Coptic Orphans

Q: Can I sponsor a needy child?
A: Yes. Through the child sponsorship program you can develop a relationship between you and your child. We encourage you to write to your child as well as visit so you can see first hand how your assistance is being used. Sponsor a child today – it’s easy.

Q: When I sponsor a child, will this donation go to that individual child?
A: To ensure that all children we support (over 12,000) are provided the appropriate level of support, especially at the time of critical need, we must pool the resources of all sponsors and draw from that pool to support individual children. So when you donate $50 and your child needs only $10 of assistance, other children will benefit from your donation. Likewise, if your child needs an operation, it comes from the general pool even if it exceeds your donations. The child you sponsor is symbolic of all the children that your donations are helping.

Q: If I must discontinue my sponsorship, what happens to the child I have been helping?
A: If you need to discontinue your support, we will cover the needs of your child from our general donations and continue that child's support without interruption.

Q: What's the difference between making donations and sponsoring a child?
A: There is more of a commitment when you sponsor a child. You will get his/her picture, learn more about that child and exchange letters and prayers with that child. No other person will sponsor this child, only you. Also, we encourage you to visit your child when you travel to Egypt.

Q: Do I have to sponsor a child to contribute to Coptic Orphans?
A: No. Many of our supporters choose to make general donations. Whether you decide to simply donate to Coptic Orphans as a whole or to specifically sponsor a child, assistance to the children is based on need.

Q: How does Coptic Orphans ensure that the funds are making a difference in the lives of children?
A: Coptic Orphans seeks out local Reps who share our passion and vision for service. Because they are as committed to the children as we are, they make sure that the funds are used effectively. Reps must live in the same village as the children they care for. In addition, we train and equip our Reps so that they understand effective child development and good financial management. Currently, we have over 218 Reps overseeing our programs throughout Egypt. Coptic Orphans is totally committed to earning the trust of our donors and sponsors. Integrity is not only a commitment, it is a value that drives our whole organization. Besides an annual audit of Coptic Orphans by an independent auditing firm, we regularly conduct our own audits to make sure that funds are properly received, dispersed, tracked, and managed in every project for every child.

Q: Are my donations tax deductible?
A: Yes. In the US Coptic Orphans has 501(c)3 status and the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 54-1637257. Donations in Australia are tax deductible. Canada's tax ID number is 879517712RR0001.

Q: Are you part of consolidated campaigns?
A: Yes, Coptic Orphans participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for Federal government workers in addition to other state government campaigns. Our CFC number is 12153.

Q: What are your administrative costs?
A: Less than 8% on average. We work very hard to keep the administrative costs to a minimum see how we accomplish this. An audited financial statement is available upon request.

Q: Are you associated to the Coptic Orthodox Church?
A: Yes. We work together with the church to help alleviate the suffering of the children and to share the burden of this work.

Q: What is your relationship to the Coptic Orthodox Church?
A: We have a very good working relationship with the Coptic Church. While we are not administratively affiliated, we do rely on the clergy to help us locate children in need and also to identify local citizens to act as Coptic Orphans Reps. We inform the bishops who oversee the areas in which we work and they are very supportive of our work. They also advise us as of specific geographic areas that may require more assistance.

Q: Do the children you support receive any spiritual support from the local churches in Egypt?
A: Yes. Part of the holistic approach to our assistance is the spiritual life of the child. The Reps (who are also servants and leaders in the church) provide love and guidance to the children to ensure their continued spiritual growth. Read about our meetings with H.H. Pope Shenouda III and many of the bishops.

Q: Can I take clothes to the children?
A: Yes, if you are traveling to Egypt, please take clothes with you. They are desperately needed. Contact us for a waiver of excess baggage charges. In most cases, the airline will allow this. Unfortunately Coptic Orphans does not currently have the means by which to ship clothes to Egypt that are sent to the US, Canada or Australia offices.

Q: What other non-monetary support can I offer?
A: We appreciate volunteer help in any form. Telling your friends and acquaintances about Coptic Orphans is a good start. And we love to hear from you. Even a little feedback can help us improve and expand our services. See more on how you can contribute with non-monetary donations or on how to become a Serve to Learn volunteer. Please visit the “Get Involved” section of the website to learn more about what you can do to help.

Q: Can I adopt a needy child?
A: Unfortunately, we have no means of facilitating adoptions. More information regarding adoption in Egypt can be found on the website of the US State Department.

Q: Can I volunteer for Coptic Orphans in one of the country offices?
A: Yes you can. To volunteer in the:

Q: Can I volunteer in Egypt?
A: You can participate in the Serve to Learn program.

Frequently Asked Questions