Sponsorship Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the link to expand each question
How Kids Alive Sponsorship Works
- What is the cost to sponsor a child?
- Sponsorship is $35.00 per month per child or $420.00 per year.
- Is there a specific timeframe in which I need to commit to sponsoring a child?
- While we would of course like you to experience a long-term relationship with your sponsored child, we certainly understand when unforeseen circumstances arise in life. If at any time you need to cancel your sponsorship commitment, just call or e-mail us and your sponsorship cancellation will be processed within 10 days of notification.
- What benefits will my child receive?
- • A safe and loving home*
- • Christian Caregivers
- • Meals
- • Clothing
- • Medical Care
- • Quality Education
- • Individual Attention
- • Introduction to the love of Jesus
- *residential care only
- What do I receive as a child sponsor?
- • Photo and history of your child
- • Kids Alive Sponsorship Program packet
- • Unique opportunity to impact your child’s life by praying for him or her regularly
- • The privilege of developing a personal relationship with your sponsored child through letters, cards, photographs, and by remembering your child on his/her birthday and during special holidays
- • Three letters and/or cards from your child annually
- • Annual progress report and updated photo
- Will I be the only sponsor for my child?
- Typically, more than one sponsor is needed per child to adequately provide the care a child requires. The cost of caring for a child varies according to the program and where they live worldwide.
- Will my sponsored child receive emotional support and guidance?
- We seek to meet the emotional needs of every child. We encourage our children to express their emotions in an appropriate way, thereby helping them to develop a healthy self-concept. This includes helping them understand and believe that they are created and loved by God and that He has a wonderful plan for their lives!
- Will my sponsored child receive healthcare and education?
- All of our children receive a health check up when they enter one of our programs, so that we can provide them with any needed treatment and then monitor their health on an ongoing basis. This includes visits to the doctor or dentist. Children with special medical needs receive treatment as part of our healthcare plan for that child.
- All of our children are part of an education program that is appropriate to their age and ability. This may include school, technical training and even advanced education in a university. Specialist support is provided where required to meet any special educational needs that the child might have.
- To whom do I make my check or money order payable?
- Kids Alive International
- May I give more than one month’s amount toward my sponsorship support?
- Yes!
- • Simply mail in your check for the amount you wish to give. You can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. If you change the frequency in giving, please notify us so that our records will be updated accordingly.
- • To pay by automatic withdrawal or credit card and change the frequency of your giving, please call our accounting department toll free at 1.800.543.7330 and they will be happy to set your automatic giving to the time table you desire.
- May I send money directly to my sponsored child?
- No. Our national Kids Alive offices are not equipped to handle funds sent directly to them from overseas sponsors, nor can those offices issue tax-exempt receipts. Most of the countries where we serve use a different monetary system. Actual US Dollars sent directly to your child would not be beneficial to the child. Also, there is no guarantee that the monetary gifts would reach your child due to unreliable postal systems and customs regulations.
- How does my sponsored child learn about Jesus Christ?
- It is our goal that each child in our program will enter adulthood with a love, respect and knowledge of God, a personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and a growing discipleship through the Holy Spirit. We desire for each child to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and to be provided with opportunities to respond by committing their lives to Him. We intend to disciple each child who makes a commitment by offering them help to grow in their faith and by challenging them to minister to others. We aim to build close partnerships with local churches in the areas where we work.
- May I send gifts to my child?
- We understand the desire of sponsors to send packages to their sponsored child. However, Kids Alive has a No-Package Policy to our fields for the following reasons:
- • Complexity of foreign postal regulations
- • High-duty charges to the recipient in many countries
- • Slow delivery
- • Possibility of loss, theft or damage
- • Difficulty getting packages to children in isolated locations (modes of transport by which the mail may be picked up on Kids Alive fields include bicycle, motorbike, and even canoe!)
- • Possibility of tension created in the community by one child or family receiving numerous or expensive gifts
- If sponsors would like to remember their child in a special way, they may enclose small, flat items in letters to their child or in an envelope no larger than 6x9 inches. Some items which children will enjoy for many months are: ribbons, bookmarks, picture postcards and other flat, inexpensive items.
- We do allow small gifts to be given to the children by sponsors who visit their sponsored child as part of a Service Team. We ask that the giving of the gift be coordinated with the Field Director or Ministry Director in the most appropriate way. Suggested gifts include toys, books, a watch, clothes and simple jewelry. We suggest that the value of the gift be no more than $25.
- What is the Treat Fund?
- Kids Alive encourages sponsors to give additional monetary gifts to their sponsored children for special occasions, to address specific needs or simply as an act of love. These gifts are another effective way for the sponsor to reinforce his/her care and commitment to “their” sponsored child.
- These gifts should be sent to Kids Alive International, which will forward the money on to the field. Gift money will be handled by the field in a way that is in the best interests of the child. Local project workers purchase gifts on behalf of our sponsors and make certain that funds received are used appropriately. A proportion of the gift fund money may be put into a ‘pool’ which meets the cost of gifts, trips and other activities for all children in the program.
- All “Treat Fund” monies received will be used for treats and special activities for the children and not for general operational costs.
- What if I gave a Treat Fund gift and then learned that my child no longer attends the program?
- If you have been reassigned to another child, the treat fund money will be used for your new child. Otherwise, the money will be placed in the fund to bless the children who do not have sponsors.
- Why can’t I give a financial gift for the family members of my sponsored child?
- Kids Alive International is a Christian non-profit 501©(3) corporation. In order to maintain our status as a non-profit organization we must ensure that all contributions that are designated for specific purposes are used appropriately. From time to time we have donors who would like their donations to go to a family or parent of one of the children in our program. If these parents are not in one of our programs, then the donations cannot be used to assist them but they can be used to assist the child. We do have some special programs set up for the families like our “Keeping Families Together” Program. Donors wishing to give to a child’s family should inquire about the programs designed for that purpose.
- What is the Keeping Families Together Program?
- Kids Alive believes in families. That’s why we create a family environment for the children in our care. But bringing children into full-time residential homes involves purchasing property and building residences so it’s very expensive. This puts limits on how many children we can bring into our residential program. And it sometimes means children must leave behind whatever family they may still have left.
- Because our goal is to keep the family unit healthy and together if possible, Kids Alive is addressing the problem of needy mothers or grandmothers who desire to care for their kids but have no resources. We call it our “Keeping Families Together” initiative. Since instituting this initiative in some of our fields worldwide, we are beginning to see the potential that this program has to greatly increase the number of kids that can be helped!
- We are identifying single mothers, grandmothers or other relatives who would be able to care for their children if they only had adequate resources. Kids Alive is now coming alongside these moms and grandmas helping to provide food, medical care, Christian education for the child, and training (sometimes micro-enterprise loans) for the parent or relative so the family can remain together in their own home.
- If you would like to give toward this program, please click here: www.kidsalive.org/rescuing-kids/families-together
Communicating With Your Sponsored Child
- May I write directly to my child?
- All communication pieces go through the U.S. office. Send your communication piece to:
- Kids Alive International
2507 Cumberland Dr
Valparaiso, IN 46383 - Please be sure that your child’s name, child’s number and your name are written clearly on each communication piece.
- How do I write to my child?
- In your sponsorship packet you will find a sheet of paper marked “Your Letter to Child”. You may use this to write a note to your child or you may use your own stationery. If you need extra copies of this form, you may download and print them here: www.kidsalive.org/involvement/connect-with-your-child.
- Kids Alive also offers an option for the sponsor to communicate with their child through email. Unfortunately you cannot send attachments or photos with your e-mail message. Click here: www.kidsalive.org/involvement/connect-with-your-child and then follow the steps to complete the e-mail. All e-mails come to the U.S. office where we translate your message before forwarding on to the field. Our missionaries will review the translation and print it off for the child to read. While the children are delighted to receive their sponsor’s email, they are unable to send an e-mail reply to their sponsor.
- Do I need to send my letter in a separate envelope?
- If you are mailing a check or other items to the Kids Alive office, you may send your letter to your sponsored child in the same envelope. We will provide an envelope for you and then forward your letter on to the field. If you desire, you may certainly send your card/letter addressed personally to your sponsored child in its own envelope and then insert that into a larger envelope addressed to Kids Alive. Either way will work!
- Why should I not include my address, e-mail address or phone number in my letter?
- The regulations that we follow regarding child protection mean that we cannot pass on sponsors’ details to the children. One way Kids Alive guards against any inappropriate communication between a sponsor and a child is by screening each communication piece between the child and sponsor. Therefore any information given to either the child or the sponsor that would enable direct communication between each other is removed to protect both the child and the sponsor.
- I’m writing as part of a group. Can group members take turns writing letters?
- Absolutely! However, it is necessary for each individual to place on the communication piece the name of the Group that the sponsorship was set up under. We are unable to forward any mail to a child when the sponsor cannot be properly identified.
- How often should I write?
- You may write to your sponsored child as often as you desire. However, your child will not be able to answer each letter. Your child will write to you a minimum of three times a year.
- How long does it take for my child to receive my letter?
- This differs depending where your child lives in the world. Some locations are very remote and therefore it is best to always allow at least one month for mail to reach your child. Sometimes it may take even longer.
- How does my sponsored child communicate with me?
- Your sponsored child will send you a “Welcome” note when you sign up to sponsor them. You will also receive three communication pieces a year from your child. Normally these are sent around Easter, the summer and Christmas. You will also receive an Annual Progress Report and current Photo of your child sent from the field, as well as an annual Director’s Update. If you give a special monetary gift to your child through the Treat Fund, your child will send you a “Thank you” note.
- What should I anticipate in the letters I receive?
- Some children enjoy writing letters to their sponsors more than others. The children may write as often as they desire but, keep in mind, they normally have more than one sponsor. However, you can anticipate your child writing to you three times a year. In some cultures, help in writing letters will be given to the children as one of their school projects. Some children are too young and/or cannot write well and therefore the Sponsorship Field Coordinator will write on behalf of the child – or the child may draw or color a picture.
- Why doesn’t my child answer my questions?
- Because the children write three times a year, they do not always remember the questions the sponsor wrote in their letters to them.
- What should I write about? Is there anything I shouldn’t write about?
- Our children enjoy reading and learning all about their sponsors and their families! Describe your family, your pets, your hobbies, and the type of work you do. Share any special family traditions, what those mean to you and how you celebrate special occasions and holidays. Talk about important events in your life and some of your childhood memories. Take these opportunities to teach your child an important lesson you learned by what you share with them. Write down some of your favorite Bible verses or stories. Be sure to let your sponsored child know you are praying for them regularly. Be encouraging! Let your child know that God loves them and has a great plan for their life. Encourage your child to write back and/or draw pictures for you.
- Please be sensitive to the child’s economic situation and avoid discussing the material aspects of your life or sending photos that show your possessions. Please also do not share your home address, e-mail address or telephone number. Be careful not to use colloquialisms and slang or talk negatively about political leaders or matters. It is very important that you do not suggest that your child come for a visit or that you will send a particular gift to them.
- May I ask if my child believes in Christ or is a Christian?
- Yes. Kids Alive International is a Christ-centered ministry. Our hope is that the children we care for will one day become ambassadors for Christ in their own countries. However, a child does not have to be a Christian to be in or benefit from any of our programs. Each child has many opportunities to hear the Gospel, and see Christ’s love modeled, in an age-appropriate way. Many children in our Latin America ministries also are able to participate in the AWANA program.
- How do I communicate personal issues to my sponsored child like death and divorce?
- The best way to address issues such as this with your child is to state the fact in a clear way such as, “My wife died” or “John and I are getting a divorce”. Using phrases like “My husband passed away” may be confusing and not clearly communicate what you want your child to understand. Depending on culture, age and personal experience, your child may or may not ask questions about matters such as these.
- May I send photographs to my child?
- Yes! The children love to “see” their sponsors. You may also send photos of your family, your pets and scenery where you live. However, please refrain from sending photos of your material possessions.
- Sending Greeting Cards
- The children love receiving greeting cards. However, please limit the size of your card to no larger than 6x9 inches.
- Why was my letter not delivered?
- Kids Alive International reserves the right to decline any letters and/or materials that we view as incompatible and inconsistent with our ministry beliefs. This might include, but not be limited to, items that advocate another religious worldview, information that condones a style choice inconsistent with our ministry values and beliefs or information we consider personally inappropriate to any child and/or their culture.
- How do I let my child know that I cannot continue to sponsor him or her?
- It is not necessary to go into detail but you may let your child know that you will be unable to continue sponsoring them. Reassure your child how much you enjoyed getting to know them. Talk with your child about what you learned from them about themselves, their country and culture. You might also let your child know you love them and will continue to pray for them.
- Why is someone else writing for my child?
- Because Kids Alive wants to be sure our child sponsors hear from their child, sometimes a caregiver may write on behalf of the child if the child is too young to write or if the child has difficulty writing due to their learning levels or language skills.
- Why is my sponsored child’s name spelled in different ways?
- Kids Alive is aware that often a child’s name may be spelled different ways. When we rescue a child, oftentimes we are working with what is described as an “invisible child”. There may not be any written records of the child’s existence and the parents do not read or write. We capture the child’s name and age as best we can and if we are able to obtain better information, we update our records.
- In many cultures children will have several names and there is more than one correct way to spell a name. While we try and avoid this happening, the child’s records may give different spellings each time it is processed. In Lebanon and Sudan, the children’s name is translated from Arabic and there is no definite ‘right’ way to spell it in English script.
- Because some countries do not require birth certificates, remembering the birth date is not a high priority. If the child has been abandoned, they may not know their birth date or they may choose a date that they want as their birth date. While this is foreign to many of us – we hope these explanations help you better understand.
- We will try to notify you with reasons for any changes, but please understand the possibility of this happening and the reason for it.
- Are my letters really important?
- Here is what an alumnus of our Kids Alive Home in Lebanon wrote: “At such a young age, I did not really understand what sponsorship meant. It did not occur to me that every month, they were sending money to help care for me at the children’s home. All that mattered was the fact I had an adopted family who cared enough to write, encourage, and pray for me. This encouragement enabled me to grow in confidence, and eventually raised my self-esteem. If there was someone out there who loved me, then I was worthy of love; and if worthy of love, then worthy of God’s love!” Your letters are important!
Additional Questions About Kids Alive and Child Sponsorship
- What does Kids Alive International do?
- Kids Alive rescues and helps needy children worldwide who have insufficient care, and nowhere to go for help.
- All of the children in our care come out of crisis situations. They were orphaned, abandoned or abused, living on the streets, or victims of poverty, disease and warfare.
- Kids Alive rescues these children - one at a time- and enrolls them into one of our Children’s Homes, a Care Center or School program that is best suited to the care they need.
- Where is the greatest need so that I can sponsor a child there?
- Every country where Kids Alive International serves has great needs. We will be happy to choose a location for you if you find choosing a specific location difficult to do.
- Are all sponsored children orphans?
- Some of our children are true orphans – meaning they have lost both parents. Many others have only one living parent who is unable or unwilling to care for the child. All of the children are economically deprived. Most come from dysfunctional backgrounds. Kids Alive ministers to children in crisis – street children, those who have been orphaned or abandoned and those who are victims of war, disease and abuse.
- What percentage of my sponsorship goes to care for my child?
- Over 85% of all donations are used for program services for the children.
- May I Visit my Child?
- Often sponsors want to visit their sponsored child. Sponsors are requested to coordinate their visit through the U.S. office. This enables the U.S. office to work with the field in setting up these visits. If a donor arrives at a field unannounced, the Field Director or Ministry Director will handle the visit according to its policies and procedures and will notify the U.S. office. All interaction between sponsors and children must be accompanied by a Kids Alive employee or missionary at all times. The employee or missionary will be responsible for ensuring that the children are protected from any inappropriate activity.
- Can my sponsored child visit me in the United States?
- It is understandable for a sponsor to desire that their sponsored child visit in their own home. However, for a variety of reasons, including the safety and well being of the child, the cultural shock experienced by the child, and the child’s readjustment to his or her own lifestyle, this is not permitted. If you would like to see your child perhaps you will consider traveling overseas to visit.
- Why doesn’t Kids Alive offer sponsorship in the United States?
- Since the United States already has programs to care for disadvantaged children, we prefer to work with children who have no other means of help. We minister in countries that have extremely limited help or no provisions available for orphaned and vulnerable children.
- Can the children be adopted?
- The mission of Kids Alive is to rescue and help children to grow and mature (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) so that they will become productive citizens and ambassadors for Christ, giving back to their own communities and countries. Therefore, we do not operate as a foreign adoption agency.
- What are your Child Protection/Privacy Processes?
- Click here: www.kidsalive.org/kids-alive-is/child-protection-policy to review the Kids Alive Child Protection Policy
- How do I know that my donation is being used in the way I wish?
- When Kids Alive receives a contribution it is allocated to the specific fund requested, and will be used for that purpose. If the gift is not designated, then it is put into the “I Just Want to Help Kids” Fund to be used where needed most.
- • Kids Alive International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
- • We are a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) which evaluates our financial and accounting practices annually.
- • Guide Star gathers and disseminates information about nonprofits and the work they do and has awarded Kids Alive the highest ranking available.
- • Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, awarded Kids Alive a four-star rating for several consecutive years as an organization you can trust.
- What is the Supporters’ Bill of Rights?
- Kids Alive International believes that we have an obligation to our donors and constituents. That’s why we have strict guidelines that detail our commitment to our supporters. The following six commitments are what you have a right to expect from us:
- Responsible Stewardship. We know that many of our supporters give sacrificially and we have a responsibility to use their gifts wisely and efficiently. We pledge to keep our administrative costs low, and to put as much money as possible directly into caring for the needs of orphans and vulnerable children around the world. Because of the extensive care that Kids Alive provides our children, and because of our desire to keep Child Sponsorship affordable for every family, many of our children have more than one sponsor.
- Truthfulness in All Communications. Because we believe that God provides for this ministry, we promise never to raise funds in a manner that dishonors God or disrespects our supporters. We will always be truthful, accurate and timely.
- Transparent Financial Reporting. Kids Alive maintains the highest standards possible in financial record keeping and accounting. We are a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), and we abide by the regulations and standards of that organization, as well as all applicable federal accounting and fundraising guidelines. While Kids Alive partners financially with Christian radio stations and artists to assist us in rescuing more children by acquiring new donors, we do not participate in commission-based fundraising.
- Protecting Donor Privacy. You are more than a donor to Kids Alive International. We value you as our friend and partner in the great task of rescuing orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide, working together to provide the life-giving care they desperately need. Kids Alive respects your security and privacy by never loaning, renting, selling, publishing or otherwise providing donors’ names and contact information to other organizations. For more information, click here: www.kidsalive.org/donations/donor-privacy.
- Praying for our Supporters. We value our supporters and view them as our friends. That’s why we invite and encourage our donors to share their prayer requests with us so that we can pray for their concerns.
- Building Great Commission Partners. Since Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations, we serve our donors by helping them fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment – to love God and to love their neighbor – through our partnership in spiritual and physical care to suffering children around the world. We believe that the work of Kids Alive is, in a very real way, a complete act of faith. That’s why we prayerfully seek to identify specific ways in which God would have us reach the neediest children. Then we share the needs and our ministry efforts with our supporters, asking you to pray and to give so that these efforts are made possible. Without your partnership, Kids Alive would not be able to properly care for the children we serve!
- Are my contributions tax-deductible?
- Kids Alive International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by U.S. law.
- How do I receive a tax-deductible receipt?
- For every gift given over $5.00, the donor will receive a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to receive a year-end receipt only, and help us save on postage and printing costs, please call our accounting department toll-free at 1.800.543.7330 to make this request.
- Is your website a secure place from which I may contribute?
- The security procedures used by Kids Alive for processing credit cards are very secure. We have several measures implemented to ensure security and confidentiality of cardholder data.
- How is child security protected in the web sponsorship process?
- Profiles for the children on the website exclude identifying information such as last name and family members’ names. Any personal information, such as an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, is not accessible on the website. Also, in compliance with our Child Protection Policy, Kids Alive performs random searches of potential child sponsors to insure that they are not listed on the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW).
- I live outside the United States. Can funds be automatically withdrawn from my bank account?
- If your bank account is located outside of the United States we will not be able to do an Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT). However, if your Foreign Bank has issued you a Visa/MasterCard/American Express or Discover credit or debit card, we should be able to process your card and set up an automatic payment plan with the card of your choice. Generally, the fees for these cards are higher than what US banks charge.
- How is Kids Alive funded?
- Kids Alive is funded primarily through contributions from individuals, churches and private foundations. Approximately 25 percent of Kids Alive funding comes through Child Sponsorship. Employer Matching Gifts and funding from the U.S. Combined Federal Campaign, result in less than 1% of total contributions. Kids Alive has not received any grants or funding directly from any Federal or State agencies.
- Are Kids Alive fundraising efforts in compliance with established fundraising guidelines?
- Kids Alive maintains the highest standards possible in financial record keeping and accounting. We are a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and abide by the regulations and standards of that organization, as well as all applicable federal accounting and fundraising guidelines. While Kids Alive partners financially with Christian radio stations and artists to assist us in rescuing more children by acquiring new donors, we do not participate in commission-based fundraising.
- How can I change my giving method?
- Call us toll-free at 1.800.543.7330 and ask to speak to our accounting department. They will be happy to change your records to reflect your preferred choice of giving.
- How can I change my billing address?
- Call us toll-free at 1.800.543.7330 and give our receptionist your new address. We will update our records accordingly.
- I have questions about my sponsorship donation.
- Please call our office toll-free at 1.800.543.7330 and ask to speak with someone in our accounting department. We are here to serve you!
