Child and Elder Sponsorship – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sponsor a child or elder?
Mail your completed sponsorship form from this booklet with a check or electronic gift option selected. Please indicate the center of your choice or let us select a child or elder for you. Payments begin the same month the child or elder is assigned.
Who are the children and elders in the program?
The children are generally orphaned, refugees, court referrals or from low income families of Global Ministries partners. The children range from infancy to 18. A child is eligible for sponsorship until they are 18 years old. Children leaving a participating center are no longer eligible for Global Ministries sponsorship. The elders are individuals without sufficient income or family support to care for them after age 60.
Will I receive information about a specific child or elder?
Yes. A brief biography and photo of your child or elder with a cover letter will be sent to you by the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program office. We ask you to consider them an extended family member. Please contact the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program if you wish to discontinue your sponsorship so we can identify another sponsor.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child or elder?
The cost of sponsoring a child or elder varies from place to place according to the services provided and the cost of living in that country. The lowest amount is $25 per month and the highest is $35 per month.
How much of my payment will be used for administrative expenses?
100% of your designated gifts go to the children or elders. The generous gifts from congregations to the Disciples Mission Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Our Church’s Wider Mission of the United Church of Christ underwrite the administrative costs of the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program. The program is currently being funded by an anonymous donor who established a Lead Trust Annuity. In addition, we do make every effort possible to minimize the program’s overhead. We invite you to contribute to the Annual Sponsorship Appeal to help cover the administrative cost of the program.
How does my child or elder benefit from the money I provide
Your support helps provide a child or elder with food, clothing, healthcare, other needs and sometimes housing and education. In the case of a school-age child, your support may also help to pay school fees or buy uniforms and books.
How do I make a gift and will I receive receipts?
Please make your check payable to Global Ministries earmarked for the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship Program. Additional options include Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and automatic credit card gifts. Each time you send in a check, we will mail you a receipt and an invoice for your next gift. Electronic payment and credit cards will receive annual statements in January for the previous year’s gifts.
May I write or visit my sponsored child or elder?
Yes, you may! They will love hearing from or seeing you. If the child is old enough to write or draw, he or she will answer your letter. If the child is too young to write, disabled, or if translation is needed, the administrators will write and keep you informed of your child’s progress. In the case of the elders, you will receive reports from partner staff. It is our hope that you will receive at least two letters or progress reports per year from your child or elder. Mail service to and from countries may be extremely slow. Please contact the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program office if you have not heard from your child or elder or you wish to visit them. Visits are always welcomed, however, visits must be coordinated with our partners. Please contact us to assist you in making arrangements.
May I send my child or elder gifts?
All our partners and the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program office share the concern that elaborate special gifts for individuals may create distinction and alienate others. Please contact the Child and Elder Sponsorship Program office to discuss special gift options.
Consider:
- Sending a small financial gift through the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship Program office for the child or elder or a general donation to be used where it is most needed. This also stimulates the local economy and ensures personal gifts will be suitable. In addition, sending packages can be an expense to our partners to receive.
- Sending a modest gift such as combs, brushes, balls, dolls, t-shirts or school supplies such as crayons, pencils or paper that can be used by several children. These gifts should be sent directly to the partner agency.
Download Child and Elder Sponsorship Booklet
Questions?
Email: ChildSponsorship@ucc.org
Phone: 216-736-3215