Sponsor a child – Photo credit: West Africa Child Fund 

Help a child from a distance

On this website, you’ll find a network of organizations across Africa, Asia, and South America, all dedicated to supporting children in underprivileged communities. These organizations are not only open to volunteers eager to engage in local solidarity efforts, but they also work tirelessly to secure funding and other essential resources to provide education, care, and opportunities for children to flourish.If travelling abroad and volunteering in person isn’t feasible for you, there are still impactful ways to help. By sponsoring a child and providing financial support for their education, you can make a meaningful difference in their journey toward self-sufficiency.If this resonates with you, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will connect you with the communities, NGOs, and nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged children.

100% of your donations will go directly to the children—there are no intermediaries involved.

 Contact us to learn more. 📧 ✍️😊

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Below, we provide some tips to help you distinguish a legitimate organization from a fraudulent or unreliable one.

Sponsor a child – photo credit: AfCIS

We want to donate to charities supporting children born into disadvantaged circumstances, but it is often difficult to know whom to trust and how to avoid scams and non-transparent activities. Here are some tips to ensure you are 100% supporting genuine and well-organized causes. First, visit the websites of well-known and reputable organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and Terre des Hommes. These organizations are reliable, well-structured, and operate with transparency. However, there are also smaller, lesser-known organizations that deserve attention. Being smaller entities, they often offer more direct contact not only with the children you wish to help but also with community members responsible for their care and education, such as teachers, guardians, and local volunteers. Some of these organizations allow you to stay in touch through WhatsApp and other modern communication methods.This facilitates a more personal and continuous involvement with the children you sponsor from a distance.

1. Research the organization

Website Check

Ensure the organization has a professional website with detailed information about its mission, programs, and contact information. Look for reviews and ratings from credible sources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau.

2. Verify accreditation and affiliations

Check if the organization is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) or has affiliations with well-known international charities like UNICEF or World Vision.

3. Transparency

Financial Reports: Legitimate organizations should provide access to their financial reports, showing how donations are used.
Annual Reports: These should include details of their work, impact, and financial health.

4. Contact information:

Ensure they have a physical address and not just a P.O. Box.
They should also offer multiple ways to contact them, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and live chat.

5. Clear and realistic promises:

Legitimate organizations will clearly explain how sponsorship works, what benefits the child receives, and what you can expect in terms of updates and communication. Be cautious of organizations that promise direct contact with the child or guarantee specific outcomes.

6. Third-Party reviews and testimonials:

Look for reviews from independent sources rather than just testimonials on the organization’s website. Legitimate organizations often have success stories or case studies with verifiable details.

7. Privacy policies:

Ensure they have clear privacy policies about how your personal and financial information will be used and protected.

8. Donation security:

Ensure the donation process is secure, typically indicated by a padlock symbol and “https” in the website’s URL. Legitimate organizations will also provide a receipt or confirmation of your donation.

9. Feedback from other sponsors:

Check if the organization has a community of sponsors you can join to share experiences and ask questions.

10. Social media presence

A legitimate organization will often have a social media presence where you can see their activities and interact with other sponsors.

11. Visit in person or Virtual Tours:

Some organizations allow you to visit their operations, which can be a good indicator of legitimacy. Look for virtual tours or detailed videos showcasing their work and impact on the ground.

We hope that, by following these tips, you will be able to better identify trustworthy organizations and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.

Sponsor a child – photo: Streams of Mercy 2024