FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mission to Children?

The Mission to Children is a religious charity committed to caring for and cultivating Christlike character in children—especially those at risk.

What are the activities of the organization?

Incorporated in 1963 in Canada and 1971 in the United States as a religious charity, the Mission to Children has a recognized heritage of providing valuable assistance to needy children in various countries and character training for the adults who influence them. Collaborating with international ministry partners, we are providing food, shelter, training, and life-changing Bible teaching to at-risk children. We are regularly fulfilling community needs such as homes for leper families, food programs for children, or Bibles for children.

An important emphasis of Mission to Children’s ministry developed in 2004 through the creation of Character Solutions® International. This subsidiary of Mission to Children focuses on developing personal responsibility and interpersonal respect—each a vital and Biblical characteristic of healthy societies. Teacher’s and parent’s guides have been developed for 10 key character qualities, which are taught internationally through seminars to parents, educators, and other community leaders. Character Solutions® development seminars have been held in Bolivia, Canada, Egypt, Grenada, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Romania, South Africa, the United States, and Zimbabwe.

How much of a gift goes to program?

Mission to Children reserves the right to apply up to 20% of project-designated gifts to the expenses associated with providing those projects. These operating costs include partner and donor communications, program processing, financial and project reporting, and accountability.

How do I know that Mission To Children will handle my designation with integrity?

Mission to Children is an approved member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Not only are we accountable to nonprofit status related standards, we are also accountable to the Christian standards recognized and monitored by the ECFA.

Our United States and Canadian ministries are each governed by a separate, independent Board of Directors. Each charity undergoes an annual, independent audit.

What if I want my donation to go to an individual child?

In our experience, we found that the number of children at any group home or orphanage can change due to life circumstances. Group (orphanage) support saves time and money because it eliminates excessive correspondences between our office, the donor, and the field that are required for just one child. Group sponsorship allows the orphanage flexibility to bring in children at their time of need, not our convenience. The orphanage and program directors we collaborate with have a solid understanding of their operating needs and are in constant communication with our staff when changes need to be addressed.

Does Mission to Children send assistance directly to children and their families?

No. All monies are directed through international partners that oversee the rightful distribution of all funding. This avoids the misuse of funds and provides an accountability structure for those involved in the ministry.

How much does it cost to sponsor an orphanage or group home through Mission to Children?

$25 dollars a month provides education, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and spiritual nurture for one child at each location. Bible teaching is a regular part of their instruction. Our purpose is for all students to learn about Jesus Christ and grow in their love for Him as result of His love for them. Importantly, we make no distinction between non-believing and believing children when we are providing these basic necessities. All children receive equal and proper treatment and provision. In fact, the majority of our children who come into the program are from non-Christian backgrounds.

Do children have to become Christians to receive help from Mission to Children?

Mission to Children is a religious charity. Children do not have to become Christians (converted) or gain membership to receive our help. We serve all sorts of children in dire need. We believe that loving others and caring for the orphan is a Christian responsibility because God commanded us to do so in the Bible (ref. John 13:34, James 1:27). Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for every child to know Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Gospel.

How does Mission to Children ensure that funds are making a difference in the lives of children?

Mission to Children visits its ministry sites to personally observe and evaluate their effectiveness. We work with people who have a great reputation in their community and have been dedicated to serving children in the name of Jesus long before we come along.

Why would I invest my resources in another country when there are poor in our own country?

It is quite true that there are pressing needs here in North America. But there are also many local organizations ministering to our own poor. Mission to Children specializes in meeting the needs of our distant neighbors who do not have the economic strength to support their own. We gladly encourage all people to consider their involvement locally and internationally.

Does Mission to Children focus on relief and development?

No, our character and compassionate programs are for the long-term benefit of children and their communities. Mission to Children does not engage in ongoing relief projects unless an international partner is equipped to provide direct services. Otherwise, the money is directed to an organization that specializes in such relief efforts.

Does Mission to Children accept gifts-in-kind?

It depends on several variables such as weight, size, and quantity. Presently, in lieu of small gifts, it is more cost-effective for us to send money designated for supplies rather than actual materials. Often, it is not cost-effective to ship “materials” overseas when they can be bought overseas by the nationals. Also, there is no guarantee that smaller packages won’t be tampered with once they are shipped to a ministry site. Please contact us if you are considering a gift-in-kind.

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