Child Sponsorship

Sponsorship Questions

What countries have a Child Sponsorship Program?

Even though SI is in five countries, we currently have a child sponsorship program in two of the countries: Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

How is my sponsored child benefiting from my monthly contribution?

You are sponsoring your child’s involvement at an SI ministry site. The sponsorship money you send is added to that of other people who sponsor children at the same SI ministry site as your child. Your monthly support helps to meet the financial needs of the SI ministry site which enables us to provide ongoing benefits such as education, health care, clean water, food or housing for the children. In some cases entire families in these communities benefit directly from the ministry site work. The costs of keeping records, forwarding letters, providing staff workers, and materials are also covered.

Will I hear from my sponsored child?

You will receive communications – crafts, pictures, or a note – from your sponsored child a couple of times each year.

Can I write to my sponsored child?

Yes! To write to your sponsored child, please write the child’s name and the ministry site on the back of the envelope.  Mail the letter to:

Can I send packages or gifts to my sponsored child?

Unfortunately, no. There are high import taxes and restrictions by foreign governments that make it difficult for SI to receive packages, money or gifts in the field. You can, however, send small, flat non-valuable items with a letter or card at any time and our staff will deliver them to your sponsored child. If you are interested in a birthday present or a special gift you may send money to our offices in California with a note specifying what you would like for your sponsored child. That money will be forwarded on to the sponsorship director and they can buy a specific gift for the child.

Am I the only sponsor for my sponsored child?

Yes. SI assigns only one sponsor for each sponsored child. However, in a few cases multiple sponsors choose to share the monthly sponsorship cost together.

Are contributions to SI tax deductible?

Gifts to SI qualify as charitable contributions and are generally tax-deductible though your own financial situation will affect deductibility.  You should consult your tax advisor about specific situations.

Do sponsored children still have to pay tuition to attend school?

Sponsoring a child through SI does not provide the child with a scholarship. The parents of the children still need to pay tuition for their children to attend. Tuition at SI ministry site schools is minimal and only covers a portion of the expenses of the ministry site. Your monthly sponsorship support helps to meet the ongoing financial needs of the SI ministry site which enables us to provide ongoing benefits such as education, health care, clean water, food or housing for the children.

How much is the monthly donation?

The monthly sponsorship amounts for each school are: 

Dominican Republic: Mata Gorda, El Callejon & Los Higos / $35 month, for Genesis $50 month 

Guatemala: El Gorrion & Colegio Memorial Norma de Monroy / $35 month

How can I make my sponsorship contributions?

There are three ways to make your monthly contributions:

1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) which will debit your contribution from your checking or savings account on a monthly basis. 

2. Mail your monthly contributions to Students International, P.O. Box 2733, Visalia, CA 93279-2733 USA.

3. Automatic donation by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.