Sponsorship assistance is normally given to a child until he or she completes high school, college or professional school.

Yes. Your child will write to you several times a year. For younger children, a friend or family member will write the letters. You will receive the original letter, written in Creole, with the English translation on the back. You will also receive an updated photo of your child every two years.

Yes. When you write to your child, he/she will know your name and will treasure the thought that you really care. You may send your letter, written in English, to the ICDM address in Florida, and the national director will give your letter and its translation to your child.

You are not required to write, but your letters will be very meaningful to your child. Children like to know about their sponsors.

You could send a family photo and tell about each family member. You could write about your pets, hobbies, family projects, church and school activities, special events, even about the weather where you live. You could send Bible verses with words of encouragement, and tell your child that you are praying for him or her and his family.

The national director administers the funds, along with an ICDM committee.

We hope your commitment will be for at least a year, and if possible until the child graduates. If at any time you feel unable to continue as a sponsor, you may write to the Sponsorship Ministries office, and we will try to find another sponsor for your child.

Yes. You may send monetary gifts, but we ask that you do not send packages because of the many problems encountered: (1) Packages are often lost, stolen or badly damaged before they reach a child. (2) Duties and taxes charged by the customs office may be more than the value of the gift, and can create a financial hardship for the family or the field director. (3) Choosing the proper clothing sizes can be difficult. Because of malnutrition and illness, many children do not grow and develop at the normal rate of children in their age group in the U.S.

Exceptions: Small, flat items that fit in an envelope may be sent through the ICDM Sponsorship Ministries office. Examples of acceptable items would be bookmarks, stickers, small pictures, cards, a small craft, hair ribbons, and barrettes. Please specify on the envelope the name of the child and his/her sponsorship number.

(1) Please make all checks payable to ICDM and specify the intended use of the money. The entire gift amount will be given to the child’s family with no deductions. (2) Specify the child’s name and number and the occasion for the gift. (3) Indicate any specific items you wish to provide, such as clothing, food, medical supplies, school supplies, Bible, hymnbook, books, doll, ball, etc. (4) You may want to designate a gift to benefit the entire family, for instance, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, or cows.

Note: Many children appreciate receiving a Bible and hymnbook of their own, since the churches do not provide them. When you designate money for a Bible or hymnbook, the field director will purchase it and present it to the child. Prices are $10 each.

Sponsorship is $30 a month ($360 a year). You may send it in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments. Be sure to send your payments at the beginning of the period for which you are paying.

Make your checks payable to: ICDM Sponsorship Program.

A reminder will be sent only if your support falls behind. You can help us keep administrative costs low by sending your payments on time, without reminders.

Eighty-six percent of the monthly support money is sent to the field office for the child. The remaining fourteen percent is used to cover administrative costs. All accounts are audited regularly.

Yes. Extra gifts are welcome! There are always special needs and projects that need funding.