Child sponsorship: how it works

Child sponsorship helps kids experience the joy of childhood and pursue a brighter future. With you, they can rise above poverty.

Sponsor a child today
A world vision staff is measuring a baby’s arm during a health check.
A young girl is wearing a backpack running along a narrow path through tall grass.
Two small children collect water from a hand pump while an adult sits nearby at a community water point.
A group of children sit in a line on the grass during an outdoor group activity.
Children sit on the floor together, drawing and writing during a group learning activity indoors.
A woman sits on the ground holding a young child.
Three children are washing their hands at an outdoor sink.
A woman sits indoors weaving a basket from palm leaves.
Students are holding bowls of food and talk together during a school meal program.

Child sponsorship explained

Child sponsorship is a monthly donation that helps a child break free from poverty. For every child sponsored, four more benefit through our community approach. For $49/month, we address things like:

With you, children see real change

In 2025, Canadian sponsors helped children and their families be equipped with resources to overcome poverty and live life to the fullest.

250,000 +

children were sponsored in 34 countries

1 million +

children received supplies and resources for school

360,000 +

people learned healthy nutrition and feeding practices

“I have met kids who have been sponsored. And they sure appreciate it…the kids do quite well for themselves after a while. So, it’s a good investment.”

K

Kizzy

Child sponsor

“You get to see how your money changes somebody’s life and they’re able to afford things that they never could.”

B

Bill

Child sponsor

“People need help, and some people need more than others. [Child sponsorship] was one way I could help.”

M

Michael

Child sponsor

How child sponsorship works

children icon.

Step 1

Pick a child to sponsor

Select a child that resonates with you. If you want, you can build a connection with them through notes or e-cards.

Partnership icon.

Step 2

Partner with their community

We connect with local families and leaders to identify the community’s unique needs.

Gift icon.

Step 3

Witness sustainable change

Your monthly donation funds long-term solutions that address the root causes of poverty in their area.

Celebrate icon.

Step 4

Celebrate community self-sufficiency

Our intention is to exit the community when it’s thriving and self-sustaining.

Children impacted by sponsorship: read their stories

From Kenya to Australia: A full-circle sponsorship story
From Kenya to Australia: A full-circle sponsorship story
What does life after sponsorship look like? Read Nancy’s story and see what she achieved with help from her sponsor, Georgie.
Read more
Chamba community gets the job done
Chamba community gets the job done
Advocating for women’s needs? Knowing their service rights? Holding leaders to account—but not shying away from physical labour? This Malawi community delivers.
Read more
Empowering Glory’s right to education: ending period stigma
Empowering Glory’s right to education: ending period stigma
Girls like Glory miss up to 20 per cent of school simply because they have their period. Without pads or private toilets, they face shame, fear and even dangerous choices just to manage a basic part of life. Child sponsors are helping to transform Glory’s school and community in Endabash, Tanzania—restoring dignity for girls.
Read more
A little girl smiles at the camera while holding a spoon in their hand.

Spark change in a child's future

For $49 per month, you’ll help a child and their community rise above their reality. With you, they can have a brighter future.

Sponsor a child

Frequently asked questions about child sponsorship

Our community-led approach maximizes donations and transforms a child’s community. While you build a special connection with your sponsored child, we combine donations to build long-term solutions that break the cycle of poverty and open doors for a better future.

In 2025, World Vision Canada reached 10.3 million girls and boys. Charity Intelligence Canada rates us as a Top 10 International Impact Charity.