General Frequently Asked Questions

About Coptic Orphans
1. What does “Coptic” mean?
2. What is different about Coptic Orphans?
3. Is Coptic Orphans a religious organization?
4. What are the results of Coptic Orphan’s approach?

About our Partners
5. What is your relationship to the Coptic Orthodox Church?
6. How do you choose partner organizations?

About Financial Matters
7. How does Coptic Orphans ensure financial efficiency and accountability?
8. Are my gifts tax deductible?
9. What are your administrative costs?
10. Are you part of consolidated campaigns?

About Getting Involved
11. Can I volunteer in Egypt?
12. How else can I help?

For Questions About Sponsoring a Child, See our Frequently Asked Sponsorship Questions

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About Coptic Orphans

1. Q: What does “Coptic” Mean?
A: “Coptic” is derived from the same Greek word as the English “Egyptian,” and originally referred the peoples who lived along the Nile river. Nowadays, the term refers most commonly to Egypt’s Christians. Coptic Orphans is committed to all vulnerable children in Egypt, regardless of religious background or affiliation; however, the term Coptic does indicate what motivates us in our work on behalf of all of Egypt’s most vulnerable children: our own Christian identity and our affection for the ancient Christian homeland of Egypt motivate us.

2. Q: What is Different about Coptic Orphans?
A: Coptic Orphans is the only international development organization that focuses exclusively on vulnerable Egyptian children through a commitment to fully grassroots partnerships. We work with highly committed local networks of hundreds of volunteers. We also work with the local Egyptian organizations and institutions that make the most difference at every level of Egyptian society. We partner at the grassroots with the children and families who participate in our programs so that they can break the cycle of poverty and injustice themselves with the tools that we provide.

3. Q: Is Coptic Orphans a Religious Organization?
A: While our Christian identity motivates us in everything that we do, Coptic Orphans is not part of any particular religious or denominational institution. Coptic Orphans also does not evangelize or promote any particular religion or denomination.

4. Q: What are the results of Coptic Orphan’s Approach?
A: Since 1988, Coptic Orphans has touched the lives of over 14,000 vulnerable children in Egypt, including children who are often forgotten by others in Egypt such as disabled children and the girl child. Because of our participatory approach, we have reached remote areas in Egypt where few others have penetrated.

About our Partners

5. Q: What is your Relationship to the Coptic Orthodox Church?
A: The Orthodox Church in Egypt, by far the largest Christian body in Egypt, is our most important partner. While we are not administratively affiliated, we do rely on the clergy to help us locate children in need and also to identify members of local Coptic Orthodox parishes to act as Coptic Orphans Reps in Not Alone. They also advise us as of specific geographic areas that may require more assistance. Read more about our partnership with the Coptic Orthodox Church.

6. Q: How do you Choose Partner Organizations?
A: We choose partner organizations and institutions that best represent their local communities and most effectively address their needs. With all of our partners, we are committed to mutual accountability so that the vulnerable children with whom we work benefit to the greatest extent possible from our efforts.

About Financial Matters

7. Q: What does Coptic Orphans do to ensure financial efficiency and accountability?
A: 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 used most effectively in every project for every child. We rely on many donated supplies and services, and cut corners wherever we can, even using scrap paper for internal correspondence.

8. Q: Is My Contribution 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.

9. Q: What are your administrative costs?
A: Less than 10% 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.

10. 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.

About Getting Involved

11. Q: Can I volunteer in Egypt?
A: You can volunteer in Egypt through Serve to Learn, a summer program in which volunteers from all over the US, UK, Canada, and Australia travel to Egypt for three weeks to teach English and witness the living conditions of children first hand.

12. Q: How else can I help?
A: You can make the most impact by sponsoring a child. We also appreciate volunteer help in any form, especially in your local country office. You may also donate items. 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.