You can visit your sponsored child—it's a rewarding way to see the benefits of your contributions.

Click here to learn how World Vision helps transform a community through child sponsorship.

Are the funds given to World Vision handled responsibly?
Yes. World Vision accounts for every dollar. Of the funds given to World Vision in 2008, 82.1 per cent went directly into programs that help children, 11.9 per cent went to fundraising services, 6.0 per cent was allocated to administration. Audits are conducted regularly by external firms to verify the accuracy of World Vision's financial reporting. Click here to read World Vision's Annual Report.

How are children chosen for sponsorship?
Community members help identify the most vulnerable children in the area. Then, the families of these children are asked if they'd like to be part of the child sponsorship program, with the understanding that the benefits will be shared by everyone in the community.

How is HopeChild sponsorship different than traditional child sponsorship? 
Activities that decrease the impact of HIV and AIDS are of utmost importance in communities with HopeChild sponsorship. HopeChild sponsorship includes all the benefits of traditional child sponsorship, while also helping to provide things like:

• extra support for families caring for orphans and vulnerable children;
• training for staff and volunteers who look after children's emotional, physical, and spiritual needs;
• care for sick or dying parents and guardians;
• age-appropriate education materials to help children understand how to protect themselves from HIV and AIDS and to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination; and
• vocational training for adults who have been impacted by HIV and AIDS.

Click here to learn more about HopeChild sponsorship.

How long will I sponsor my child?
World Vision works in a community until it becomes self-sufficient, usually a span of 10 to 15 years. You can sponsor the same child for as long as the project continues. When a project is completed, you will be given the opportunity to sponsor another child.

As a child sponsor, what will I receive from World Vision? 
When you become a child sponsor, you will receive a Welcome Package from World Vision as well as a letter of introduction from your sponsored child or World Vision staff working in your sponsored child's community. Each year you will also receive a report detailing the progress of your sponsored child and the community project. This report also includes an updated photo of your sponsored child.

Should I write to my sponsored child? 
World Vision strongly encourages you to write to your sponsored child. Children love to hear from their sponsors and often treasure the letters and photos that are sent. Please note that while your letters may reach your sponsored child within a few weeks, the response time can be quite long (up to six months, in some cases) for some countries. 

When writing to your sponsored child, use the World Vision national office address located in the picture folder for your sponsored child. All correspondence must include:

• World Vision’s national office address (exactly as it appears) on the front of the envelope.
• Your sponsored child’s name and child ID on the back flap of your envelope and on the top of your letter.
• Please do not write your address inside the letter.

Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
You are welcome to send simple gifts with your letters and cards. Please send only flat items such as photos, bookmarks, stamps or stickers in an envelope no bigger than “6x9”. (Please do not send parcels or cash.) Your sponsored child’s photo frame provides full details on how to communicate with your sponsored child. Also, sponsors are able to send gifts to their sponsored child's community. This is available through World Vision's Gift Catalogue. Click here to browse through the online Gift Catalogue.

Can I visit my sponsored child?
A visit to your sponsored child and their community is a rewarding way to see the benefits of your contributions. You must contact World Vision at least three months before your intended departure date and before you make any travel arrangements. To begin coordinating your visit, please contact a World Vision representative at 1-866-595-5550. Click here for more information.

Can I adopt or bring a sponsored child to Canada?
No. World Vision does not organize adoption or bringing children to Canada for visits. Your help to improve their quality of life and self-reliance in their own countries and cultures has deeper value than moving them to a foreign country.

Can I get an official tax receipt for donation?
Yes. World Vision issues a cumulative tax receipt for all of your monthly child sponsorship payments and other donations yearly. Receipts are typically sent out in late January or early February.

What if I cannot make my child sponsorship payments?
Should you be unable to make regular child sponsorship payments, please contact World Vision as soon as possible to explore the range of options available.

How do I update my contact or payment information?
If you need to report a change of address or banking information, you can call a World Vision representative at 1-866-595-5550 or click here to visit the World Vision Customer Service page.

Still have a question? Please call a World Vision representative at 1-866-595-5550 or click here to contact us.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, we are motivated by God's love to serve all people regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity.