Things You'll Need:
- Sponsorship money
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Step 1
Ask at your local Catholic parish or diocese office for information about organizations that either sponsor orphans abroad or run orphanages abroad. There are many orders of nuns and priests who maintain and manage orphanages in other countries, and they always need more money. There are also organizations such as Harmony Outreach that support orphanages financially. Harmony Outreach focuses on orphanages in China, but there are many others to choose from in several different countries.
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Step 2
Read and study any information you receive carefully. Do you want to sponsor a child in a certain country, or will any deserving child anywhere abroad be fine? What do the organizations spend their money on? Is it just maintenance, or do they spend money on other things, such as education and work training? Choose an organization that has goals in common with yours.
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Step 3
Take stock of yourself financially. Most sponsorship programs ask for a regular monthly donation. Don't commit to something you cannot keep up in the long term. Think of how devastated your child would be to begin school or finally get medical treatment only to have to stop because you can't keep your obligation.
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Step 4
Check the organization or group thoroughly before you sign up for a sponsorship. Call its offices and ask questions. How much money goes directly to the children? What does it use for administrative costs? How will the money be used? If you don't like the answers or if something just doesn't add up, search for a different group.
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Step 5
Decide what kind of involvement you prefer. Some groups simply distribute funds, and some groups encourage the children to keep in contact regularly with their sponsors. If you want an emotional connection with your sponsored child, pick a group that will send you updates specific to the child and/or letters and other communication from him.
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Step 6
Choose a child. Many organizations let you choose the exact child you sponsor and give you information about what her needs are and on how your money is earmarked. Some children need the basics of life, some children need to go to school, and some children need ongoing medical care or surgeries.
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Step 7
Fill out your paperwork. Complete your sponsorship forms and make your first donation. Many organizations accept donations and monthly sponsorship payments through PayPal as well as by check or money order.
