Frequently Asked Questions

Do all of my sponsorship fees go directly to the child that I sponsor?

No. Sponsorship is not a direct financial transfer between a sponsor and a student. Instead, sponsors collectively provide for the educational and ministry needs of all sponsored students through a restricted Sponsorship Fund.

Why are sponsorship fees pooled?

Every sponsorship gift is placed into a restricted Sponsorship Fund. Because educational costs vary from student to student and increase over time as students progress from primary to secondary school and more advanced training, pooling resources allows Hope Alive! to meet each student's needs while ensuring every sponsored child receives equitable support.

How is the sponsorship amount calculated?

The monthly sponsorship amount is based on the anticipated cost of a student's educational journey and participation in Hope Alive!'s ministry. Those projected costs are spread across the expected duration of sponsorship, allowing supporters to give a consistent monthly amount while ensuring students receive the care and opportunities they need throughout the program.

The Hope Alive! Board of Directors periodically reviews sponsorship rates to ensure ministry expenses are met. This may involve increasing sponsorship fees when financial factors necessitate.

Can I communicate with my sponsored student?

Yes! Sponsors are encouraged to build meaningful relationships through letters, photos, and periodic updates. Hope Alive! facilitates communication in ways that are healthy, culturally appropriate, and centered on the student's well-being. You can send a letter and photos through our website. Small but meaningful birthday, holiday and milestone financial gifts can be sent through Hope Alive! and designated for the student you sponsor.

How long does sponsorship last?

Most students remain in the program until they complete an associate-level diploma, vocational certification, or another equivalent program that prepares them for meaningful employment. Every educational journey is unique, and Hope Alive! works with each student to pursue the pathway that best prepares them for a flourishing future. Many students have missed years of school by the time they are enrolled, and we do not remove them based on their age. Every student is given the time they need to reach their full potential. This may take 20 years or more.

Those students who qualify academically for a four-year university are moved out of sponsorship, and may receive assistance through our scholarship program. Some sponsors choose to continue supporting their student through university, while others bow out at that point.

Am I obligated to sponsor my student until they graduate?

No, absolutely not. You can stop sponsoring at any time. While we hope that sponsors will continue with their students throughout their journey, we understand that circumstances change. If you need to stop sponsoring a student for financial, health or any other reasons, please let us know at [email protected]. We will thank you sincerely for your support, offer you other ways to continue your involvement with Hope Alive!, and work to identify another sponsor for your student so that their education and participation in Hope Alive! can continue uninterrupted.