Sponsorship FAQ
Frequently asked questions about sponsoring a child through Friends of TOUCH.
What is a Friends of TOUCH sponsor?
A sponsor is a person or a group of people who commit monthly support for one or more children enrolled in the TOUCH program. Sponsors communicate with and encourage their sponsored child throughout the relationship.
Am I the only sponsor for my child?
In most cases, yes. Your commitment to support and encourage your child both financially and by communicating with them is vitally important. Because sponsorship gifts are not distributed directly to individuals or families, it is possible to have more than one sponsor for a child. Of course, we try to a sponsor for every child, but some children simply have significantly greater need. Therefore, we reserve the right to additional sponsors, so that the children benefit from better, more consistent services and care.
How are sponsorship funds dispersed?
Each month, sponsor funds are used by the TOUCH program for services that directly benefit the children. To ensure that your gifts are used as intended, funds are not distributed directly to individuals or families. Instead, sponsorship money is pooled so that all children in the program benefit, whether they are sponsored or not. This way, children who are not yet sponsored can still attend school and receive benefits from the program. Sponsored children must be enrolled in the TOUCH program so that we can ensure they receive the benefit of your gifts. If, for some reason, your sponsored child leaves the program, you will be notified and given the opportunity to sponsor another child.
Tell me about the sponsored children.
Children in the Friends of TOUCH sponsorship program are enrolled in The Outreach to Unfortunate Children’s Hurts (TOUCH) in the Kitintale neighborhood of Kampala, Uganda. The community is home to well over 17,000 people living in extreme poverty. Many of these children have lost one or both of their parents, some still have their parents, but are not able to attend school without assistance. The families these children come from cannot pay school fees, and in many cases do not have enough to provide meals. Families typically eat a meal only once every day or two. Because of the extreme poverty, other basic needs are usually lacking as well.
What information will I receive about my sponsored child?
You will receive letters from your child, an annual report the child’s progress, along with a photograph, and occasional mailings from Friends of TOUCH to update you on our programs and activities, and news of the community in which your child lives.
How does my sponsored child benefit?
The children we serve are disadvantaged in many ways. Your sponsorship provides education, discipleship, life skills training, and basic needs such as a hygiene kit and school supplies. Children will also benefit from your encouragement and prayers.
How long does my sponsorship continue?
The length of your sponsorship will vary, depending on the age of your sponsored child. The TOUCH program provides school fees from preschool through some university study.
What if I have to discontinue my sponsorship?
You may discontinue your sponsorship at any time. We understand that sponsors’ circumstances may change. If you must discontinue your sponsorship, please notify Friends of TOUCH immediately so we can find another sponsor for your child. You may also choose to give an amount other than $35 each month if there is a temporary change in your circumstances. Because sponsorship money is pooled, we can work with you in a variety of ways. Simply contact us and we’ll be happy to talk to you about it.
What if my sponsored child leaves the program?
There are times when a child must leave the program. Families relocate to find work, or children are removed from school by their caretakers so they can help support the family. If your sponsored child leaves, you will be notified and given the opportunity to sponsor another child.
How are sponsor funds used?
When you sponsor a child through Friends of TOUCH, you can be sure that 80% or more of the funds go directly to services that benefit that child – school fees, supplies, medical care, etc. The rest covers oversight, communications, and administration of the programs. Sponsored children have at least 70,000 ush (Uganda shillings) paid for school fees each term. Pooled sponsor gifts may also provide housing and assistance to child-headed households.
How much is my monthly commitment to child sponsorship?
Friends of TOUCH sponsorship is $35 a month. Sponsor funds are used for services that benefit the children in the TOUCH program. Sponsors are encouraged to give to other areas of the ministry, such as school construction and special projects, as well.
How can I pay for my monthly child sponsorship?
Friends of TOUCH accepts payments by check, money order, ACH, or through PayPal online.
Will I receive a receipt from Friends of TOUCH?
For each month that you give, you will receive a statement detailing your gift and the date it was received. And, since Friends of TOUCH is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, your gifts are tax deductible.
