What is Child Sponsorship?

Millions of children who live in extreme poverty around the world lack the essentials they need to survive, let alone thrive. But as the hands and feet of Jesus, we’re called to help them fight back against poverty. Child sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to do so.

Put simply, child sponsorship means donating monthly to a child living in poverty. Your donation is used to provide a child with the essentials they need to thrive, from medical care and food to clean water and education.

Most importantly, your support enables us to share the hope of the gospel with the most vulnerable. With their right-now physical, emotional and spiritual needs met, children have the confidence, vision and skills to break the generational cycle of poverty.

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

— Psalm 82:3-4, NIV

How Does Child Sponsorship Work?

Child sponsorship is a simple yet powerful way to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. When you’re ready to sponsor, you’ll choose a child from one of the 29 countries in greatest need. As a sponsor, you’ll donate monthly to meet each of a child’s unique needs.

You’ll also have the opportunity to pray for your sponsored child and send them messages of encouragement. The child you sponsor will write you messages too, resulting in a life-changing relationship for both of you!

How does your child receive support? Through the local church. At Compassion, we partner with churches inside each child’s community who know the child’s needs best.

As a result, the local church becomes a constant source of hope and care as your sponsored child journeys out of poverty.

 group of children hold hands in a large circle in front of their church.

What Does Compassion International Do?

At Compassion International, we do sponsorship a bit differently. Our sponsorship program is Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused.

  • Christ-centered. Life transformation begins with the hope of the gospel. That’s why we share Jesus with every single child in a way they’ll understand.
  • Church-driven. Local churches already established in their communities know the needs of the children living around them best. This is why we work only in partnership with local churches. We equip them to know, love and protect children in their area.
  • Child-focused. The whole child is our focus. We work to address the critical physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of each child, helping them to thrive — mind, body and soul. We tailor our support to each child’s unique circumstances and environment.

Through our Child Sponsorship Program, children receive:

Malnutrition monitoring and intervention

Regular medical checkups

Individual mentorship and love

Education assistance and skills training

The opportunity to receive encouraging words and support from you, their sponsor

An introduction to the gospel and love of God

Your “Yes” to Sponsorship Truly Impacts a Child’s Life

We’ve seen the powerful impact of child sponsorship on the lives of children time and time again. Your support not only meets a child’s immediate needs but also helps them break the cycle of poverty and realize their God-given potential.

Your support through sponsorship:

  • Motivates children to deepen their relationship with Jesus. 89% of Compassion alumni say their relationship with their sponsor motivated them to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
  • Makes a spiritual difference. 9 in 10 Compassion alumni say that the connection with their sponsor made a meaningful difference in their lives, especially spiritually.
  • Inspires children to hope for a better future. 90% of Compassion alumni surveyed agree that their relationship with their sponsor motivated them to be hopeful.
  • Increases self-esteem and confidence. 82% of Compassion alumni surveyed agree that their relationship with their sponsor increased their feelings of self-worth.
  • Equips children and youth to be change-makers. 79% of Compassion alumni say their relationship with their sponsor inspired them to make a positive impact in their communities.
A group of children stand on a fence in front of a bright blue sky and smile for the camera.

Learn More About Child Sponsorship With Compassion

Child sponsorship gives you the opportunity to put your faith into action and make a life-changing impact on a child in need. Learn more about child sponsorship below.

a young Thai boy
Sponsor a Child With Compassion

Ready to sponsor a child? Get started by choosing a child and learning your next steps.

Become a Sponsor >

a woman sponsor hugs her sponsored child
Why Sponsor a Child With Compassion?

Why choose Compassion for sponsorship? Learn what makes our sponsorship program unique.

See Your Impact >

A smiling boy sits in a group of boys straining to read a sponsor letter one boy is holding
Ways to Donate

Want to help in a different way? Learn ways you can donate, from providing funds for clean water to purchasing chickens.

Learn Ways to Give >

Have Questions About Compassion and How We Work?

Donating to a charity is an important decision. So when you’re passionate about a cause and want to make a difference, we encourage you to do your research. Compassion is 100% committed to financial integrity, stewardship and using each dollar wisely. If you have questions about Compassion or exactly how your donation will be used, please contact us.

Questions?

Please call us at 800-336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT, to speak with a Compassion representative.

Give With Confidence

With Compassion, your donation is used wisely to help children around the world.

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Compassion International Child Sponsorship FAQs