At Compassion International, our mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. But we can’t do it alone. Your monthly child sponsorship donation of $43 enables us to equip a local church in a child’s community to care for their needs.
We commonly receive questions like this from our loving sponsors:
“I am getting a bit concerned with the cost to sponsor a child. Where is the money going that isn’t going to the children? I would hate to think it is for a glossier overedited over advertising or staff bloat to make sponsors feel better.”
We know how important it is for you to see that your donation is being used to release children from poverty. That’s why we’re transparent, taking our financial accountability seriously.
Below, we share how much of your donation goes to the child you sponsor and how your efforts are making a true difference in their life.
What’s Here:
- How Much Money Goes to the Child I Sponsor?
- How Is My Donation Used to Help the Child I Sponsor?
- Why Compassion International?
How Much Money Goes to the Child I Sponsor?
At least 80% of your monthly donation helps us care for children by covering the cost of the physical, emotional and spiritual care they need. This large portion of your gift helps us deliver necessities like nutrition support, medical checkups, education and disaster relief.
No more than 20% of your donation goes to administration and fundraising. These important costs range from letter translation to paying staff who selflessly deliver the care each child in our program receives.
These costs also help us expand our ministry to reach even more children. An estimated 333 million children live in extreme poverty. Through your support, we’re working to reach them.
Does the Money Go Directly to the Child?
Compassion sends the sponsorship funds we receive to the local church caring for the child you sponsor. This approach ensures the child consistently receives the critical care they need from loving church staff and volunteers in their community.
Sending donations directly to the child you sponsor can have negative consequences. For example, a child’s family may misuse the funds, leaving the child without necessary care. Or a child may develop an unhealthy dependence on the money they receive.
Our approach ensures the child is cared for while they’re also being empowered to later support and care for themselves.
Children play happily and safely during recess at the Compassion center located in a nearby church.
Want to learn more about how your donation is carefully stewarded? Read our most recent Financial Accountability report.
How Is My Donation Used to Help the Child I Sponsor?
Once your child sponsorship donation is received by the local church, it covers the cost of the care the child receives. Some examples of what a child receives include:
- The gospel: The child you sponsor hears the gospel and experiences Jesus’ love for them through the care of the local church.
- Protection from abuse and exploitation: The child you sponsor is surrounded by loving adults trained in child protection who keep them safe and teach them how to advocate for themselves.
- Care for their health: The child is monitored for malnutrition, gets a yearly checkup and receives critical medical care whenever they become sick or hurt.
- Education: The child receives a quality education, tutoring and vocational training, enabling them to reach their dreams and become thriving adults.
- Disaster response: The child you sponsor receives emergency aid, including clean water, shelter and trauma counseling when disaster strikes.
With their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs met, the child you sponsor will be empowered to overcome poverty and help others do the same.
Once homeless and filled with fear for her future, Alice now has a safe place to live and looks forward to a career as a physiologist.
Why Compassion International?
When it comes to choosing a child sponsorship organization, we know we’re far from the only choice you’ve got. Beyond our dedication to financial accountability, what sets us apart from other organizations? Why should you entrust your gifts to us?
Compassion International is:
- Christ-centered: Jesus is at the center of all that we do. Every child in our program hears the gospel and sees it in action through local church pastors, volunteers and sponsors around the world.
- Church-driven: We empower local churches in impoverished communities to serve children in need. These churches become consistent sources of light and hope, representing Christ, making disciples in their communities and caring for children as they grow and leave poverty behind.
- Child-focused: We care for each child’s unique right-now and long-term needs. Given the care they need, children become thriving followers of Jesus, transforming their families, communities and nations.
Whether you’re a current sponsor or considering becoming a sponsor, thank you. Know that through your yes to being the hands and feet of Jesus, you’re changing a child’s life for eternity. We’re so grateful for you!
This was originally published in June 2010 and has been updated as of April 2025.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Still have questions about sponsorship costs? We’re more than happy to help! To speak with someone about our financial accountability, give us a call at 800-336-7676.
