Sponsor a Needy Child

Sponsor a Needy Child

Many philanthropic organizations provide a means for the average person to donate a relatively small amount of money to sponsor a needy child. These organizations often advertise their services on television, and most of them are Christian. Although these organizations exist in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and various other countries, a majority of these Christian charities are based in the United States.

Compassion International is one such organization. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Compassion International offers sponsorship opportunities in children in twenty-two countries around the world. Compassion International was founded by Reverend Everett Swanson in the early 1950s, when he was in Korea. Reverend Swanson saw the potential to help poor Korean children and started the charity "to release them from their spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults," ("About Us").

It costs U.S. $28 per month to sponsor a child through Compassion International. According to the Compassion International website, over 80% of their funds raised are directly applied to "program activities," and less than 20% are applied to administration and fund raising needs ("FAQ"). The aforementioned program activities may include unspecified "educational opportunities." The primary purpose of Compassion International in terms of their program activities is to "share the gospel and love of Christ," ("Children waiting for a Sponsor"). Therefore, a large portion of donated funds is directly applied to Christian indoctrination. Compassion International assures its potential donors that they conduct regular internal and external audits. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Moreover, Compassion International is listed in Forbes "Giving Smartly" Charities 2001 listing, among others ("FAQ"). All donated funds are tax-deductible.

Money collected from donors also goes towards photos and letters between the sponsor and the sponsored child. Money also funds other programs for the children and communities in need, like medical and nutritional support where necessary. Compassion International also mentions "life skills" development and confidence-boosting as goals for the programs ("Children Waiting for a Sponsor").

Funds donated to Compassion International are pooled for communities of about 180 children. This system is designed to expand the distribution of funds within a given community. Compassion International pledges that one hundred percent of all gifts sent to a child, in addition to the monthly donation, will go directly to that child ("FAQ").

Sponsors also receive periodic updates and notices about the status and progress of their sponsored child, in addition to Compassion International newsletters and other publications. Compassion International also offers tours to enable sponsors to visit the child or children they sponsor. Compassion International claims to be currently sponsoring 440,000 children worldwide ("FAQ").