Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're a current child sponsor or want to learn more about how to get involved with International Needs, we're here to point you in the right direction. How can we help? If you don't see the answer you are looking for, please give us a call at (616) 209-5420 or email info@internationalneeds.us
Simple is best! English probably isn’t your child’s first language, so keep it short, and use neat handwriting (print is the clearest option).Pick one or two of these ideas and save the rest for another time:
- Share your favorite Bible verse
- Tell them you are praying for them
- Let them know that they matter to you
- Encourage them in their schoolwork
- Share about your family
- Tell them what school subjects you liked as a child
Click here to download and print a letter template, or email us at writingtomychild@internationalneeds.us
Our direct giving program is a great resource for people who want to make sure their sponsorships is always paid on time. You can choose to direct giving through your checking account, which is our favorite option because there are no fees for you or for International Needs. You may also choose direct giving through a credit card.
For either option, print this sheet and follow the directions to get started. Problems downloading the form? Give us a call and we’ll send you one. (616) 209-5420 and ask for the sponsorship department.
A letter or short note is a great way to let your child know that you care. You can write on your own paper or print this sheet to use. You are also welcome to include one or two light, flat items with your note.
Here are some ideas of things to send:
sheet of stickers, postcard of your town, family photo, bookmark, coloring sheets
We are not able to accept heavier items such as coloring books, clothing, crayons, pencils, etc. If sponsors send things we can’t accept, we donate them to a local charity.
Letters and light, flat items may be sent to:
Sponsorship Department, International Needs
5570 32nd Avenue, Hudsonville, MI 49426
For your safety and privacy, do not include personal contact information when you write to your sponsored child.
You may not communicate with your sponsored child via social media. If you receive a friend request, DO NOT respond, but contact us at sponsorship@internationalneeds.us or 616-209-5420.
Child Sponsorship
Individual sponsorship provides vulnerable children in high-risk communities with the support they need to thrive in school. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to build a personal connection with your sponsored child through letter writing.
For just $38 a month, your gift helps provide education, learning materials, healthcare, nutritious meals, clean water, mentorship, and essential life and vocational skills.
Group Sponsorship
This program builds on the impact of individual child sponsorship by extending support to entire groups of children within a school. While individual sponsorship directly benefits one child, the group model pools donations to ensure that every child in need, whether individually sponsored or not, has access to essential resources and a high-quality education.
With flexible monthly donations, you can join forces with other donors to create an inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive.
Student Sponsorship
This helps exceptional students in high-risk communities continue their education, whether in university or vocational school.
For just $76 a month, this program provides the extra support they need to stay in school.
We encourage you to sponsor as many children as you are able to sponsor. We are always in need of more sponsors because there are always children waiting for sponsorship. Sponsor a child today.
We understand that your commitment to child sponsorship may change over time. While our hope is that sponsors will make their sponsorship a priority, if you are unable to continue in your sponsorship commitment, we ask that you contact us immediately so our team can find another sponsor for your sponsored child.
Our country directors and their team of staff members are uniquely invested in each International Needs project. They know the needs of the community and are able to identify the children in need of immediate care. These children are added to International Need’s sponsorship program and our team then works to find people like you who will sponsor them, giving them the support and opportunity they need for a future of hope and purpose.
We don’t send out bills because each gift you send is exactly that…a gift toward the Lord’s ministry around the world.
Sponsors who choose to give monthly by check receive a receipt after each gift. The receipt has a blue tear-off section at the bottom to serve as a reminder and for inclusion with your next gift.
In order to be good stewards, we choose to combine the receipt and the reminder. If you ever misplace the blue reminder slip or it gets lost in the mail, feel free to send your next gift with your child’s name in the memo line of the check.
Yes. Your personal information will be protected while in transit on the internet through a 128-bit SSL encryption. A similar method is used by banks’ and other financial institutions’ websites to ensure both security and confidentiality of user information.
You can make a donation online by visiting our donate page or through each giving opportunity listed on individual pages. You can give to as many projects and support as many sponsored children as you like. After confirming your donation details you will be taken to a secure page where you can enter your credit card information.
You can also send your gift to us through the mail by credit card or check. One of the best ways to give is to sign up for our direct giving program. This service is free to you and to International Needs and is a great way to make the most of your ministry dollar!
Yes. International Needs issues consolidated tax receipts in mid-January for those who give through our direct giving program (ACH or Credit Card).
Donors who give by check or give single credit card gifts receive a receipt about ten days after each gift is received.
Can't find your question?
Get in touch with our team.