Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsorship combines funding from supporters to provide children with access to education so they can thrive in school and life. The program also gives children:
– equal access to opportunities and resources, such as clean water, healthcare and quality education – confidence, knowledge and leadership skills to realize their rights – opportunities to have their voices heard through community clubs, public forums and our sponsorship programming – the tools to play an active role in improving the systems that are supposed to protect them
And, letters sent between donor and sponsored child contribute to building a child’s confidence, so they’re encouraged to create a brighter future for themselves.
Sponsorship helps children access education and thrive in school and life. To do this, we also provide nutritious meals, medical attention and clean water while addressing issues of discrimination, social exclusion and violence. To create lasting change, we ensure children are heard, included and empowered to grow up confident, overcome barriers and pursue their dreams.
For $44 per month, sponsorship through Children Believe gives a child access to education and provides their community with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
As a child sponsor, you’ll receive an Annual Report as well as an update of your sponsored child’s progress and a new photo, so you can see how they’ve grown. We also include updates from their community so you see what your support, along with their hard work, has accomplished.
Trust and accountability are very important to us. Children Believe uses results-based management to measure and evaluate everything we do. This ensures we’re accountable to you and can achieve the greatest change for children.
Read ChildVoice magazine and our online stories to meet the children and families you’re helping.
Absolutely. Children love to receive letters — it’s exciting and makes them feel special. Exchanging letters is a great way to get to know your sponsored child and help them succeed. You will receive a reply, but since most children in the communities where we work can’t write in English, the letters will be translated.
In keeping with our Policy for Keeping Children Safe, we ask sponsors to send letters through the postal service. Unfortunately, due to child-protection concerns, we do not encourage contact through email or social media. Children Believe may end the sponsorship relationship if it’s not in the child’s best interest.
Absolutely. Visiting your sponsored child will be an experience you won’t likely forget. Please contact us three months prior to your expected trip, so we can help plan your special visit.
Find more details on our sponsorship webpage.
Sure, children love to receive presents. Paper-based gifts that fit in an envelope, such as colouring paper, postcards, pictures of yourself and your family, musical cards and paper puzzles are ideal, as packages are difficult to process and may cost more to send. You can send a monetary gift online or by contacting us directly.
We hope children stay in the sponsorship program until they finish school, complete skills-training or their community develops the tools necessary to become self-sufficient. Occasionally, various circumstances, including a family moving, may lead to a child leaving the program. For details, call 1.800.263.5437, or email us at askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
Children Believe provides sponsorship opportunities in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nicaragua and Paraguay. We focus our efforts where children and families need our help most and where sponsors can make the biggest difference.
When you write, your sponsored child will receive your original letter along with a translation. Similarly, you’ll receive your child’s original letter with a translation.
There are other ways to give. For example, you can become a Community Rise donor for as little as $19 a month. Your gift will help break through barriers to creating healthy, educated and empowered communities.
For more details, contact our donor-relations team at 1.800.263.5437 or askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
We understand circumstances change. We’re here to help. Please call 1.800.263.5437, or email askus@childrenbelieve.ca, and our team will discuss your giving options.
While we welcome visitors, it is not possible to volunteer through Children Believe. If you’re interested in volunteering overseas, we recommend looking into opportunities with World University Service of Canada and Canada World Youth.
Yes. Every February, Children Believe sends official donation receipts for income-tax purposes. If you have not received the receipt, or need a replacement copy, contact our donor-relations team at 1.800.263.5437 or askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
Trust and accountability are important to us. For more details, visit our financial section, and read our annual audited financial statements.
More questions
You can visit our Update-My-Information page to revise your name, address, credit-card information and/or banking information. You can also call us at 1.800.263.5437, or email us at askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
Children Believe has done everything possible to avoid increasing our monthly sponsorship rate for the last nine years (since 2014).
While we have done everything possible to ensure children continue to receive basic services through our sponsorship program, the in-country costs for school and medical supplies, construction materials, fuel and programming have increased significantly in the countries we provide support.
 
Inflation has driven up the cost of basic items such as milk, bread and soap to unaffordable amounts. In Ethiopia, the cost of living has increased 178 percent since 2013, and India’s inflation rate hit 47 percent.
 
Children Believe always strives to operate efficiently, ensuring your generous support has the greatest possible impact. We’re guided by accountability.
 
Absolutely! You can continue supporting your sponsored child(ren) at your current monthly rate. We understand times have been difficult globally, and we’re grateful for the support you provide.
 
To keep your current sponsorship rate, please contact us before the date specified in your notification letter by email or by calling our donor-care team at 1.800.263.5437.
If your circumstances change, and you can donate at the new rate, let us know, and we’ll make the adjustment.
We greatly appreciate your continued support and passion for helping children and youth dream fearlessly.
No. We only change the sponsorship rate when it’s absolutely necessary to continue the standard of care we provide to children and families in need. Changes to the sponsorship rate are made in response to in-country costs for our programs.
The last increase to the sponsorship rate was nine years ago, in 2014.
The additional funds from the rate increase will be used to continue our standard of care and maintain much-needed services for vulnerable children and families in our countries of operation. Learn more about our work.

For monthly donations made through credit card or pre-authorized chequing account, your statement will automatically reflect the new rate on the date specified in the notification letter you received about the increase. Sponsors who make their donations quarterly, semi-annually and annually, will see the new rate reflected in the next reminder letter, after the effective date.

If you make your donation by cheque (current or postdated), it should reflect the new rate when your next sponsorship donation is due.

First of all, thank you for your extra support to help us reduce administration costs. The monthly administration gift related to your sponsorship donation will not be affected by the rate change.

Thank you for your generous support! Your monthly gifts towards Community Rise or Children Believe Fund will not be impacted by this rate change. It will remain the same monthly amount you currently donate at this time.
The great news is no! The sponsorship rate increase only impacts your monthly sponsorship donation. Any additional special gifts you have set up for birthday, Christmas, Easter, education or otherwise are not affected and will remain at the gift amount you instructed.
We would never do that. Accountability and integrity are essential to how we work at Children Believe. We’re committed to transparency, and we communicate rate changes with every sponsor, by mail, with sufficient notice.
Our sponsorship-rate-increase letter was mailed well before the change to make sure we gave 60-days notice (90 days for Alberta). Advance notice was provided to give our sponsors time to share how they’d like to proceed before the rate update.
If you’re unable to increase your sponsorship rate at this time, we understand and can ensure your rate remains at its current amount. Please contact us, and we would be happy to assist you. We can be reached by phone (1.800.263.5437), email or by mail.
Yes. Children Believe upholds its responsibility to our donors and takes pride in operating with integrity. This includes following legal requirements set out by the Canada Revenue Agency and following industry best practices. Therefore, we have provided our supporters 60 days written notice of the sponsorship rate change (90 days for Alberta).
We cannot speak for other organizations and their current sponsorship rates or programs. We can only accurately report our circumstances, the experiences of the children and families we serve and the reality of rising costs for services we provide to vulnerable communities in our countries of operation.
We strive to balance cost, donor satisfaction and the impact of your donated dollars of the sponsorship program. That’s why our last sponsorship rate increase was nine years ago.
As required by law, and in keeping with our values, we’ll always provide donors with advance notice, with an opt-out option, before a proposed increase is implemented.
So, if you receive notice of an increase from Children Believe, and do not consent to the increase, simply confirm your decision by taking one of the easy ‘opt-out’ options provided.
If you do consent to the increase, no action is required; the change will be automatic.
As always, if you wish to end your sponsorship, you may do so anytime.
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The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS).
Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials.
The Canada Running Series stages experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running.”
To learn more about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.
The in-person TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (in-person: 42 km, 21 km and 5 km distances inclusive) is Oct. 16. All routes are in Toronto and end on Bay Street, just north of Queen Street.
In 2021, participants raised more than $3.08 million much-needed funds for 151 official charity partners. In fact, since the TCS Charity Challenge began in 2003, more than $48 million has been raised. The runners’ commitment to fundraising has made a significant impact in communities.
All donations raised by Team Believe benefit Children Believe programs.
Proceeds from this event will help break barriers to creating healthy, educated and empowered communities. You’ll be helping children access knowledge, training and opportunities to raise their voices and make positive change.
You’ll provide life essentials, such as clean water, healthy food and safe places to grow and play. And, you’ll support the greatest tool we have in our global movement for change: education.
No. Following the guidelines of Athletics Canada, Athletics Ontario and Toronto Public Health, there are no longer requirements for eligible participants to show proof of vaccination.
Masking is still required in areas where physical distancing can’t be maintained (pre-race area, post-race area, start line and finish line). If this changes your interest in participating in your registered event, you can transfer your registration to a different sub-event, or another person, by Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. To do so, visit the race registration page, sign in, and select the transfer button.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on race day, thank you for not attending the in-person event and following all public-health guidelines. Please email info@canadarunningseries.com for your registration options.
Yes, Race kit pickup will take place during the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo held at the Enercare Centre, Hall D, from Oct. 14 to 15. It will be available for everyone taking part in the in-person event.
Yes. Water and Nuun hydrating products will be available on the course and at the finish line. For more information, visit torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.
The finish line for the in-person events will be on Bay Street, just north of Queen Street.
Yes! We would love to have you cheer on the team. Please email teambelieve@childrenbelieve.ca for more details.
Strollers will be permitted for the in-person 5 km run/walk only. Please note: the individual in the stroller will not receive a finisher’s medal unless they are a registered participant and wearing a race bib.
Participants requiring the use of a wheelchair are permitted. Yes, you can participate with a support person. For details, please contact info@canadarunningseries.com.
Team Believe runners need to complete an application, before registering for the race. Once the application is approved, runners will receive our charity gift code to enter during checkout. Next, the participant should click the blue “Join Team Believe” button on this page to register for the race and create a personal fundraising webpage! Get started today.
No. Official charity runners with Team Believe don’t pay registrations fees; they’re required to fundraise a minimum amount for Children Believe to join the team.
Thank you for the support. You can donate here.
Yes, baggage check will be available on race day.
Yes, tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. Every February, Children Believe sends official donation receipts for income-tax purposes. If you have not received the receipt, or need a replacement copy, contact our donor-care team at 1.800.263.5437 or askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
The race will go on rain or shine.
Absolutely! Thank you so much in your interest in participating. We’re interested in partnering with you. Please contact Ariana Rojas at teambelieve@childrenbelieve.ca for more information.
For complete event details, visit torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.
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Leaving a gift in your Will isn’t just for the very wealthy — it’s for anyone who cares deeply about a cause. If you believe no child should be held back by poverty and injustice, then you might consider giving a gift to Children Believe in your Will.
No. We understand how important your sponsored child is to you, but we can’t promise we’ll be able to fulfil a bequest to them, as they may not be in our program area when your gift is realized. You can opt to continue your sponsorship, ensuring the child you help today continues to receive support while they’re part of the program. You may also choose to allow us to use the gift where it’s needed most. Download our Will wording document to help you formulate your own bequest clause.
What makes a gift in a Will so special is it can include assets you’d never think of in a regular donation — the value of your home, for example, or your investments. Because a gift in a Will comes from your net worth, you might make a much bigger difference this way.
A gift in your Will extends a lifetime of giving. Perhaps you’ve sponsored children, or maybe picking gifts from our catalogue has become a beloved tradition. Including Children Believe in your Will builds on that generosity, creating a legacy of helping children.
You’ll be helping children access knowledge, training and opportunities to raise their voices and make positive change. You’ll provide life essentials: clean water, healthy food and safe places to grow and play. And, you’ll support the greatest tool we have in our global movement for change: education.
A type of gift called a residual gift is a great option to make sure your estate meets your needs. Think of your estate like a pie you can divide. You can leave a slice to each of your children, a slice to your grandchildren and a slice to Children Believe.
By donating assets other than cash, you can easily save capital gains and estate taxes and can make a bigger impact than you ever thought possible. Examples of other types of gifts you can leave are stocks and securities, life insurance, RRSPs or RRIFs, Annuities and more.
You can use a legal clause called a codicil to update a Will and make a planned gift to Children Believe. It’s easy. You can find sample codicil language here.
And, although we’ve had a recent name change, from Christian Children’s Fund of Canada to Children Believe, there’s no need to update your Will to ensure we can accept the bequest.
Sharing this information with us means we can appreciate and thank you for this future gift during your life, ensuring your specific requests can be fulfilled. And, if you’ve included sponsorship continuation as a gift in your Will, we can keep your sponsored child in the program during the probate period, until the gift is received.
Willfora is an online service, which allows anyone to create or update their Will in a secure and simple format. Willfora was created to prompt Canadians to consider leaving a charitable gift to a cause that’s important to them, while potentially creating savings in lawyer’s fees. Willfora is partnering with Children Believe to offer complementary Will creation and unlimited updates.
Yes. Children Believe has had reports of fictitious job postings, interviews and emails, which appear to originate from our offices but are in fact fraudulent (phishing) attacks. The purpose is to extort money through requests for personal information or payment for visa applications and processing fees.
Please be aware Children Believe would never request money for any part of our recruitment process.
These claims can seem legitimate, including what appears to be our email and even our logo and address. Please remain vigilant online. Keep your personal information private and never send money if you’re unsure the request is authentic.
Don’t hesitate to email us, at hr@childrenbelieve.ca, if you ever have concerns or questions. Our People and Culture team would be happy to help you.
There are application instructions at the end of each posting. An “Apply Now” button will typically prompt you to begin the application process. Expect to enter contact information, answer questions regarding your experience and salary expectations as well as attach/upload a cover letter and resumé. Unless requested otherwise, ensure your resumé and cover letter are in English. Although we operate in multilingual countries, applications for certain positions must be received in English.
If you included your email address on your profile, you should receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. If you don’t receive the confirmation, check your email provider’s spam folder.
If you are one of the candidates selected for an interview, you will be contacted as soon as we collect and review applications, which may take a few weeks. Please check the email address listed on your resumé regularly. If we invite you to an interview, we require a response within the timeframe noted in our communications.
You can set up a free email account with Google, Yahoo or another email provider, and use it on your application.
You’ll need to re-submit the online application and ensure it is completed in full. (If the opportunity is still posted.)
If you apply for a position and anticipate you will be travelling soon — with limited access to email — let us know when you’ll be available. Otherwise, if we contact you and don’t receive a response, we may assume you are no longer interested in the position.
Send an email to hr@childrenbelieve.ca, notifying us about the issue, and we will help you submit your application.
All resumés must be attached to your online application. Review the file size limitations and submit again. If you continue to have difficulties, please email hr@childrenbelieve.ca for further help.
You can combine documents into a single file, however, it is recommended that you minimize the number of attachments; only a cover letter and resumé — unless otherwise specified in the job posting — are necessary.
You will need to create and submit a new online application. Confirm your application has been received by Children Believe by checking for an email confirmation, which should be received within 24 hours of submitting your application.
Yes. Each application is specific to a particular job posting.
More Questions
Since we were founded in 1960, we’ve reached out to children of all faiths, ethnicities and cultures, and all people who want to make a difference in their lives. Yet, in the countries we work, there’s often confusion about whether we serve children of other faiths.
As a commitment to our Christian faith principles, we want every child to feel excited and proud our name represents them and every person to feel inspired and welcome to join our cause.
Yes. We reached out to thousands of donors, staff and members of the public. Overwhelmingly, people loved the name Children Believe and valued us staying true to our Christian roots.
Children Believe shares the same mission, vision and values as Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (our former name). For nearly 60 years, we’ve followed the example of Christ by serving the poor regardless of their faith, cultural and ethnic background. We will continue to do so.
We’re focusing our efforts on empowering children to overcome barriers preventing them from accessing education, staying in school and pursuing their dreams.
Yes, we are proudly Canadian and take action through a global network. In addition to our Canadian office in Markham, Ontario, we have offices in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nicaragua and Paraguay. We also have regional projects in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Malawi, Mexico and Rwanda. This global community helps empower children to influence change.
Our address and phone number are the same, however, our email addresses, website addresses and social-media accounts have changed.
Each country (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nicaragua and Paraguay) has unique legal requirements with varying timeliness to complete the process.
The country office name changes will begin in 2020.
We focused on finding a new name representing how you inspire confidence and courage in children, empowering them to change their world.
Children Believe reflects the brave and beautiful beliefs of every child — and our global community’s belief in their dreams, too. Whether it’s helping end child marriage, being the first in their family to go to school, or growing up to be a teacher, astronaut or nurse, we want every child to believe they can do the extraordinary. That, can take them anywhere.
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For nearly 60 years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
Our roots date back to the 1930s when Dr. Verent Mills left Canada to work as a missionary in China. During the Sino-Japanese war (1937-1945) the unlikely hero rescued 142 starving orphans under fire, fleeing on foot more than 480 kilometres to a China’s Children Fund-supported orphanage. But, that’s just the beginning of our story.
There’s more, visit our Who We Are page to read the rest.
Who we are will never change. We continue to follow the example of Christ by serving the poor regardless of their faith, cultural or ethnic background, just as we’ve done for nearly 60 years.
No, your tax receipt will reference Children Believe Fund, but it will include all 2019 donations.
Your cheques should be made payable to Children Believe. Don’t worry if you’ve already sent cheques designating funds to Christian Children’s Fund of Canada. Our bank has given us a grace period to accommodate the name change. We kindly ask you make your next batch of cheques payable to Children Believe.
No, this change will not impact your pre-authorized payment arrangements.
No, this change does not impact your credit-card transactions. Children Believe will appear on your credit-card statements.
This change doesn’t affect your sponsored child or children. They continue to receive the same benefits following the name change.
No, you do not need to change your Will.
Children Believe
ChildFund Australia
ChildFund Deutschland (Germany)
ChildFund International (USA)
ChildFund Japan
ChildFund Korea
ChildFund New Zealand
Barnfonden (Sweden)
Educo (Spain)
Un Enfant Par La Main (France)
WeWorld (Italy)
Together with children, we create sustainable solutions that protect and advance their rights and well-being.
As members of the ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe can address children’s issues and tackle injustices with the support and resources of our vast network of members to maximize positive change around the world.
Contact us, or visit theChildFund Alliance website for details about other member organizations.
Yes, we are. You’ll recognize our reps by their purple lanyards with photo ID and vests or T-shirts with our logo.
It’s important for us to welcome new monthly donors regularly so we can help more children, families and communities dream of a brighter future.
Our canvassing teams work for our valued partners — 1:1 Fundraising, GiveBridge and Global Faces Direct — who hire reps on our behalf
Yes, your information is secure and confidential. Once it’s entered on the tablet, it’s encrypted and transmitted securely to our central databases. Not even the agent who entered your information can see it again.
Our representatives are not allowed to accept cash for many reasons, including for their protection.
You may be asked your age or date of birth, as it is best practice to approach people who are 25 or older.
COVID-19 is a new illness caused by the coronavirus that can affect the lungs and airways. Human coronaviruses are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. While some people suffering from COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover, in others, it is fatal.
COVID-19 has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses, the source of COVID-19, can infect people, and more rarely, these can spread from person to person through close contact. This is the case with COVID-19, which is spread in cough droplets. The consensus among researchers studying the spread of the virus pinpoints COVID-19’s likely origin to a “wet market,” or live animal market, in Wuhan, China.
The World Health Organization says there’s currently no evidence that household pets can contract or spread COVID-19. A dog in Hong Kong tested “weakly” positive for the virus in February, but experts believe it was due to superficial contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends restricting contact with pet dogs, cats or other animals if you get sick with COVID-19 until there is more information known.
While COVID-19 has affected the whole world, the poorest communities and countries will be particularly impacted, as the resources to fight the virus will be less readily available. Despite these challenges, Children Believe is responding to the crisis, bringing hope and help together with our partners to those least able to manage this pandemic.
Although the virus has reached countries where we work, we’re thankful there have been no reports of children, or their families in our sponsored communities, diagnosed with COVID-19.
Our Canadian team has been working from home as have staff from our country offices. Our partners continue to monitor the situation and work from home where possible.
We are continuing to assess the best way to respond to COVID-19 in the communities where we work.
The good news is, it’s always been part of our strategy to offer workshops and training sessions to children and families on the importance of sanitation and hygiene in stopping the spread of disease. Where possible, we are continuing to distribute hygiene kits, equipped with soap and educational materials.
In some communities we’re distributing gel alcohol, masks and gloves.
We’re also sharing information about child protection, tips about what families can do with children during quarantine and providing information about COVID-19 and how to prevent the disease.
Where the need is urgent, we’re delivering nutritional supplements to families of children under age five and pregnant women as well as providing financial loans.
While accessing formal education is not possible during COVID-19 restrictions, we’re exploring digital options such as: WhatsApp groups (led by teachers and mothers); existing education-focused virtual networks with community organizations; and the producing and sharing of education materials for children and youth to use at home.
The Government of Canada has already offered support, providing $2 million to the World Health Organization to help contain the outbreak. Prime Minister Trudeau has also pledged to provide $50 million in international assistance, although much more will be needed to fight the disease.
While working from home, we’re fully supporting our donors through phone and email contact. We appreciate your patience with the background noise of dogs, children and other sounds during the “new normal” of COVID-19.
Mail and donations are being processed weekly at Children Believe’s Canadian office. While there, our team is practising social-distancing.
We understand circumstances change. We’re here to help. Please call 1.800.263.5437, or email askus@childrenbelieve.ca, and our team will discuss your giving options.
Your sponsored child will always appreciate receiving an encouraging letter from you. Your patience on receiving a reply is appreciated as we can’t predict when the situation will normalize in Canada or in the countries where we work.
Our current priority is keeping our sponsored children, partners and staff safe in their environments during this difficult time. Child letters will not be written or gathered until it is safe to do so. Your patience is appreciated.
Check our website for updates on how COVID-19 is affecting the children and families we help.
Of course, if you have any more questions, our donor-relations’ team is always waiting to answer them at 1.800.263.5437 or askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
Visit our COVID-19 landing page to learn more about how you can offer support during this global pandemic.
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