Financial Integrity

Compassion International is deeply committed to limiting overhead costs while maximizing the opportunities and effectiveness of our time-proven, child-focused program activities. As a result, during fiscal year 2011-2012, less than 20 percent of every dollar spent was used for administration and development and more than 80 percent of every dollar spent was invested in our life-changing programs.

Because Compassion does not receive government funding, the faithfulness of our sponsors and God’s grace make it possible today to serve more than 1.3 million children around the world.

Financial Accountability

Charitable donations to Compassion are tax deductible in the United States Compassion has been recognized for superior financial integrity by numerous publications and accountability groups, including:

Charity Navigator (11 consecutive years with their top 4-star ranking)
The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s “Top Rated Charities”

In addition, we’re a member of several accrediting agencies, including:

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (founding member)
Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
Please call (800) 336-7676 or email us if you have any further questions about Compassion’s commitment to financial integrity.

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Compassion's Child Survival Program

Over 2,600 babies were born with help from Compassion’s Child Survival Program this past year. Around the world, 26,418 babies and their caregivers received life-changing benefits.

Learn more about mothers and children in Compassion's program >

Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program

Compassion experienced an 8.26% growth in child sponsorships in FY 2012. Now, more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries were given hope through Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program—and this number is growing every day.

Learn more about Compassion-assisted children >

Compassion's Leadership Development Program

Over 2,900 students around the world participated in university education, mentoring and Christian leadership training through Compassion’s Leadership Development Program in FY 2012. That 925 new beneficiaries added in one year. 388 students graduated in 2012.

Learn more about Compassion's student leaders >

Compassion Celebrates 60 years

In 2012, Compassion International celebrated 60 years of ministering to children in poverty. One man’s act of compassion for abandoned war orphans in South Korea launched a ministry that now serves over 1.3 million babies, children and college students in 26 developing countries around the world.

Compassion Wins Gallup’s Great Workplace Award

In May 2012, Compassion International was one of 27 organizations that received the sixth-annual Gallup Great Workplace Award. The award, based on rigorous criteria, recognizes Compassion as a distinguished organization with the extraordinary ability to create an engaged workplace culture.

Mobile Experience Provides First-Hand Look at Poverty in Traveling Exhibit

This year, Compassion unveiled Change the Story: The Compassion Experience, a 3,000 square-foot interactive immersive display that allows you to step into the life of a Compassion-assisted child who has suffered under the crippling weight of poverty.

Dr. Wess Stafford Releases Just a Minute

Compassion President and CEO, Dr. Wess Stafford, released his second book, titled, Just a Minute (Moody Press). Just a Minute is a collection of stories from well-known and unknown people alike to refute the old adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Compassion speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves. In the last decade, we have focused on creating child advocacy strategies to inspire and equip the global Church to be champions for children in poverty. Compassions advocacy model contains two important areas, each designed to engage the Church to be an educated voice for the voiceless:

International Advocacy

International Child Advocacy is the global arm of Compassion’s advocacy efforts. Compassion engages churches, seminaries and other Christian institutions around the world to act on behalf of children in need.

U.S. Advocacy

US Advocacy works specifically in the United States to bring the issue of global poverty to the American church. Use the resources on this site to learn more about poverty.

Founded in 1952, Compassion International has been blessed by God’s grace to become one of the world’s largest and most effective Christian child advocacy ministries. Through the faithful support of caring sponsors and donor worldwide, Compassion works through local churches in developing countries to provide loving, personal, one-to-one ministry to release children from the physical, economic, educational and spiritual poverty and enable them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

At the time of this report, we are working with more than 1.3 million babies, children and young adults in 26 of the poorest countries in the world.

Read more about Compassion's programs >

How much of my donation goes to my sponsored child?

Compassion has consistently averaged more than 80 percent of total expenditures being used for program activities, with less than 20 percent being used for fundraising and administration. During the past five years, the actual program percentage has averaged nearly 82 percent.

We use conservative accounting methods that do not inflate our effectiveness in this regard. That's why Compassion earns the very highest ratings from independent agencies that look into the financial management of nonprofit organizations.

Make a Contribution >

Can I write my child online?

Yes! This year we’ve made it easier than ever. When you sign into “My Account” on compassion.com, click on the link to write your child. Now, you’ll be able to choose from different stationery and include color photos. Plus, if you have another child to write, you can start with that letter and personalize it for your other child. Your letters of encouragement mean so much. We hope this new tool helps you stay connected with your sponsored child.

Write my child now >

How do special monetary gifts work?

If you send a special monetary gift (in addition to your monthly sponsorship commitment) for your child’s birthday or a special family need, this gift is sent to the staff of your sponsored child’s child development center. Staff members work with the family to determine the child’s or family’s needs and then help purchase the gift. In all cases, 100 percent of your special gift amount is used to benefit the child and/or family.

Give a monetary gift >

2012 Annual Report