Your questions answered
How much does sponsorship cost?
Sponsorship costs a minimum of €23 a month - that is less than 76c a day. 80% of this money is spent directly overseas. The remaining 20% is spent on priority activities such as responding to emergencies, campaigning on behalf of poor people, finding new sponsors and raising additional funds.
In addition, thanks to the Government's tax scheme, if you are an Irish taxpayer, ActionAid can reclaim the tax portion on your donations - increasing their value by about a third at no extra cost to you! Any funds received from tax claims are spent on priority activities where the need is greatest.
How long will sponsorship last?
Sometimes, sponsorship ends when we complete our work with a community. On other occasions, sponsorship comes to an end when children finish school. This means that the duration of your support can vary a great deal, although three years is usually the minimum commitment.
What happens after sponsorship?
When sponsorship ends, we will contact you to let you know how you can continue to help the community where the child you are sponsoring lives, as well as other poor people in need.
What happens if I cannot continue as a sponsor?
If your circumstances change, we have a range of options including payment breaks, reduced monthly donation amounts for a fixed period. If you'd like to talk to us about these options, please call Michelle on 01 8787 911. However, if you can no longer sponsor a child, we totally understand. But please tell us directly so we can find another sponsor for your child quickly. Just call us on 01 8787 911and we'll stop all payments from your bank account.
Can I decide on the gender, nationality and age of my child?
Unless you make a specific request, we will send you the details of the child and community in greatest need of your support. So if you would prefer to sponsor a child of a specific gender, age or nationality, please call 01 878 7911 and we'll do our best to help.
Can I write to the child I sponsor?
Yes. Children love getting messages from their sponsors in Ireland. You'll receive a postcard in your Welcome Pack on which you can stick a photograph and write a few lines about your life in Ireland. It's best to keep your message short and simple. And remember to comment on the child's message to you!
Can I send gifts?
We ask you not to send individual gifts for several reasons. Firstly it creates inequalities between children; postage is expensive and unreliable in many countries; gifts may not arrive; or the child's family may have to pay customs charges they can't afford.
ActionAid set up a Gift Fund which is used to buy appropriate and practical gifts that benefit a number of children in the community. Money given to this fund is sent overseas regulary, where local staff use their knowledge and experience to buy practical gifts such as sports equipment. Supporters contribute to this fund directly through ActionAid Ireland.
I have more questions
If you have more questions, just call Michelle Lenihan, our supporter services co-ordinator on 01 8787 911 and she'll assist you.
