Sponsorship FAQ

Common Questions About Child Sponsorship

What specific benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
The child you sponsor through COTN will receive opportunities and services that are not available to most of the world’s poorest children. For a few of the specific benefits, see below:

Village Partnership – $28/month (Dominican Republic, Malawi, and Sierra Leone)
  • Nutritionally balanced meals
  • Education, clothing, medical care
  • The opportunity to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus.
  • Ongoing discipleship enabling each child to grow in their faith.
Full-Care Children’s Home – $43/month (Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda)
  • Three nutritionally balanced meals a day
  • Schooling, clothing, medical care, and housing
  • The opportunity to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus.
  • Full-time care from loving house parents and staff

How long should my sponsorship last?
Our desire is to see these children actively participating in their society. (For some, this might be 16 years old, others 18 or 21.) If we determine your child no longer requires our support or if a child moves out of the village or area where our program operates, we will contact you regarding sponsoring another child.

How important is prayer in COTN sponsorship?
Very! We not only desire your financial support; we highly value your prayer support as well.

How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
You may write letters to your child. Our in-country office will serve as a translation base, and we will translate letters both coming and going.

Will my child write to me?
Yes, your child will communicate to you at least three times a year through letters, drawings, photos, and an update on their progress in school.

What other opportunities will I have to learn about the child I’m helping?
You will receive updates on our programs and your child. You will also receive our general COTN mailings, which will update you on what is happening in the family of COTN.

May I send gifts to my child?
Many children do not know their birthdays. Because of this we will identify a special Christmas project each year. You will receive a letter regarding this in October. Also, we do not encourage sending packages directly to our countries as our in-country staff may be charged a customs fee. If you would like to send a gift to your sponsor child, please contact the Sponsorship department about the possibility of sending it with a visiting team.

Can we visit our child?
Visiting your child can be an exciting and encouraging experience for both you and your sponsor child. For more information on how to set up a trip to meet your child, please contact us at (360) 698-7227.

How does COTN ensure that my support actually benefits the child I sponsor?
We have competent staff in each of our countries who make sure our programs are operating and carried out. There are strict financial accountability guidelines in place to insure that funds are used appropriately.

Does all $28 or $43 go directly to my child?
Your donation will go into the children’s fund for the village in which your child lives. The $28/$43 may not be spent specifically on your child, but they do receive the services/benefits in that program through your contributions. It is our desire to meet the needs of all the children in each of our programs.