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How long are children in Holt’s sponsorship program?

Children remain in our programs for however long it takes for them to have a safe, stable home environment and for their basic needs to be met. This can be anywhere from weeks to years. Depending on the country and program, children remain in sponsorship through varying ages, often depending on their specific needs. We work with every child and family in our programs to create a sustainable, long-term plan for the future.

How long is my sponsorship commitment?

While we hope that you are able to continue to support your sponsored child as long as he or she is in our program, sponsoring a child is voluntary and you may choose to end your sponsorship commitment at any time. When your sponsored child leaves our care, we will introduce you to another child from a similar program who needs your help. To cancel or change your sponsorship commitment, call 1-800-451-0732 or email us at sponsorship@holtinternational.org.

Can I adopt my sponsored child?

Very few of the children in our sponsorship program are on track for adoption. Most of the children we serve have one or both parents — or extended family — to care for them, but are at risk of separation due to poverty, illness or other hardships. We only seek adoptive families for children who have been relinquished for adoption and cannot be reunited with their family. Sponsorship is not a pathway to adoption, but if you are interested in international adoption, we are happy to send you free information.

How often will I receive updates about my sponsored child?

Every child and family in our program works with an advocate — a teacher, social worker or Holt staff member — to prepare an update 2-3 times per year. This update may be a letter, photo or drawing from your child, or a note from their advocate. Additionally, you will have opportunities to send special cards throughout the year, and you are welcome to write to your sponsored child through your personalized sponsorship account. Click here to read more about corresponding with your sponsored child.

Are my contributions tax-deductible?

Yes! Holt qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS code 501(c)(3). We will send you a receipt acknowledging your tax-deductible contributions.

How much of my contribution goes to my sponsored child?

Holt International strives to maintain a low cost of operation, and in 2025, 75% of donations went directly toward services for children, families and communities. We are always working to increase this percentage. By opting for automatic withdrawal of donations, you help us cut the cost of processing.

Does my donation go directly to my sponsored child?

Directly giving the cash amount of your sponsorship donation to your child’s family may seem like a fast and easy way to help, and on occasion we do give cash to help families meet immediate identified needs. But in our more than 65-year history, we have found that the key to helping families achieve lasting stability and self-reliance is through tools and resources that empower them over the long term.

In addition to providing food, clothing and school supplies for your sponsored child, we put your sponsorship donation toward programs such as job skills or small business training as well as education in positive parenting, health and nutrition, and saving for the future. We then guide and support parents as they learn, grow and create a more stable life for their children.

If your sponsored child lives in a care center or foster family, your sponsorship donation provides supplies such as formula and food to help meet your sponsored child’s needs. Whether your sponsored child lives with their family or in care, our on-the-ground staff closely tracks their progress — ensuring they have everything they need to grow and thrive. To read more about this, click here.

Why do children have more than one sponsor?

Because of the unique needs of the children in our programs, the cost to care for each child is often higher than $43 per month. Children often have special medical or physical needs, are orphaned or displaced, and/or live in extreme poverty and difficult-to-reach rural areas. For this reason, most children in our programs receive support from more than one sponsor. We pool all sponsorship gifts, which allows us to serve even more children each year in the most cost-effective ways.