Advcocate Frequently Asked Questions

Compassion’s mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Compassion’s ministry is holistic, engaging each child as a complete person, with the goal that children develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We want to support their growth into healthy, responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.

Compassion is Christ-centered, Child-focused and Church-based. Our programs are delivered exclusively in partnership with the local church. We equip, train and provide resources so churches may realize their vision of changing their communities by serving children and helping them reach their God-given potential.

We have been releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name since 1952.

Today, we partner with thousands of Christian churches in 25 countries and are providing millions of babies, children and youth with lifesaving care, developmental opportunities and hope for the future.

Charity Watch rates Compassion very highly for financial accountability. Learn more about our financial integrity.

When you sponsor a child with Compassion, you are personally connected to one child – and you become that child’s sole sponsor. You will receive information about the child, where he or she lives, health or environmental concerns, and other important details.

In return, the child will learn your name and understand that YOU have chosen to know, love and protect him or her in Jesus’ name. Over time, as you exchange letters back and forth, you will start to build a relationship. You can even travel to visit this precious child and his or her family!

Your tax-deductible gift of $43 each month impacts this child’s 360° development: mind, body, heart, and soul. Your monthly gift will provide things like educational assistance, nutritious food, health and hygiene training, mentoring and guidance ... and the opportunity to learn about the amazing love of Jesus!

Plus, you have the opportunity to provide life-giving resources for children and families with critical needs like disaster relief, HIV/ AIDS care and malaria prevention – and it’s only an additional $7 per month!

Learn More

As you exchange letters, send photos and offer encouragement in Jesus' name, your love will bring hope to a child that will last a lifetime.

Your tax-deductible contribution of just $43 a month connects a child living in poverty with a loving, church-based Child Sponsorship Program.

Your support provides:

• Medical checkups, which often save lives
• Nutritious food
• Health and hygiene training
• Educational assistance
• Access to special services like surgeries and disaster relief
• Mentoring to help children discover their incredible value as God’s children
• Most important of all, your sponsored child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.

When you sponsor a child, you'll receive your child’s photo, personal story and a child sponsorship packet by mail in approximately 10 days.

When children find out they've been sponsored, the joy they feel is indescribable. Just knowing that someone across the globe cares means more than you can imagine. Sponsoring a child in need will profoundly change the future for your child and will change your own life as well.

Please contact your Advocate Manager or call us at (800) 336-7535.

You can request child packets and postage-paid envelopes at compassion.com/church-engagement/contact-me.htm.

We’ve created a resource for you that will walk you through the exciting act of sharing sponsorship with a friend! Download the guide at cintl.us/share.

Share some awesome videos on your social media channels.

Please reach out to us at (800) 336-7535. To help us quickly connect you with what you need, please have this information ready when you reach out: date and time of the event, estimated audience size, and any other important details.

When a person decides to sponsor a child, he or she can keep the packet, but you will keep the completed form. You will mail the completed form back to Compassion using the return envelope that was provided with your order.

If the due date is 5 days or more away, return the packets to Compassion using the return envelope provided. If it is less than 5 days away, do not return the packets to Compassion. This child will automatically be released back into Compassion’s system, so someone else can sponsor him or her.

You are welcome to keep those packets and seek sponsors for those children until the packets expire. But if that is unlikely or the expiration date is fast approaching, please keep in mind that unsponsored children are waiting to be sponsored. The sooner we can get the children’s names back into our system, the faster we can give those children another chance at sponsorship. This is always the primary goal.

If the due date is 5 days or more away, go ahead and return the packets using the return envelope that was sent to you. If the expiration date has already passed or is within the 5-day window, you may throw away that packet and know that the child will automatically be returned to Compassion’s system for another chance to be sponsored.

If you desire, you can order another packet at compassion.com/church-engagement/contact-me.htm.

You can order generic child packets which are not for a specific child and do not have a due date, at compassion.com/church-engagement/contact-me.htm.

Please do not use the leftover packets at another event. Each packet is coded so we are able to track which event a sponsorship came from. Please order separate child packets for each event or activity.

Check out the Sharing Sponsorship Resources section of this online hub. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us at (800) 336-7535.

Go to compassion.com/compassionsunday, or reach out to us directly at (800) 336-7535.

The Need by Date (NBD) is the date you would like your materials to arrive. The NBD ensures your resources will arrive on time. You will not be able to submit the request without filling in this date.

Your materials may arrive before or on your NBD, so it’s a good idea to put a date that’s 3-4 days prior to your actual event or activity. If your NBD has passed and your materials have not arrived, please contact us at (800) 336-7535 to check on the status of your order.

Please return any unsponsored child packets, if the due date is more than 5 days away. Please return any acceptance forms and sponsorship money collected, as well. You should receive a postage paid Fed Ex label and envelope on/in the package you received with the resources that were sent to you. Some of the larger displays also need to be returned. Please contact us at (800) 336-7535 for further clarification.

You can visit compassion.com/volunteer/join-volunteer-network.htm and select the type of volunteer opportunity that is right for you!