Sponsoring a child in need in another country?

Question

I just started to sposor a child in Vietnam, some friends told me they only get a few dollars out of the $30.00 i give a month. Is that true?

I do my share of helping children in my area, I donate only every month to the salvation army and donate clothes once a month. and buy canned food for pick up once a week. My heart just broke when i saw the need of help for these poor kids in another country, so i thought what the heck an extra 30 bucks to make a diffence to a child that starves for weeks is worth it.

I didnt know I can sponsor a child her where i live, the only thing that I thought i could help was to do my monthly donation to the salvation army for needy families, that ive been doing for the last 4 yrs.

Answer 1

Your friends may or may not be telling the truth. Each organization is different. You have to research the organization. For example one may spend 85% on administrative costs meaning that only 15% is used for ministry or projects. Another may spend 15% on administrative costs and 85% goes to projects they support.

When you are doing any kind of donation use your heart and your head. There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there, even those who say they are religious; so you must do your homework.

Make sure they are part of a reputable accounting agency - if it is a Christian agency being part of the EFCA is good; although you can be a good strong organization without joining a financially accountable body. Check with your State District Attorney to see if there are any complaints against the organization.

We are a global family and so we are neighbours in the truest sense of the word. Your heart is in the right place but try not to get ripped off.

I have supported several children for many years through World Vision and I have visited their operations outside the U.S. and I am impressed with what they are doing. They provide education but also projects to help the community and the country.

Don't take your friends word for it. You have internet access so check out your organization on the web and ask them to send you their latest yearly financial statements. They can still lie, but if a certifiable accounting agency signed off on it, you should be able to feel more comfortable about it and you will feel empowered.

By the way, if you so choose to do further checking and find out negative things then in order to help other people you should notify your State's Attorney.

Best wishes.

Answer 2

Some organizations do that. Most of your money goes to paying the executives' ridiculous salaries.

The one we work with (we volunteered at a benefit concert last night actually) is Compassion International Over 80% of the funds go directly to helping the child/child's family.

Answer 3

I would, but I am already forced to sponsor millions of kids from other countries right here in Union. Kinda takes away from my own children and in turn turns me against the union in turn forces me to, well we'll save that surprise for a later date. The communist bush pigs are watching.

Answer 4

I don't know the answer to that, but it wouldn't be surprising. Your heart is in the right place. There are lots of kids here that need help also, desperately.

Answer 5

we got millions of needy children right here in the US sponsor some of them that way you can take it right to there door step .

Answer 6

I always love to see a liberal get mugged if they do anything they take out a two page add to talk about it.

Answer 7

Your friends are correct. Those children will see little, if any, of that money.