you can write to. Please contact our Supporter Experience Center at [email protected], calling us at 1-800-SavetheChildren or +1-475-999-3842 (outside the U.S.), Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
What needs to be included in my letter?
All letters should be addressed to your sponsored child’s country office and must include:
- On the envelope: The name and address of your sponsored child’s country office (available below)
- Within the letter (or email): Your donor ID, your first name, the Child ID of the child you sponsor and the first name of the child you sponsor.
If you’re sending an email through your online account, this information will be filled in for you. If you can’t find the info you need, you can retrieve it through your online account or by contacting our Supporter Experience Center at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
Please note: To protect sponsored children and sponsors like you, Save the Children does not allow unmonitored communication between a child and his/her sponsor. All communications must be sent through our country office staff, so they can check for appropriateness and manage translations and delivery, as necessary. Please do not share personal contact information, like last names, home addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, school name or anything else that could be used to identify or locate you or your sponsored child.
How long does it take to receive a reply from the child I sponsor?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we ask that you expect delays in your correspondence being delivered. Letter replies can take several months to reach you depending on local mail infrastructure, translation time and your child’s literacy level, so please be patient. Additional delays can happen during seasons when children may be observing a school break or holiday. See the journey of a letter here.
If you write an email, the delivery time will be substantially shorter, but it still involves translating and delivering, so we also recommend limiting emails to no more than two a year.
Where do I send my letters?
Please send your letters to the Save the Children office of the country where your sponsored child lives. Your welcome kit includes this information. You can also find your sponsored child's country office mailing address below.
Afghanistan
Save the Children in Afghanistan
[email protected]
Bangladesh
Save the Children in Bangladesh
House CWN (A) 35, Road 43
Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212
Bangladesh
[email protected]
Bolivia
Save the Children in Bolivia
Av. Oquendo (casi esq. Colombia, Edificio Virgen del Carmen N° 164 Piso 2)
Casilla 4317
Cochabamba, Bolivia
[email protected]
Egypt
Save the Children in Egypt
42, Road 17, Off Port Saied Street
Maadi Sarayat
P.O. Box: 580 Al Malek Al Saleh
Cairo, Egypt
[email protected]
El Salvador
Save the Children in El Salvador
Apartado Postal 05 (95)
San Salvador, El Salvador
[email protected]
Ethiopia
Save the Children in Ethiopia
P.O. Box 387
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
[email protected]
Haiti
Save the Children in Haiti
18 Rue Emeric, Impasse Lajoie,
Bourdon
B.P. 15665
Petion-Ville, Haiti
[email protected]
Save the Children India
3 / 221, Vinay Khand
Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh-226010
India
[email protected]
Indonesia
Save the Children
Jalan Gelora
RT 12 RW 6
Kelurahana Pada Eweta
Kelurahan Kota Waikabubak
Kabupaten Sumba Barat
Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat
Post code 87211
Indonesia
[email protected]
Malawi
Save the Children in Malawi
Private Bag 66
Zomba, Malawi
[email protected]
Mali
Save the Children in Mali
BP 3105
Bamako, Mali
[email protected]
Mexico
Save the Children in Mexico
Francisco Sosa #24
Col. Villa Coyoacán
Coyoacán, 04000
Mexico City, México
[email protected]
Mozambique
Save the Children in Mozambique
Caixa Postal 1854
Maputo, Mozambique
[email protected]
Myanmar
Save the Children in Myanmar
126/A, Dhammazedi Road, Corner of Dhammazedi Rd &
Shwegondaing 1st Lane Bahan Township, Yangon 11201, Myanmar
Nepal
Save the Children in Nepal
P.O. Box 3394
Airport Gate, Sambhu Marg
Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal
[email protected]
Niger
Save the Children in Niger
Quartier Plateau PL 54
Rue des Lacs
BP 12670, Niamey, Niger
[email protected]
Philippines
Save the Children in the Philippines
P.O. Box 4448
Manila Central Post Office
Liwasang Bonifacio
Metro Manila, Philippines
[email protected]
Uganda
Save the Children in Uganda
Plot 2163 Dadiri Close
Muyenga
P.O. Box 12018
Kampala
Uganda
[email protected]
United States
Save the Children, U.S. Programs
Attn: Sponsorship Dept.
800 Corporate Dr., Ste. 100
Lexington, KY 40503
[email protected]
Vietnam
Save the Children in Vietnam
Level 4, Mercury Building
444 Hoang Hoa Tham Street,
Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Vietnam
[email protected]
Zambia
Save the Children in Zambia
Kalulushi Office
Plot 3778 North Kalengwa Rd,
P.O. Box 260295
Kalulushi, Zambia
[email protected]
How much will postage cost?
Postage costs will vary based on the size and weight of your letter and the destination. Please visit the USPS website to calculate postage.
Can I email the child I sponsor?
Not all sponsored children can be emailed. Over time, we’ve learned that the majority of sponsors do not choose to write to the child they sponsor, but would rather just like to stay updated on a specific child’s development and the programs in their community. As a result, we are only offering the opportunity to correspond with a child upon request. This avoids having children feel disappointed if they don’t receive a letter and allows us to direct even more money towards programs.
If you are already corresponding with a child, you can continue to email them. Considering the costs to translate and transport letters back and forth to a child’s community, we recommend that you send no more than two emails a year. Limiting the number of emails sent also allows our team to spend more time and resources on our program work for children in the communities. You’ll receive a written reply via postal mail from the child you sponsor. If you prefer to receive email replies from the child, please email the country office and provide your preferences.
If you would like the opportunity to email a child and are committed to doing so, you may request to be matched with a child you can write to. Please contact our Supporter Experience Center at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
What do I write to the child I sponsor?
Because many sponsored children are developing their reading and writing skills, short and thoughtful messages are best. To get to know the child you sponsor, you may wish to ask about his or her daily life, family and friends – and share the same about yourself. As time goes on, you may want to ask about family or community traditions and significant events in the child’s life. Please avoid discussing any political or religious matters or other culturally sensitive topics.
Click here for letter writing tips that you can print and keep as a handy resource.
What if the child I sponsor is too young to write?
If you sponsor a younger child, you’ll receive updates about the child from a special person in his or her life – typically, a family member, teacher or caregiver. As time goes on, you’ll have the experience of seeing the child develop through the letters and drawings he or she sends you – knowing that your support is helping make the child’s development a reality.
What if the child I sponsor doesn’t write well?
Some kids are shy. Others have never written a letter before. And in the disadvantaged places where we work, some children have missed out on years of schooling – that is, until Save the Children started working in the community. So don’t worry if your child’s letter isn’t as long or as detailed as you would expect. Be assured that your sponsorship is making a profound difference in your child’s life – an investment in his or her future.
Why can I no longer select a child I can write to when sponsoring a child through the website?
Our goal is always to ensure that we have the greatest impact for kids. One way to do so is by reducing operational costs so as much of your donation as possible can go to support programs. Over time, we’ve learned that the majority of sponsors do not choose to write letters to a child but would rather just like to stay updated on a specific child’s development and the programs in their community. As a result, we are only offering the opportunity to correspond with a child moving forward per request. This avoids having children feel disappointed if they don’t receive a letter and allows us to direct even more money towards programs. If you would like the opportunity to write to a child and are committed to doing so, you may request to be matched with a child you can write to by calling us at 1-800-SavetheChildren or +1-475-999-3842 (outside the U.S.).
Do I have to write to the child that I sponsor to receive letters?
When you first sign up for an individual child sponsorship, you will receive an introductory letter from the child you sponsor. Each year following, the child will send an annual letter updating you on what is happening in his or her life. If you wish to communicate with the child more regularly, you may write back – two letters a year is recommended. Sponsored children may enjoy the opportunity to receive a message from far-away.
Can I send a gift to the child I sponsor?
Please do not include any gifts, such as stickers or small books, when sending letters to your sponsored child. This will help us create a positive experience for all children in the community, including those without a sponsor, and reduce processing costs so we can invest more in programs. The best gift you can give is to share an uplifting letter that lets your sponsored child know that you believe in them. You can also include a photo of yourself so they can put a face to your name. Please ensure photos are age and culturally appropriate and do not highlight any personal information such as where you live or your last name. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Can I send cash directly to the child I sponsor?
Because cash can make children a target in some of the economically deprived areas where we work, sponsors cannot send money directly to children. However, additional monetary gifts to support our work in your child’s community are always appreciated. These valuable funds will support the programs that benefit your sponsored child and his or her community – helping us to make an even bigger difference in their lives and futures.
If you wish to help your sponsored child’s community with an extra gift, please visit the “My Child Sponsorship” page of your online account and click “Make a Special Donation to Sponsorship.” You can also contact your Supporter Experience Center at 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
Can I visit a sponsored child?
Because your child is representative, and to keep children safe and allow staff to prioritize our program work, sponsors are not able to visit the children in their sponsored area. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST). Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our life-changing work for children in need.
Can I share information about a sponsorship child via social media?
In today’s digital age, children are exposed to new risks. While you may have good intentions in sharing about your representative child, there are people who could use that information to cause harm. For children's protection, please do not post any information online that could be used to identify or locate your child, such as last name, school name, community name or photo.
We do encourage you to post on social media to share about your experience (and hopefully inspire others to join the Save the Children family!), but to do so in a way that ensures the safety and protection of all the children. For example, you can say, “Becoming a sponsor has meant the world to me. I love knowing a child will have a better life and a brighter future because of me.”
Thank you for helping us keep children safe!
How does Save the Children protect the identity of sponsors?
To protect the identity of our sponsors, we don’t share your contact information directly with your sponsored child.
If you are contacted by your sponsored child, his or her family or a community member outside of communications sent by Save the Children, we ask that you not respond and immediately contact your Supporter Experience Center at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST).
Our utmost goal is to protect the children we serve, as well as the generous sponsors who make our work possible. Thank you for partnering with us to achieve this goal.
Coronavirus Updates:
Children around the world face growing health, education and safety risks due to coronavirus. That’s why Save the Children is working to ensure children and families affected by coronavirus, including all of the children in our sponsorship programs, receive the support they need to keep healthy, continue learning and stay safe. In response to some of the questions raised by our community of sponsors, here’s how our teams are working to address the specific needs of sponsored children.
How is coronavirus affecting children, including those children in sponsorship communities?
Coronavirus is a global pandemic that threatens children’s rights in countries around the world, including those countries where Save the Children has sponsorship programs. The coronavirus pandemic will have far-reaching impacts, not only on the health of children, families and their communities, but also on education, protection, food supplies and social interaction.
Visit Coronavirus Outbreak: Facts and Figures to learn more about the virus and Save the Children’s global response.
How is my sponsorship donation contributing to Save the Children’s global response to coronavirus?
Thanks to the support of sponsors like you, our teams were able to mobilize immediately to provide support to the most vulnerable regions impacted by coronavirus.
As Save the Children’s response continues to grow, your sponsorship gifts will continue to help us support children and communities affected by coronavirus. Your ongoing support allows us to address the new and evolving needs children face during this global pandemic
Thank you so much for your ongoing support – support that is more important than ever. Without you, our work for children and families impacted by coronavirus would simply not be possible.
How are sponsorship program operations being impacted by coronavirus?
Save the Children supports sponsorship programs in several states and many countries that are being impacted by school and business closures — proven measures to slow the spread of disease and, in turn, save lives. As a result, we have paused some of our sponsorship activities, including distributing gifts to sponsored children.
We recognize that our sponsorship programming will be affected and, wherever possible, we hope to redesign activities and outcomes to make them coronavirus-sensitive. Please check back for more updates as we have them – we can’t wait to share with you how we’re adapting to help address coronavirus with your help!
Can I visit a sponsored child?
Because your child is representative, and to keep children safe and allow staff to prioritize our program work, sponsors are not able to visit the children in their sponsored area. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST). Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our life-changing work for children in need.
What if I have questions about my sponsorship?
We understand that this crisis is affecting families in the most challenging of ways. If you need to make any changes to your gift, please call your Supporter Experience team at 1-800-728-3843. Our team is happy to help you and can provide you with many options.
How can I continue to help children and families impacted by coronavirus?
Thank you for all you do to support children in the United States and around the world! Your sponsorship support is critical to the work we are doing to help children and families impacted by coronavirus.
If you’d like to increase your support, here are a few opportunities:
- Sponsor another child or increase your sponsorship donation. Your additional support at this time will help ensure children and families affected by coronavirus, especially those most vulnerable, receive the support they need to keep healthy, continue learning and stay safe.
- Share the joy of sponsorship with your friends and family. There’s no greater advocate for sponsorship than you – our sponsors! If your friends are looking for ways to help children in the U.S. and around the world impacted by coronavirus, encourage them to become a sponsor today.
- Donate. Your donation today supports our important work to meet the health, education and nutrition needs of kids in other countries impacted by coronavirus.
* Letter writing is only applicable to existing Individual Child Sponsors.
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