FAQs

These are the most commonly asked questions about child sponsorship, but if you are unable to find your answer then please contact us or call our office at 972-620-2020. Click on a question to find out the answer.

About Child Sponsorship

• How does a child become a part of the Sponsorship Program?

  Children become eligible for sponsorship through our annual Camp Life program. 

• What is the role of a Legacy Academy Sponsor?

  The significance of your sponsorship must not be underestimated – you make the difference! When you invest in the life of a child in Zambia, you not only provide an education and discipleship, but a friendship that will have a lasting impact on your child. As his/her sponsor, your child will know you and pray for you by name.

• What benefits does sponsorship provide?

  A sponsorship with Family Legacy provides an education for your child at one of our Legacy Academies or in a neighborhood public school a small percentage of the time. At the Legacy Academies, our qualified teaching staff and low student-to-teacher ratio provide an education that is above and beyond what these children would normally be able to receive. In addition, sponsored children receive a daily, hot lunch and regular Biblical instruction from our discipleship staff.

About Financial Commitment

• Where does my money go?

  Your donations support the overall operations of the Family Legacy child sponsorship program. While your donations do not go directly to your child (in accordance with IRS guidelines), they do allow your child to participate and receive all the benefits of the program (education, food, and discipleship) that are provided to every child in the program.

• Is my contribution tax-deductible?

  Yes. All contributions to Family Legacy Missions International are tax-deductible unless stated otherwise.

• Is there a preferred donation method for sponsorship?

  Yes! Bank drafts are the best way to donate for your sponsorship since the processing fees for the ministry are a fraction of the cost of credit card fees. Plus, bank accounts change less frequently than credit cards, requiring less follow up – and that means our staff can focus more time on what we love doing: caring for orphans.

• If I must discontinue my sponsorship, what happens to the child I sponsor?

  If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to continue your sponsorship, we ask you to help us find a new sponsor among your friends, family, and acquaintances. During this three-month time period, your child will remain in the program while a new sponsor is located. We will be happy to assist you in this process and work with you to identify a new sponsor.

• When will a sponsorship end?

  A sponsorship will end if the sponsor chooses to end the sponsorship or when a child finishes his or her education. Our goal is for every one of our students to graduate high school (12th grade). After graduation there are opportunities for further study in a trades, college, or university program through our Excel Beyond Program for Higher Education. We want our children to go as far as their sponsors are willing to take them!

• What if my child moves away or leaves program?

  These are certain occasions when children cannot remain in the program. For example, their caretakers may move them to another part of the country where Family Legacy is not yet working.  In this case, you will be notified as soon as possible and then be given the opportunity to transfer your sponsorship to another child.

About Communication

• Can a sponsor write to their child?

  Yes! To write a letter to a sponsored child, simply login to your Family Legacy account at familylegacy.com/sponsorlogin. From there, select “My Sponsorships” and click the link to send a message to your child.

  Please keep in mind, with the large volume of sponsored children and American supporters, response time can take several weeks. Thank you for your patience as we work to send and receive many letters throughout the year. 

• What should I write?

  Keep your letters relatively brief and simple. Tell the child about yourself, your family, and friends. Include information about the hobbies you enjoy or sports you play. Explain the geography of where you live. Encourage the child based on what you already know about them. Write a prayer out for the child or a favorite/encouraging scripture.

• What should I avoid communicating to my child?

  Although we encourage open, honest communication between sponsor and child, there are certain topics you should avoid because of the cultural differences and also to ensure the emotional protection of the child.

  Please do not elaborate on material possessions or finances, promise that you will visit your child, suggest that the child visit the United States, or use slang terms that may not translate cross-culturally.

  Please do not include any personal contact information in your letter such as address, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.

  Please do not ask your child what gift you can send, what size clothing he/she wears, or other similar inquiries. See below for sending gifts to your child.

  Please be aware that our trained staff screen each letter to ensure appropriateness and reserve the right to edit content in the rare case that it is needed. 

• Will my sponsored child write to me and how often?

  Yes, at least two times a year your sponsored child will write to you. If your child is too young, your child’s discipleship leader will help them or they may choose to draw pictures.

• May I visit my child?

  Yes! You may visit your child in their community by participating in a sponsorship trip in conjunction with our CampLife summer program. This two-day experience provides a tour of the capital and a personal visit to your child’s home. You will get to see where they live, meet their caretakers, and experience their day-to-day life. Please contact our offices at 972-620-2020 ext. 131 to find out more information. All visits must be arranged through our USA office.

• May I send gifts to my child?

  While a sponsor cannot send a gift via mail or through a Family Legacy staff member, we welcome and encourage sponsors to hand deliver a gift to their sponsored child. Due to the hands-on approach of our ministry, we provide opportunities for sponsors to personally visit their children on a sponsorship trip, spend time with them, and give a gift in person.