Grounded in the Gospel call to serve the poor, CFCA is a lay Catholic organization working with persons of all faith traditions. CFCA enables sponsors to provide encouragement and support to children and aging friends living in poverty in 25 developing countries.
A. The support you send for your friend is translated into assistance that will directly benefit their life in the manner most needed. Benefits typically include education, nutrition, medical care, clothing and shelter – basic necessities for a more dignified life.
Working with our local coordinators in their community, your sponsored friend and their family have a voice in determining what they most need to improve their life. We have extensive policies and practices in place that ensure integrity and good use of your contributions.
A. CFCA works in 25 developing countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Venezuela.
A. We encourage you, if possible, to visit your sponsored friend and experience the culture in person by participating in a mission awareness trip. Sponsors have found such visits both reassuring and heartwarming.
A. Sponsorship involves a $30 monthly commitment. In addition, we ask that you write your sponsored friend at least once a year so that you can offer them encouragement and support.
A. CFCA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your contributions are U.S. tax deductible. We can provide receipts for tax purposes and, if necessary, a copy of CFCA's determination letter from the IRS.
A. In 2007, CFCA used $3.06 of your monthly sponsorship contribution for overhead costs in the United States.
CFCA consistently receives the highest ratings from independent oversight organizations, including the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator. CFCA meets the BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s rigorous Standards for Charity Accountability. For more information about CFCA's stewardship of your contributions, please review our accountability information and our annual Stewardship Report.
A. After completing your sponsorship online, you will receive a photo of your new sponsored friend and information about their life and family. You will also receive information about writing letters to your sponsored friend as well as mailing labels.
Throughout your sponsorship, you will receive a minimum of two letters per year from your sponsored friend and an updated picture at least once a year.
You will learn more about your sponsored friend’s culture and grow in your understanding of poverty. It is truly a mutually beneficial relationship.
A. Headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., CFCA was founded in 1981 by lay Catholics. Currently, 273,382 sponsors enable CFCA to serve more than 310,000 children youth and the aged in 25 developing countries. CFCA consistently receives the highest ratings from independent oversight organizations, including the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator. CFCA meets the BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s rigorous Standards for Charity Accountability.
