I’m Not Sure I Can Continue My Sponsorship. What Should I Do?

First of all, thank you so much for sponsoring a child with Compassion. We are, and always have been, very grateful for your partnership with us. Through your faithful support your sponsored child is able to access education, health check-ups and many other opportunities to break free from poverty.

We understand how difficult it is to think about ending a commitment like sponsorship. Whether you’ve supported your sponsored child for a while or a short time, it’s not easy to consider breaking the relationship you’ve formed with them.

Good news! You may not need to end your sponsorship.

We understand your initial decision to start this journey with your sponsored child was an important one and can offer our support should you encounter challenges in life that may affect your sponsorship.

Depending on your circumstances, there are a few options available to you before you consider ending your support.

These options are to:

1. Reduce your monthly sponsorship contribution

Depending on your length of sponsorship, we may be able to temporarily arrange a reduction in your monthly financial contribution based on what you can afford.

2. Request Compassion cover your financial contribution for a short period

Once again, depending on your circumstances, we may be able to offer a brief donation break where your financial contributions can be paused. Compassion will cover the cost of your sponsorship for a reasonable time.

3. Consider supporting an appeal or Compassion Interventions

You can also choose to give “one-off” donations any time you wish or a monthly contribution of your choice. While you will no longer sponsor an individual child, your support will still make a positive difference.

Lives are changed and communities transformed through programmes that provide safe water, education and training, disaster relief and much more.
For instance, when the caregivers of children supported through a Compassion project in Rwanda formed a savings and credit cooperative, Compassion project staff trained the group in soapmaking to generate income.

When COVID-19 hit, the cooperative became busier than ever. Besides helping the group earn an income, the liquid soap has helped boost hygiene and sanitation levels in their community, playing a large role in preventing the illness.

What’s the next step?

We’d love to talk to you about the option of reducing your monthly sponsorship contribution or going on a donation break.

Please do email us at info@compassionuk.org or call us on 01932 836490. We’re here for you too and would be delighted to help you. Our phone lines are open from 9:30am – 6pm, Monday – Thursday and 9:30am – 5pm on Fridays. 

Did my sponsorship make a difference?

If you do need to cancel, we want to say a massive thank you! Your sponsorship has made a huge difference in your sponsored child’s life. Many children were able to grow up to break free from the consequences of extreme poverty through sponsors like you.

From police officers to entrepreneurs and doctors, we’re delighted to share stories of many inspiring Compassion graduates. Do take a moment to read some of their stories and know that you too, have contributed to providing opportunities for your sponsored child.

If I must end my sponsorship, how will it affect my sponsored child?

Please rest assured your sponsored child will not lose their place in the sponsorship programme because your financial support has ended. When a sponsor says goodbye to their sponsored child, we will find another person who can take on the support of that child.

During this time, the child will continue to receive the benefits of the programme. Except receiving your sponsor letters, birthday and family gifts, they won’t go without.

The Compassion project they attend may be able to receive extra support through Compassion’s Unsponsored Children Fund to care for them.

Saying goodbye

We would love it if you would write to your sponsored child one last time should you need to end your sponsorship. We understand it may be hard to find the right words. So, we’ve put together some helpful tips below.

Do:

•  Let your sponsored child know you’re no longer able to be their sponsor.
•  Reassure them it’s not their fault.
• Highlight what sponsorship has meant for you – how much you’ve enjoyed being their sponsor and what you’ve gained from the relationship.
• Give them a word of encouragement.
• Write your hopes for them and let them know you will keep them in your prayers.

We understand it may be difficult to say goodbye, but please remember the difference you’ve already made in a child’s life through your sponsorship.
We are so thankful for your partnership with us. The local church will make sure that your sponsored child is cared for, regardless of your sponsorship cancellation.

Other ways I can support Compassion

We would still greatly value your prayers! Please keep praying for our ministry and for the child you once sponsored. Prayers are powerful, and we are certain our God answers them in His time and in His way.

You’re more than welcome to sign up to our monthly prayer and stories email to keep you updated about Compassion’s work.

We also have many generous donors who may not have the time to write to their sponsored children. If you would like to offer words of encouragement and hope to a child, you may want to consider becoming a correspondent. Please contact us and ask about opportunities if that’s the case.

We’re grateful for your care and for the positive impact it’s making on a young life. Your support is making a difference!