Is Compassion International Trustworthy?

“Is my sponsored child even real? How do I know the funds I give are actually getting to the child I sponsor? Is Compassion International trustworthy? Are they legit?”

These are questions we get from child sponsors and those interested in supporting Compassion. And we understand completely! Your choice to give to a Christian charity isn’t one to take lightly. The charity you choose should be trusted to steward what you give well.

Here we’ll show you how we steward your support, proving that, yes, Compassion is trustworthy and using your gifts to make a difference in the lives of children.

What’s Here:

• Is Compassion International Trustworthy?
• Where Do Your Donations and Gifts Go?
• Discover Our Accountability & Impact Reports
• See the Impact of Your Support

Is Compassion International Trustworthy?

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10, NIV

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be good stewards of the resources God has blessed us with. And that’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring we’re stewarding what you give in the best way.

Compassion International is a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to release children from poverty through child sponsorship and cause-based initiatives.

A Christian Charity Trusted by Millions

We’ve been a trusted charity since 1952, providing love and care to millions of children around the world. Compassion:

• Is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. This council sets high standards for ensuring your donations are stewarded the right way.
• Meets every standard of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, ensuring our organization is one you can trust.
• Receives high ratings from CharityWatch and other nonprofit rating organizations.

Tracking Donations & Monitoring Impact

Internal and independent audits are regularly completed within our corporate headquarters and our offices in the field. Every single financial process undergoes extensive and continual review to ensure funds are properly received, tracked and managed.

To ensure our program is effective, we closely monitor child development centers in each of the 29 countries we serve. This is to make sure they’re using your support to make a true difference in the lives of children.

According to a survey of Compassion program alumni in the Dominican Republic, 97% said they were released from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Where Do Your Donations and Gifts Go?

Every penny you give goes toward releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. At least 80% of your gift, will help us share the gospel in word and action by introducing children to Jesus and covering the cost of the physical, emotional and spiritual care they need.

The smaller percentage of your donation helps us reach even more children by paying for administrative costs and other expenses. An estimated 333 million children live in extreme poverty. We can reach them through your support!

Discover Our Accountability & Impact Reports

At Compassion, we aim to be transparent, ensuring you know where your money is going and the impact you’re making.

We publish an accountability report every year that details Compassion’s finances, countries served, impact stats and so much more. You can also read our reports from previous years, giving you insight into our growth.

See the Impact of Your Support

Since 1952, we’ve seen millions of lives changed through the donations and gifts we receive from our incredible supporters. This impact is a testament to our dedication to using our resources well to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

• Leidy from Bolivia: Leidy has watched her father suffer from Chagas disease, a fatal illness affecting the heart. But through Compassion and the support of her sponsor, Leidy is turning her pain into purpose by becoming a nurse so she can care for others.
• Frizky from Indonesia: Frizky was abandoned by his parents at a young age, which destroyed his confidence. But at the Compassion center, he discovered his identity in Christ. With Jesus-centered confidence and an education, Frizky grew a hydroponic garden that changed his community.
• Wendy from Bolivia:When Wendy was 9 years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Wendy’s mother, Aidee, didn’t have the resources to pay for Wendy’s insulin and feared for her daughter’s life. Through the support of her Compassion center, Wendy receives her medication and is thriving, even with a chronic illness.