September 2025
TOP 9 QUESTIONS NEW SPONSORS ASK
Everything you need to know about Child Sponsorship.
Thinking about sponsoring a child but have questions? You're not alone.
Child sponsorship is a powerful way to make a lasting difference in the life of a child living in one of the world’s toughest places. It helps children thrive, build brighter futures, and grow up in safe, nurturing environments. But the impact doesn’t stop with just one child — sponsorship also supports the whole community, helping all children access education, nutritious food, healthcare, and more.
It’s completely normal to have questions before getting started. Many people wonder about the best way to sponsor a child, how their donations are used, and what to expect from the experience. In this guide, we'll answer 9 of the most common child sponsorship FAQs to help you make an informed decision about World Vision's sponsorship programme.
9 Questions - Jump to:
- Does my money go directly to the child?
- How much does sponsoring a child cost?
- How long will my sponsorship last?
- Can I meet my sponsored child?
- How do you choose children to be sponsored?
- What should I say in my first letter to my sponsored child?
- Can I sponsor more than one child in a family?
- What happens to the child if I need to stop sponsoring?
- How can I encourage others to sponsor a child?
1. Does my money go directly to the child?
The donation you give doesn't go directly to your sponsored child or family. When you sponsor a child with World Vision UK, your money funds long-term community-led development that do directly support your sponsored child's community.
You'll be funding projects that address the community's urgent needs. It could provide safe water, nourishing food, better healthcare, solutions to climate change, or improved education. By sponsoring, you also help keep children safe while getting them ready to participate in shaping their future.
This community-focused approach means that when you sponsor a child, you're investing in sustainable, long-term change that benefits your sponsored child’s entire community.
Our latest Impact Report provides real-life examples of how sponsorship creates lasting change for communities.
2. How much does sponsoring a child cost?
World Vision UK's child sponsorship costs £30 per month – about a pound a day to transform a child's future and their entire community. This investment provides incredible value when you consider the comprehensive support it offers to children, families, and communities – creating lasting change that benefits generations.
3. How long will my sponsorship last?
World Vision usually work with communities for ten years or more, and we only move on when we're sure the community will thrive without us, continuing their development long into the future.
In general, your sponsorship will last until your child reaches the age of 18, or when they leave education. However, you're in control of your commitment. You can sponsor for as long as you like, and end your sponsorship at any time if your circumstances change.
We'll keep you updated throughout your sponsorship and let you know when our time in your child's community is coming to an end. You will then have the opportunity to continue your sponsorship journey with a different child who needs your support.
4. Can I meet my sponsored child?
Yes, you can! We have many sponsors who have had an incredible experience visiting their sponsored child. Making this happen requires a lot of preparation by everyone involved, so we request a minimum of three months' notice if you wish to visit your sponsored child. This allows our staff in the UK sufficient time to follow the official procedures with the World Vision office in the country of the visit.
Here's a short video explaining some of the ways you can meet your sponsored child with World Vision.
5. How do you choose children to be sponsored?
We believe the best way to serve children is to listen before we act. That’s why we work closely with local community leaders, who know their context and understand which children and families are most vulnerable. Together, we identify the children who will benefit most from sponsorship.
But sponsorship doesn’t stop with one child. Because of our community-focused approach, the whole community benefits. Even children who are not directly sponsored still gain from lasting improvements such as clean water, better educational facilities, climate-smart farming solutions, and safe, child-friendly spaces.
This means your sponsorship not only changes the life of one child, but also helps transform their whole community.
6. What should I say in my first letter to my sponsored child?
Writing your first letter to a sponsored child can feel overwhelming, but remember – it's about making a genuine connection. Here's what to include:
Start with a warm introduction:
- Tell them your name and a bit about yourself
- Explain that you're excited to be their sponsor
- Share why you chose to sponsor a child
Ask simple, age-appropriate questions:
- What's your favourite subject at school?
- What games do you like to play?
- Tell me about your family
Share about your life:
- Your hobbies and interests
- Your family (pets included!)
- Simple details about where you live
Keep your letter encouraging and positive. Remember, your messages bring hope and happiness to your sponsored child and help build their confidence and skills.
7. Can I sponsor more than one child in a family?
Usually, one child per family is enrolled in the sponsorship programme. This is because sponsored children are representatives of their community, and we want as many families as possible to be able to participate. This can vary from project to project because ultimately, the community members themselves decide.
Remember, when you sponsor a child, you're not just helping that individual child – you're helping to transform their entire community. Your sponsored child's siblings benefit from the improved schools, healthcare, and water systems that your sponsorship helps provide.
8. What happens to the child if I need to stop sponsoring?
We completely understand that circumstances can change, and you can end your child sponsorship at any time. If you decide to stop, the child you sponsor will continue to benefit from the long-term improvements your generosity has already helped bring to their community, such as better access to education, healthcare, and clean water.
When a sponsorship ends, our team does everything possible to match the child with a new sponsor as quickly as we can. This helps ensure they continue to receive the support, encouragement, and opportunities that sponsorship provides.
If giving financially isn’t possible right now, there are still meaningful ways to stay involved with World Vision’s mission – whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering, raising awareness, or praying for the children and communities we serve.
If you’re considering ending your sponsorship, we’d love to have a conversation about the different ways you can continue making a difference – and reassure you that the child you support will be cared for.
9. How can I encourage others to sponsor a child?
One of the most powerful ways to inspire others is by sharing your own sponsorship experience. Talk about what it means to you, how it’s made a difference, and why it matters. You can spread the word on your social media, provide practical information and most importantly, connect them directly to the Sponsor A Child page so they can get involved too. Your story could be the reason someone else decides to change a child's life.
Ready to begin your sponsorship journey?
Sponsoring a child with World Vision UK is a powerful way to make a lasting difference. You’ll help transform a child’s life – and their whole community – while building a meaningful connection along the way. With transparent use of funds, regular updates, and a proven approach to long-term change, Child Sponsorship is one of the most impactful ways you can support global development. Not sponsoring yet? Start today.
