
Child Sponsorship FAQs

Relationship
A child knows someone cares about them.

Discipleship
Children encounter the hope of Jesus.
.jpg)
Growth
Children receive support to thrive and become independent adults.
What Makes CTL Sponsorship Different?
At Children to Love, sponsorship is about more than meeting physical needs. It's about helping a child know they are seen, valued and loved.
Many children in our programs have experienced abandonment, neglect or instability. Through sponsorship, they learn that someone is praying for them, encouraging them and investing in their future.
Because we believe authentic relationships require long-term commitment, our sponsorship program is designed to foster meaningful connection while supporting each child's physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
How Do Sponsorships at CTL Work?
Your monthly sponsorship helps provide practical care, education, discipleship and ongoing support for your sponsored child. Sponsorship also strengthens the ministry staff, programs and family support systems around them.
1
Begin Your Support
Begin sponsoring through our giving portal and select any preferences you may have, or contact our office by phone or email. Our staff will quickly reach out to you with next steps and begin the matching process.
2
Get Matched
Our staff and ministry partners prayerfully match you with a child based on current needs and your preferences whenever possible. You'll receive a photo and information about the child and the ministry serving them.
3
Build a Meaningful Connection
Through the CTL Family Connection App, you can send messages to encourage your sponsored child. You will also receive updates, drawings or responses from your child at least once a year.
4
Walk Alongside Their Journey
Child sponsorship is more than a monthly gift— it's a long-term relationship. As your child grows, you'll be able to celebrate milestones and encourage them through different seasons of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sponsorship Basics
Can I choose the child I sponsor?
Most sponsors choose a country and are matched with a child based on current needs. If you have preferences regarding age, gender or other circumstances, our team will do its best to accommodate those requests whenever possible.
How much does sponsorship cost?
Most sponsorships are $40 per month. Some children have additional educational or medical needs that may require a higher level of support. Our team will communicate any special opportunities for sponsorship as they arise.
How long is the commitment?
There is no required length of commitment, but because many of the children we serve have experienced instability or loss, we encourage sponsors to view sponsorship as a long-term relationship whenever possible.
What about children who are not yet sponsored?
Children who are not yet sponsored continue to receive care through Children to Love and our ministry partners. Sponsorship provides consistent support for a child and helps sustain the ministry's work, but no child is denied care while waiting to be matched with a sponsor.
What happens if my child leaves the program?
If your sponsored child graduates, is reunited with family or leaves the program for another reason, we will contact you and offer the opportunity to sponsor another child. Many children continue thriving long after they leave our programs, and we love sharing those stories when possible.
How often will I receive updates?
Sponsors typically receive a photo and update at least once each year. Depending on the ministry and the child's circumstances, additional updates, letters, artwork, photos or messages may also be shared through the CTL Family Connection App.
Building a Relationship
Will my child know who I am?
In most cases, yes. Depending on the child's age, country and circumstances, they will know that a specific person or family is praying for them and supporting them through sponsorship.
What if my child doesn't respond to my messages?
Some children are too young, have special needs, face language barriers or live in circumstances that make communication difficult. Even when a child cannot respond personally, your messages are still shared and can be a meaningful source of encouragement.
Why can't I contact children directly?
The safety and well-being of the children we serve is a top priority. To protect both children and sponsors, all communication is facilitated through Children to Love and our ministry partners rather than through personal phone numbers, email accounts or social media.
Can I send messages to my sponsored child?
Yes. Through the CTL Family Connection App, you can send messages, photos and short videos to encourage your sponsored child. All communication is reviewed and approved by Children to Love staff and local ministry leaders before being delivered.
Can I send gifts?
Rather than shipping gifts internationally, we recommend sending funds for gifts to be purchased locally. This is often more practical, cost-effective and allows ministry staff to choose items that are appropriate and beneficial for the child.
Can I visit my sponsored child?
Sponsors may have opportunities to visit ministries through approved Children to Love teams and trips. Because child protection is a priority, visits must always be coordinated through Children to Love and local ministry leadership.
The Impact of Your Sponsorship
How does sponsorship change a child's life?
Sponsorship helps provide practical care, education, discipleship and ongoing support through trusted local ministries. It also reminds children that they are known, valued and loved.
What does sponsorship help provide?
Sponsorship helps provide a range of support depending on the child's circumstances, including education, food, medical care, counseling, discipleship, family support and other resources that contribute to a child's long-term well-being.
Does sponsorship create dependency?
No. Our ministry partners focus on helping children and families develop the skills, education and support systems needed to thrive independently. Sponsorship is designed to foster healthy growth, not dependency.
Does my money go directly to my child?
Your sponsorship helps provide for your sponsored child's needs while also supporting the ministry, caregivers and programs surrounding them. This holistic approach allows our partners to care for children in a healthy, sustainable way while strengthening families and communities.
Safety & Child Protection
How are communications monitored?
Messages, photos and videos shared through the CTL Family Connection App are reviewed by both U.S. staff and local ministry leaders before being delivered. This helps ensure communication remains safe, appropriate and encouraging.
How is privacy protected?
Children to Love follows child protection policies designed to safeguard the privacy of children, families and sponsors. Personal contact information is never shared without permission, and all communication takes place through approved channels. Details of individual children's stories as well as medical information are shared with discernment, dignity and discretion with the child's sponsor.
The CTL Family Connection App
What does the app do?
The CTL Family Connection App helps you stay connected to your sponsored child and the ministry serving them. Through the app, you can view updates, photos, videos and messages, as well as send encouragement directly to your sponsored child.
Can I only use the app?
No. While the app is the easiest way to stay connected, our staff is happy to provide updates and answer questions by phone or email. The app simply puts everything in one convenient place.
How do I download the app?
The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Download links, instructions and support resources can be found on our app information page.
What do I do if the app isn't working?
If you have trouble using or downloading the app, or creating an account, please contact our support team.
.png)