FAQ of Child Sponsorship
What does my sponsorship provide?
For $30 per month you can sponsor one of these children, providing a clean healthy living environment where they can find love and safety.
Your sponsorship also provides:
- Nutritional meals
- Educational opportunities
- Medical care
- Vocational Training
- Trauma counseling
You can make an incredible difference as you partner with CEI, reaching out to the forgotten children of the world with love and compassion.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes. CEI is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All of your monthly sponsorship donations are tax-deductible with the federal government.
What information will I receive regarding my sponsored child?
When you sponsor a child, you will receive a profile and picture of your child.
Every year you will receive:
- Three letters from your sponsored child
- A progress report with an updated photo of your sponsored child
- Occasional mailings from Child Empowerment International to keep you updated on our work internationally.
How long will my sponsorship continue?
You have the opportunity to continue sponsoring your child throughout the duration of their stay in a CEI school or home. Children are generally sponsored an average of 5 to 6 years. The length of their enrollment depends on the cultural expectations of each child's community.
What happens if I must end my child sponsorship?
You may choose to discontinue your sponsorship at any time - we understand that sponsors' circumstances sometimes change. If you must end your sponsorship, please contact the CEI office immediately so that another sponsor can be found for your sponsored child.
How much is my monthly commitment to child sponsorship?
CEI's current rate of sponsorship is $30 a month. This a minimum to meet the basis needs of a child but you are welcome to donate more at any time by increasing the amount by accessing your account or by contacting the sponsorship office if you already have an account set up.
How much of my monthly payment goes to cover administrative costs?
None. CEI covers all our administrative costs through our separate general budget and other fundraising efforts. So 100% of your monthly $30 payment will go to meet your sponsored child's needs.
How should I pay for my monthly sponsorship commitment?
Many of our sponsors enjoy the convenience of CEI's automatic contribution program through credit card or a debit to your bank account. Contact our office Toll Free at: (800) 725-8098, or at (831) 622-9416 to sign up. Child Empowerment International also accepts checks, cash and money orders.
Will I receive a receipt from Child Empowerment International?
All child sponsorship gifts to CEI are tax-deductible and you will receive monthly statements and one income tax receipt at the end of the year.
How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
All communication to sponsored children must be sent via our Child Empowerment International Sponsorship Office. For your privacy and the protection of our sponsored children no addresses are communicated in either direction. Letters will be translated in your sponsored child’s respective country for your sponsored child. You may write a card or a letter and forward it to us or send your letter via email to [email protected].
What else is required of a sponsor besides $30 per month support?
Nothing more is required; however, you are welcome to write to your child. If you would like to send gifts to your child please mail them directly to our office in Carmel, CA If you are interested in visiting your child in Uganda, you are welcome to do so after making arrangements through the CEI sponsorship department.
How often will I receive information about my sponsored child?
Your child, depending upon age, will write to you at least 3 times per year. We will also provide progress reports with updated photos of your sponsored child.
How do I chose a child from the children available?
You can chose a child born on the same day as yourself – your child, your spouse, or a loved one. You will share a special connection with a child who is also around the same age as your own child/children.
Writing to your child
How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
All communication to sponsored children can be sent to Child Empowerment International's main office:
Child Empowerment International
225 Crossroads Blvd. #123
Carmel, CA 93923
Please use the provided child correspondence forms when writing to your child. We will then mail your letters to Sri Lanka and Uganda, where they will be translated for your child. You may also write a letter and email it to us at [email protected].
Can I send gifts for my child for birthdays or special occasions?
Yes! You may send a card and/or a check to the Carmel office address below. Around $15 to $20 is an appropriate amount for a very nice gift. Our child care staff will shop for the child and make sure they receive the gift, knowing it is from you. We celebrate birthdays once a month with a large party for all the children and gifts for those that had a birthday that month. Please do not send large amounts of money for gifts. There is a chance the other children may feel left out if one child is given extravagant gifts.
You may send packages to our office in California. We encourage small, inexpensive gifts such as crayons and books, small toys, games or some item that your child may have asked for, items that we can send when a member of our team visits the country your child is in. Make sure you indicate the purpose of the gift, the child’s full name and ID number, as well as your name when sending packages.
If paying by check, please mail you sponsorship payments to:
CEI Child Sponsorship Office
225 Crossroads Blvd. #123
Carmel, CA 93923
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.