Questions about sponsorship

• How much is my sponsorship, and is my contribution tax deductible?
• How much does CFCA spend on administration and fundraising?
• How does my monthly contribution help my friend?
• How long does sponsorship last?
• Can I sponsor more than one person?
• What happens if I need to discontinue my sponsorship?
• How often should I write to my friend?
• Will I begin receiving junk mail or other unwanted communications from other organizations?
• How can I help my friend celebrate birthdays or Christmas?
• What if I want to donate but can't commit to monthly sponsorship?

• How much is my sponsorship, and is my contribution tax deductible?
• Sponsorship is $30 per month, and your contribution is fully tax deductible.

  It's easy to sign up online and contribute by credit card or automatic bank withdrawal on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. If you prefer to contribute by check or money order, you may call 800.875.6564 and a Sponsor Services representative will be happy to help you set up a new sponsorship.

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• How much does CFCA spend on administration and fundraising?

• CFCA is committed to allocating the highest amount of available resources for sponsored members and their families. In 2011, 93.7 percent of CFCA's expenses went for program support, with only 3.1 percent of expenses going for administration and 3.2 percent for fundraising.

  Because of our ongoing commitment to use your contributions wisely and our high standards of accountability, independent charity evaluators including Charity Navigator, American Institute of Philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance consistently give CFCA their highest ratings. Learn more » 

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• How does my monthly contribution help my friend?

• Your sponsorship contribution provides a range of benefits that could include education, nutrition, clothing, health care, recreation, values formation and, in some cases, monitored and direct family assistance. Benefits vary depending on location, project focus and needs of the family. Project staff members work with and encourage maximum participation from the families in helping to determine benefits that will best suit their needs.

  Some CFCA projects offer livelihood programs that help families earn additional income and work toward being self-sufficient.

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• How long does sponsorship last?

• Sponsorship lasts as long as your friend remains eligible for the program and you choose to continue your support. For children and youth, benefits typically continue as long as your friend is attending school, and may extend through trade school or university.

  CFCA will notify you if your friend graduates or leaves the program for other reasons.

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• Can I sponsor more than one person?

• You can sponsor as many children or aging friends as you wish. The sponsorship commitment is $30 per month for each person you want to sponsor. Your sponsorship provides real hope to families living in poverty and gives them the tools they need on their path to self-sufficiency.

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• What happens if I need to discontinue my sponsorship?

• If you are unable to continue your sponsorship for any reason, we simply ask that you let us know and we will begin looking for another sponsor for your friend. In the meantime, your friend will continue receiving sponsorship benefits.

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• How often should I write to my friend?
• We suggest writing a short note or letter at least once a year to offer encouragement and support. If your friend does not speak English, the project serving your friend will translate your letter. We make it easy to send a letter by providing you with pre-printed mailing labels. We have helpful information and tips on writing to your sponsored friend. Learn more »

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• Will I begin receiving junk mail or other unwanted communications from other organizations?
• No. CFCA values the trust you place in us, and we respect your privacy. CFCA will never sell or rent your name or personal information to anyone. Ever.

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• How can I help my friend celebrate birthdays or Christmas?

• You may designate special contributions to CFCA's birthday and Christmas funds. Contributions for these special days are divided among our field projects for the benefit of all sponsored individuals. This way, no one is excluded.

  For many sponsored children, a CFCA birthday celebration may be the first time they have a party to celebrate their birth into the world. The CFCA Birthday Fund provides children and aging friends with a celebration and gift, or additional benefits that are selected by the project staff to be culturally appropriate.

  In celebration of the joyous Christmas season, every child and aging friend participates in celebrations that respect the religion and culture of the region. These celebrations often include your friend's family as well. Gifts, practical or fun, or additional benefits are selected by the project staff to ensure appropriateness.
  

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• What if I want to donate but can't commit to monthly sponsorship?

• We have many donation opportunities that do not require a monthly commitment. You can make a donation to CFCA at any time and for any amount. Some of the options include the scholarship program, birthday and Christmas funds, and general donations to support our work with families living in poverty.

  Read more about donation opportunities.

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