Got questions? Call our friendly
team on 01932 836490. Our current opening hours are from 9.30am to 6pm,
Monday to Thursday and 9.30am
to 5pm on Fridays.
Please leave a voicemail if you'd like a call back outside of this.
See how child sponsorship can change one life
Compassion child sponsorship works
The longstanding project-based, child development programme you’ll give your sponsored child access to in the future is highly effective.
Dr Bruce Wydick, Journal of Political Economy
Independent research into the
project-based programme shows Compassion-sponsored children stay in school longer and are more
likely to grow up to be employed and become leaders in their churches and communities.
Compassion is committed to excellent stewardship and is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. We conduct regular internal and external audits in our field offices and in the UK.
80p directly benefitting children in poverty
8p support costs
Typically, for every pound given in child sponsorship donations:
88p
spent on charitable activities
12p spent on fundraising and finding the next sponsor
Trusted charity since 1952
Compassion is a leading authority in holistic child development.
Direct one-to-one child sponsorship
The child you choose to sponsor today will directly receive the benefit of your sponsorship support.
Church-based
We run our child sponsorship programme exclusively in partnership with local churches who fully understand their local communities.
For projects in areas where COVID-19 remains prevalent, your sponsorship will:
Once our project-based programme can resume, you’ll provide your sponsored child with:
We'll provide you with everything you need to build a unique relationship with your sponsored child:
Use the free Compassion UK App or myCompassion web portal to write letters as well as viewing your sponsored child's information and photo.
When you sponsor a child today, in the next 7-10 working days, you'll receive your Welcome Pack with a framed photo of your sponsored child.
Receiving personal letters and drawings from your sponsored child will give you a unique insight into their culture and community. As you write back, you'll speak encouragement into your sponsored child's life.
Once a year you'll receive a message from the pastor or director of the Compassion project your sponsored child attends every week. You'll learn more about the life-changing support your sponsorship is providing.
Photo updates of your sponsored child will show you how they're growing and thriving. You'll also receive news about what they're learning at their project.
When COVID-19 restrictions allow, Compassion offers you the chance to visit your sponsored child either on a group trip or individual visit. Make treasured memories and be encouraged about the difference you're making.
Begin your child sponsorship journey today by finding a child on our website who is waiting for a sponsor.
You may also be interested in the following guides:
Some of the questions you may have about sponsorship.
The COVID-19 context in the countries where Compassion works varies significantly. In some areas, our church partners have been able to return fully to in-person activities, running the longstanding Compassion programme as they did before the pandemic. This is more common in the African countries where we work.
In contrast, a large proportion of our projects in Latin American countries continue to offer distance learning or small group sessions due to the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19. Please be assured that your sponsorship will be highly impactful whether your sponsored child is currently benefitting from COVID-19 tailored support or the longstanding project-based Compassion programme.
Your child sponsorship will generally last until your sponsored child finishes their education, which is usually between the ages of 18 and 22 depending on the country and personal circumstances. It’s quite common for sponsored children to start school late, have to repeat years or even stay on to do vocational training courses. We want to support them through everything, so they are in the best possible position to support themselves and their families when they grow up. Be inspired by Sameson’s story here >
Sometimes children may leave the project before they’ve finished their education. If there is another Compassion project near their new home, we’ll transfer their sponsorship. If we are unable to find a suitable project, then we’ll let you know so you can write a final letter and wish them well.
Our hope is that each child will have the same sponsor throughout, but we do understand that our sponsors’ situations change too. If you wish to end your child sponsorship, your sponsored child will continue to benefit from the Compassion programme and we’ll look to find a new sponsor as quickly as possible.
Here at Compassion, our main aim is to improve the lives of children living in poverty across the world. However, we also strive to be advocates for our children and help to raise awareness of the issues and challenges faced by children in the developing world.
Through our resources, magazine, e-news, blog and prayer updates, we help sponsors gain a real insight into what life is like for children living in poverty. We cover all sorts of topics from the major issues facing children such as malnutrition, accessing healthcare, child marriage and child trafficking to more reflective biblical perspectives on development.
Sponsorship is such a personal way to connect families across the world and is a particularly good way to encourage children to take an interest in the world around them. As they get to know their child through letters, sponsors gain a real insight into their culture and way of life. Many find themselves taking greater notice of what’s happening in the region and country where their sponsored child lives. Without even realising it, their worldview begins to widen.
Our friendly Supporter Experience Team are ready to help with any questions you might have.
01932 836490 - Our current opening hours are 9.30am to
6pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday.
Please leave a voicemail if you call outside these hours and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can.
Compassion UK Christian Child Development, registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059). A company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales company number 03719092. Registered address: Compassion House, Barley Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT.