Frequently Asked Questions

Is child sponsorship an effective way to help?

Yes! Sponsors provide resources to help children eat nutritious meals, stay in school, receive health care and achieve their goals. Your support brings long-term positive change to each child, their families, and their communities.

Does my money really reach the child?

Yes. More than 80 cents of each dollar directly benefits your sponsored child by providing programs such as educational support, nutritional support, health care and pyscho-social support; the rest helps pay for staff providing services and overseeing the program. Pearl S. Buck International accounts for every dollar you send to a child. An external firm conducts audits regularly to verify the accuracy of Pearl S. Buck International’s financial reporting. Our most recent annual report is available on our website.

Pearl S. Buck International is proud to be a top-rated charity, so you can rest assured that your donation is safe.

How does Pearl S. Buck International choose children for sponsorship?

Community social service workers and Pearl S. Buck International staff identify the most vulnerable children in the areas we serve. Our local offices invited the families of these children to participate in the child sponsorship program. In addition, many families seek our help to provide their children the chance for a brighter future.

Some children live in orphanages, with single-parent households, or elderly grandparents. They are coping with challenges such as racial/ethnic prejudice, disabilities, or HIV/AIDS. Many families are refugees, displaced, or homeless. Today, we work with children in impoverished areas of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. We also work alongside independent affiliate offices in Korea and Taiwan to support children and families in those countries.

How do I select a child to sponsor?

You can decide which child to sponsor by looking at photos and reading about them. You will be the only sponsor assigned to that child. Because of this, you can enjoy a one-to-one relationship that deepens over time through letters, photographs, and updates about health and school progress.

If you’d rather not choose a specific child, contact us at ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org and we will be happy to match you with a child in need. And if child sponsorship is not a good fit,  you can support our international programs as a Champion for Children.

Can I sponsor more than one child or sponsor children in different countries?

Absolutely! Many children are waiting for someone to give them a chance to succeed. Select the child(ren) you would like to sponsor online, or discuss details with us at ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org or 215-249-0100 x142 and we will be happy to match you with a child in need.

How long does sponsorship last?

That is your decision. Many children who need support are elementary school age, and you can sponsor them through high school graduation, usually at age 18. At that time, we can discuss if you’d like to stay engaged with the family outside the auspices of our program. You can continue to help many of these older children through college scholarship opportunities. If you’d like to stay engaged, both you and the sponsored child agree and sign a consent form.

Do I get letters from my sponsored child?

You will receive a minimum of two letters from your sponsored child during the year, or two forms of nonverbal communication, such as artwork of photographs, if the child is too young to write. You also receive a Welcome Packet introducing your child and where they live, along with annual updates on your child’s health and progress in school.

In addition, you receive “News from the Field” once a year, a newsletter providing a comprehensive look at projects, successes, and challenges facing each of our overseas offices.

How can I write to my sponsored child?

Easy! You can send a message to your child online.

How do I make my payments?

New child sponsors set up payment procedures when they enroll online. Payments will be processed automatically, unless you contact us to set up a different payment plan.

If you do not wish to pay by credit card, Pearl S. Buck International also accepts payment by check and EFT.  Please contact us at ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org for more information.

Can I send a monetary gift to my sponsored child through the website?

Yes, you can send you child a monetary gift here.  Please fill out one donation form for each sponsored child separately if you would like to send more than one gift. There is a six-dollar minimum gift amount, due to the overseas exchange rates.

If you would like to set up a recurring gift (Birthdays, Holidays), please contact us as ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org and we will be more than happy to help.

Are child sponsorship payments a charitable gift?

Your sponsorship donation is considered a charitable donation to Pearl S. Buck International, a 501(c)3 and is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for building better lives for these children!

How can I find out more information about my Sponsored Child’s country?

Country specific Child Sponsorship booklet are available on our website. You can also contact us at ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org and we can send you one.

Are there other ways to help children in need besides sponsoring a child?

There are many ways you can help support children in need besides or in addition to sponsoring a child. Please explore our website or contact us to discuss options including supporting a specific need, funding a project, or becoming a Champion for Children. Each option offers different benefits and all options help provide hope for children in need.

What if I have a question that’s not listed?

Please feel free to contact us at 215-249-0100 x142 or email us at ssaveriano@pearlsbuck.org and we will be happy to help!