Helping

The Salvation Army's overseas child sponsorship programme assists children in developing countries.

Considerably smaller in size and less structured than many such programmes, we run on very simple lines and handle all sponsorships within Salvation Army-operated children's homes, institutions and day care centres. 

The Salvation Army Child Sponsorship Programme takes care of thousands of needy children around the world. Many children are cared for in children's homes, however if the child is with family (which is preferred) the funds are facilitated by Army staff at community centres, mission hospitals and local village corps or churches.

Jesus said 'Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me' - Luke 9:48

WHAT IS CHILD SPONSORSHIP?

A sponsor is a person who agrees to be responsible for a child. With Salvation Army care, aided by sponsorship funds, a child receives housing, food, clothing and basic medicines, in a warm, safe and spiritual environment.

Discretionary Sponsorship is also available. This is where a sponsor can support the entire institution rather that one individual child. Funds contributed by a discretionary sponsor benefits every child in the elected children's home. A discretionary sponsor will receive a newsletter yearly from the institution giving information on events and activities of the children.

HOW IT WORKS

Upon the receipt of your request for a sponsorship, the selection of a child is made for you from amongst the profiles with photographs which are sent to us from sponsorship secretaries in the countries concerned.

This profile gives the details of the child's name, the date of birth, a brief family history and present circumstances along with a statement of any special need the youngster may have.

The prospective sponsor undertakes to give $25 each month towards the care of the selected child.

Money sent is used directly for the child or children concerned by Salvation Army officers responsible for their welfare.

It is normal that you may expect news of your sponsored child a couple of times a year and all correspondence contact with them should be made through the Sponsorship Co-ordinator at the Salvation Army headquarters in Melbourne.

FINANCE

All funds are channelled through The Australian Southern Territory Finance Department to comply with Salvation Army policy and to allow centralisation of reporting for audit and government records. 

A fee of 10% per month, per child is set aside as an administrative charge. The fee will only partly cover the costs of postage, banking, advertising and salaries.

Sponsorship payments should be by cheque or money order, payable to: The Salvation Army. Payments can also be made by Credit Card.

Automatic credit card withdrawals can also be organised.

Sponsorship fees are tax deductible.

Sponsorship costs are:

• $25 Monthly
• $75 Quarterly
• $150 Half Yearly
• $300 Annually 

The receipt is attached to the sponsorship pay-in slip for the next month's payment and should be retained for taxation purposes.

Sponsorship agreements are not legally binding and may be revised as financial circumstances require.

AREAS WHERE WE SPONSOR CHILDREN

We sponsor children in 23 Countries. The number fluctuates as waiting for new applications may take up to six months. Sometimes the delay is due to lack of a film for photos. Many centres are extremely isolated and mail takes weeks to reach us. 

Africa 

Asia 

The Caribbean 

Mexico 

South America 

SPECIAL NEEDS

Some children are able to continue with further education, and with sponsor consent, these students can be supported up to 22 years of age if they do well academically. On completion of studies they remain in Salvation Army care until suitable employment and accommodation is found. Many have no home or have been rejected by family because of gender.

 CONTACT DETAILS

Child Sponsorship Department
The Salvation Army
PO Box 479
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Phone: (03) 8878 4543 

Email:ChildSponsorship@aus.salvationarmy.org