NOW CLOSED: Talk to Plan UK about child sponsorship - you could win a £100 Amazon voucher

[AnnMumsnet]

We've been asked by Plan UK to find out your views on sponsoring a child. Please read the information below (and maybe check out the website, with a great video featuring a MNer) and add your thoughts. Everyone who adds their comments will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Everyone is welcome to post on the thread, from those who know nothing about the topic to those who have been sponsoring a child for years.

Here's some background for you from Plan UK "Plan UK pioneered child sponsorship almost 75 years ago, and since then has been working with children and their communities around the world to make a lasting difference to children's lives. Today, over 100,000 people in the UK alone sponsor children with Plan"

Now Plan UK are interested in finding out more about what would compel people, but parents in particular, to sponsor a child as a regular form of giving to an international development organisation, as opposed to other forms of regular giving.

So please let us know....

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

For more info on Plan UK see their special pages on Mumsnet, here

Many thanks
MNHQ

[maxpower]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

It sounds like a good thing to do and it's quite a personal way of offering support.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I haven't done it personally but my DM does. In her experience (with another child sponsorship scheme) they kept changing the child being sponsored which meant you lost the continuity and connection. IME I have found child sponsorship quite expensive (compared to other regular charitable donations) which can be prohibitive.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

No I haven't.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

I think it would be a great way of helping children here more aware of the problems children face in other parts of the world. That would be appealing.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

Reputation, results, that they are able to be flexible with their donations (some charities ask for a regular set amount that you can't always afford and that means people give nothing, rather than allowing people to say how much they can afford to give)

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I do tend to support larger, more well known charities as I take the view that they probably get the most money and are therefore more able to make significant improvements/investments/changes etc in the relevant fields they support. Having said that, I have given to smaller charities, especially when they've come up with more unusual or creative fundraising ideas.

[mummymccar]

Initial reactions: I really like the idea, I think it is a great way of helping those less fortunate than us and makes their plight more personal.

Sponsoring - I did sponsor a little girl in Cambodia for about 5 years but recently had to stop for financial reasons after taking payment holidays, etc. I still feel awful about it. If I ever get the money to again then I will definitely sponsor another child. I found it a really rewarding way of donating to charity as I was able to see exactly where my money went.

Have I heard of Plan UK before? Yes but I'm afraid just the name. I didn't know that you did child sponsorship before today.

Would having a personal connection help? Yes, my child sent me letters, cards, and photos regularly and it encouraged me to keep supporting beyond the initial year I signed up for. It teaches Western children valuable lessons about differences in cultures and underlines how fortunate we are.

What do I look for in a charity? Their reputation. Has anyone heard of them? What do they do? I'm more likely to support a cause that is personal to me. I won't support charities that have sign up people on the street. I find this bullying and restrictive. They often won't give me the details to sign up online as this affects their commission and I won't give my personal bank details to a stranger on the street so the charity loses out.

Big vs small charities. I don't really discriminate as to how big they are if they are helping a particular cause. For example, helping find better treatment and providing care for those with MS is important to me because my family has experienced it, so I'm more likely to support this charity than RSPB which is larger because I know nothing about birds. However, big charities do have a sense of getting things done quicker and making more of an impact, although I believe that admin fees eat a chunk of donations.

Hope this helps!

[Tamoo]

I have in the past very much wanted to sponsor a child, and researched it quite closely. Quite honestly I heard a number of arguments against it/opinions that there were 'better' ways to give.

Another concern was the financial commitment. My own finances are variable and have been for the past few years; I would hate to commit to something as involved/personal/crucial as child sponsorship and then have to abandon it, especially when the implications would mean the child might have to leave school or something huge like that.

I am aware of child sponsorship adverts on TV and my DS (8) is as well, he is very struck by them and has asked in the past what the issues are and how he can help.

The personal connection would make me more inclined to give, definitely. Especially if ds could get involved/participate in making and strengthening that connection.

I am personally 'healthily cynical' about charities (I doubt that 100% accountability and transparency is ever present when big brands/very large sums of money are involved, whether a 'for profit' agency or not). I also had relatives working in the aftermath of the tsunami who were aghast at how charitable funds were being used. When I drop a pound in a bucket or whatever it's usually with the thought that, well, even if half or a quarter of that makes it all the way to the ground...that helps.

[katz]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I like the idea but don't do it. I guess the main reason is i've donated through others charities and then seem to get a small rainforest of letters and information through my front door which then feels like my money is being wasted.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I guess the main reason i'm not doing this or any other DD charity giving is i've donated through others charities and then seem to get a small rainforest of letters and information through my front door which then feels like my money is being wasted.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

I think i have but it may have been an other child sponsorship programme

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

not sure

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

One that doesn't come looking for more money, one that doesn't use chuggers, one that doesn't drop a huge about of paper through my door.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I prefer to give to charity as and when, i have charities that i choose to support and those which i would never.

[SouthernandCross]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving? I think it's a hugely attractive form of charity for children.And very educational too.
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences? No, we don't, but we'd relaly like to. We are just very wary abut how to do it and who to go through
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? I knew they were one of the options for child sponsorship, yes
~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give? More inclined, definitely
~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to? Some a level of assurance that the money will get to where we think it's going
~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why? I'm not really sure. I just want to make sure the money we give gets to the child we are sponsoring ( or his/her family/village)

[WhatTheBloodyHell]

What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
I think it's a very rewarding way of giving money to a charity

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I used to sponsor a child in africa, I loved recieving her updates, unfortunately I had to stop sponsoring her as I lost my job, but I really need to sign up again

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I have heard of them, and have previosuly sponsored a child through them. I think they're a great organisation, and do a lot of good work.

Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
More inclined as I loved getting the feedback and letters from her

Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
Who they support, where ang how the money is distributed


If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why
I find the size of a charity doesn't influence whether or not I'll give money to them, the work the do and how the spend the money is much moer important. Larger charities can have much higher overheads and be less flexible when having to adjust to shifting needs, where as smaller charities can be more of a risk, and less structured. Both have their pros and cons

[YaMaYaMa]

~What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I like the idea of sponsoring a child .

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I have considered it but can't make the financial commitment as money is so tight.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

I havent heard of Plan UK before.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

If my daughter was older and could understand then yes, a personal connection would make me more inclined to give if I could afford it.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

I look for transparency but also similar values, so I wouldnt donate to the Christmas Shoebox appeal, for example, or any other charity that was not in line with my own beliefs. I also, because money is is so tight at the moment, tend to look at smaller, more local charities who can help people directly.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

Both, I think. I'm more likely to have more trust in a large, established brand that has a known history and proven recrord. However, as I can only donate a small amount I tend to go for local issues like Womens Refuges and such. Although, I have made large (for me!) impulse donations when I've seen an advert for a large organisation that has affected me.

[Shallishanti]

I have heard of Plan before and am aware of this way of giving. I must say I feel rather suspicious of it. To me this focus on individual children misses the larger questions about why there is such endemic poverty, by suggesting that simply giving whatever we can spare is a solution. Of course it's very valuable for the child that is sponsored, but I wonder what that does to the dynamics of the family and community they are part of. The letters and updates, i can see, are rewarding and help people feel a connection, but I'm not sure it doesn't create a feeling of dependence/gratitude when what we should be aiming for is JUSTICE. I don't feel I need a letter to feel a connection- I have intelligence and imagination for that. So for me I choose to give regularly to a development charity that works in partnership with poor people and has a more critical stance to global economics. As for the size/reputation of charities- I support some small local charities which I can see are doing a good job. I support larger charities that are transparent about what they do and how they spend money, and whose understanding of the problem chimes with mine. I am very put off by charities that go in for aggressive marketing.

[Tikkabillajive]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I like the idea. It feels like a more personal way of donating money.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I have definitely considered it but money is very tight at the moment which is the only thing stopping me from making the commitment. My mum currently does and I definitely will in the future.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

Yes I've heard of them and have noticed their adverts in newspapers etc.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

More inclined - I especially think it would be a good thing for the children to be involved with.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

Their reputation and that they have no hidden agenda (for example I am not keep on the charity Samaritan's Purse because of the way they use their Christmas shoebox appeal as a way of distributing Christian literature and I asked our primary school to find an alternative charity, which they have done)

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I'm not sure really. I think maybe I would trust a smaller charity more.

[acorntree]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

initial reaction is quite positive - especially in so far as I could see that
having a personal link with a child would make it easier for my children
to support charitable giving and understand about inequalities in the world.


~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I have considered it. I do not currently sponsor a child. I started to
feel uncomfortable about it when I looked in to it - I felt uncomfortable
with the idea that the sponsored children might be required to send
letters and pictures. It felt slightly exploitative. I felt uncomfortable that
in this sort of giving to charity, the giver is expecting to get something
in exchange (in my case I would have been using the sponsorship to
educate my children for example). In the end I felt it was more appropriate
to give a monthly sum to a development charity without asking for
anything in return.


~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

Yes, when I was looking in to it I came across Plan UK - I think I first saw them recommended on MN. If I had decided to sponsor a child it would probably have been through Plan UK as I was quite impressed.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

my first reaction is to say yes - but in fact I give more when the need seems bigger - for example in response to a huge catastrophe, where thousands are
effected, I can't have a personal relationship to all those people....but I respond to the news stories and imagining what it would feel like.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

Reputation. What the aims of the charity are. Whether the aims and beliefs of the charity are clearly stated.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

In general I would feel more comfortable with a big well-known charity, partly because of expertise, partly because it seems more efficient to have a large charity working on something than many small charities. However, I do support some small charities with very specific aims and a specific focus.

[CMOTdibbler]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
I'd be concerned about a particular child being picked out for help
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
No, I haven't
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I'd heard of them in the context of child sponsorship
~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
Having a connection with a village might do so, but I'd hate to think of people feeling like they had to keep their sponsor happy by writing or whatever
~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
Independant reports on how the charity works
~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?
It really depends - some big brands spend a lot on their branding and promotion, some small charities just can't deliver

[ricecakesrule]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving? ~ Generally I prefer to give to a specific project that will benefit a community rather than sponsoring an individual. I am also sceptical about whether the individuals featured are genuinely the ones that get the money. I would be suspicious that they are being used as a 'poster girl'.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences? ~ Haven't done so yet. If the money went directly to the child then I would be concerned about the long term commitment - what would happen to the child if I stopped giving? Generally in the places where sponsorship is needed, there are greater underlying problems. I would prefer my money to go towards projects such as establishing a water supply, building hospitals etc.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? ~ Haven't heard of them before. The use of UK would have suggested to me that the charity work is carried out within the UK.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give? ~ I would be cautious about getting my family involved as I think charity giving is a personal decision. I would also be cautious about my children getting involved due to possible upset if we had to stop sponsoring a child. My son is only 7 months old so a bit young to start discussing international development. I am probably more likely to introduce him to it through comic relief etc.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to? ~ I look to the aims of the charity and the projects it is involved in. For example I give to WaterAid, British Red Cross and NSPCC. I feel that they are big enough to have accountability and will have sufficient backing to follow through with their projects.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why? ~ As above, I would be more likely to give to a 'brand' charity. For example, if it became known that British Red Cross was unable to complete a project for some reason, there would be sufficient publicity, and probably celebrity backing, to ensure that this was completed. With a smaller charity I would be concerned that the problems they are tackling could be too big for them (this may be completely untrue but it's my perception).

[Bicnod]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

• I think child sponsorship is a fantastic way of learning more about life in a developing country and how charities use the funds donated to them. Sponsoring a child is a great way for charities to raise much needed general funds while providing a personal experience for the sponsor (and the child).
  

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

• Yes, I sponsor two children - one in Ghana and one in Haiti - through ActionAid. I love receiving letters from my sponsored children and writing to them (they always refer to letters written/photos sent by me in their letters so I know they get them). As my DSs grow up it will be a great way of widening their view of the world and teaching them about life in other countries.
  

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

• Yes, I have heard of Plan UK. I like their work and would sponsor a child through them in the future.
  

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

• More inclined to give on a regular basis.
  

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

• Annual report online, percentage of £1 donated used for development work, long-term planning, involvement of local communities in deciding how funds are used.
  

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

• I prefer to give to a bigger charity, particularly a charity that works with other charities on emergency response work etc to avoid duplication.

[Indith]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

While the idea of contributing directly to a child's life and being able to see the difference it makes is appealing my initial thoughts are to wonder how much of what I give gets lost in red tape and paperwork and wages before it reaches the child.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

We do not sponser a child and have never done so, we have a charity budget that is currently being used elsewhere.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

I have heard of them and knew of sponsoring children through them although I will be honest and say I don't know much else at all about the charity.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

A personal connection doesn't matter to me in the sense of getting letters etc from a child. What is important is giving where needed. However, with regards to my first comment about knowing exactly where the money is going then a personal connection can be a good thing. If I were ever to have extra money to sponsor a child then it would go to a home in Rwanda that a friend has spent a lot of time with where children are not individually sponsored but all money goes to ensure that each child has everything they need for their education and their future

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

As above really, I want to know where the money is going. I want to know how their projects run. I am suspicious of a lot of donating "stuff" and building of sanitation (it is a fact that pretty much every sanitation project fails long term) and so on. I look for projects that are sustainable where for instance the food goes to the school not the home so that parents send their children to school rather than curtailing their education because they are needed for scavanging for food at home. Things that help to educate and change the perception of the people they are helping but not things that are trying to overlay their culure with our own values.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

It depends entirely on the charity doesn't it. YOu have to do your research. In some cases a big charity will have the expertise, in other cases it may be trying to pread itself around too much. It might be well run or it might have too many layers and hight costs. A small charity may be started by someone well meaning but entirely useless or it may be a wonderful, specialised, not for profit organisation.

[DamselInDisarray]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I'm not keen on it to be honest. I'd prefer to support larger scale, infrastructural/structural support to generally improve the life-chances of a population as a whole.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

No.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

Yes. I've seen the adverts on TV.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

Less inclined. I don't want to feel like a Victorian benefactor.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

That I support their cause and think their activities are useful.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I'd be more likely to choose a local charity than a big brand.

[christmasmum]

What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
Having travelled through SE Asia I think this is a very worthwhile way to donate to charity and to get the money exactly where it is needed.

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I used to sponsor a child in Vietnam but unfortunately was not able to continue to commit a relatively large amount of money every month when things got very tight at home.

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I used to sponsor a child through Plan UK. I really enjoyed the experience but found it was less positive when I had to stop donating. I received a phone call from a polite but extremely determined young lady who was totally uninterested in the fact I could not afford to continue donating but would donate again in the future when the kids started school. I felt she was clearly working on commission and would have said and done anything to get me to sign up again. I felt very embarrassed having to explain several times that I was not able to afford it at the moment and ended the call thinking that if that was how you treat people who had donated for four years but needed to take a break for financial reasons I would probably go through a different charity in the future!

Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
I liked the letters but felt that I was always being asked to give more each time!

Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
How the money is being used in the community.

If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why
I prefer to donate to smaller charities who have an interest in local causes - I don't want my money being spent on advertising and marketing campaigns but rather going directly where it is needed.

[Cathpot]

What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
I think it is a useful vehicle for getting money into orphanages and making donars feel connected. I used to live with a woman who ran the sponsorship side of an SOS village so knew about some of the difficult issues ( eg some children being given more money than others as extra gifts held in trust etc), but I still think on balance it is a sensible way to raise money.

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I do support a family in a developing country but it is through a personal connection.

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I have heard of Plan UK but am vague on the details of what it does

Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
I prefer to give to a family I know and have a connection with- but if that wasnt there- I might consider a sponsorship,particularly through orphanages I have connections to. I might lean towards a charity I have seen working on the ground rather than eg Plan who I have no experience of.

Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
Whether they have a reputation for spending the money in a bottom up fashion - ie are their representative driving round the country in large 4 by 4s or are they putting the money into small sustainable projects.

If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? I tend to go for smaller charities and / or ones I know something about through personal experience.

[Tolalola]

What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child?
I think I prefer the idea of sponsoring a family or a village than a single child.

And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
I like the idea of having some tangible idea of where the money's going.

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I used to sponsor a boy in Haiti, but found out the the charity I was sponsoring with used an awful lot of the money on advertising, admin costs and management and not very much on the children, so I stopped. I give much more directly now to people and projects that I know personally.

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
Don't really know anything about them. I thought they did those Christmas shoebox appeals.

Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
Perhaps. I like sending things I know they can use, but as I said, not necessarily to just a child, but more to a family or a children's home. I like to see pictures of someone using my old sewing machine or of the buildings that my friends have built, even though i know that's a bit silly. I like to be able to show my own young child in a way he can understand that his old toys are being played with by someone who doesn't have much.

Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
Given my previous experience, I want to know that most of the money I give is going to help the people its intended for, not on a new Land Cruiser every year for the aid workers.

If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?
Small charities tend to be less 'top heavy' and to spend a lot less on advertising and admin and management costs, so I prefer to give to them. Obviously there are exceptions, like Médecins Sans Frontières, who are both excellent and relatively well known.

[TwoIfBySea]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I have concerns about the child, there is enough exploitation in the world, how could we be sure the child wasn't in this position, and what of the parents? A child in an orphanage on the other hand...but I'd rather money went to the orphanage itself.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

No but I have supported UNICEF and Save The Children in the past due to the fact that they support local people. Evident after the tsunami of 2004, the orphanages are staffed by locals rather than well-meaning if slightly patronising outsiders.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

No have never heard of them.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

That shouldn't be the point of giving. I'd rather know the money went to more than one child.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

What have they done in the past? Where does the money actually go? Is there proof that this is considered charity?

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I'd give to a smaller charity if it were local to me and I knew the work it did. Larger charities with more funds are probably best suited for the issue of global poverty. There are far too many charities as it stands and there is a danger of creating dependency.

[Lotstodo]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I think it is more of an emotional attachment and more personal than just donating money to charity and is more of a commitment and I often wonder what would happen to the child if the sponsorship ceased. Would they have to leave school and give up being educated?


~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

Years ago, when my children were toddlers, we sponsored a child at Christmas and birthdays through the mother and toddler group rather than buy lots of individual presents for each other. We received regular letters and photographs and it was the first time I had heard of such a scheme. The letters were translated for us and pinned on the notice board there.


~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

I have never heard of Plan UK before and the name does not give any clues away as to what they do.


~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

If I had a child the same age of a child in a developing country that I sponsored it would make me feel very much more involved but I would feel that I would have to make a long term commitment financially to any child I sponsored. My children do understand that some children live very different lives to them - in this country too - not just in developing countries. I would hate to think that some people begin a sponsorship and then stop it soon after for one reason or another.


~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

I would have to trust the charity. Whether that be a gut feeling, reputation or the accountability of the finances. I suppose I mostly go by the reputation of a charity.


~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

I would give to large and small charities. I do feel for smaller charities that often get overlooked and are sometimes manned by just a small number of people. The larger charities get celebrity endorsement, publicity and lots of media attention.

[SquirtedPerfumeUpNoseInBoots]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?

I like the idea of helping a child that I know the name of and a few details about. I like that although i sponsor him, others are also sponsoring other children in the village, so the entire community benefits.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I have sponsored a child for a number of years now. I send letters and cards and small gifts and get letters in return. It's good to feel I am being of some help to him and his community. My DS gets to learn not everyone is as lucky as him.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?

Sorry, no, not heard of you before.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?

More. As above, I have sponsored for years.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?

When considering a charity, I look for them to be doing work in an area I can relate to. I will not consider chuggers or people who call at my door. I will choose myself, and keep my bank details to myself.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?

Size of the organisation probably doesn't matter to me, although they would need a good reputation.

[choccyp1g]

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
Like the idea of a personl connection. You can see where the money is being used.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
Partner did, but I felt that it is unfair to single out one child to get the benefits.
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? No never heard of them.
~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give? Less
~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to? Tend to go for better known ones, but I worry how much gets spent on admin.
~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?
The thing that puts me off the larger ones is the chuggers, and once they get your phone or address they keep hassling for more money.

[Blatherskite]

What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
I like the idea but wonder how well what I think should happen and what would actually happen with my money would match up, or if it is really the best way of helping

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I haven't ever sponsored a child this way but I have thought about it. At the moment, we just couldn't afford it though. The set amount is too high.

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I've heard of the name but don't know a lot more about them.

~ Would having a personal connection, which could include your own family & children, with a child in a developing country make you more or less inclined to give?
A personal connection would be nice and would help me to show my children what life is like in other countries and how very lucky they are but I would worry about the authenticity and whether that the same child's information was being sent to every family while the money went to someone else. The logistics of getting very child to send a regular letter to the correct family would be huge and costly I should think but being sent a standard pack under the guise of personal connection would leave me feeling a little cheated. Bit of a no win situation really.

~ Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to building trust in a charity; what is it that you look for when considering a charity to donate/give to?
I tend to trust the charities that I have heard of. We get a lot of those scam clothing collection bags round here where they take your clothes and sell them on and it's left me very wary. I'm also concerned about things like the shoebox appeal where charity is often tainted by a hidden religious element which I feel is totally unhelpful. Unfortunately, it's left me not giving a lot of the time as I just cannot be sure.

~ If a charity has a big 'brand' and is well known, how much does this influence your level of confidence in what that charity does? Are they more trustworthy, and are they more likely to have greater expertise because they are well known? Or would you prefer to give to a smaller charity? If so, why?
I give to a couple of local charities at events because I feel a little more confident about where my money is going. I would rather donate to a 'brand' charity as I feel the huge amounts they must collect should make changes/breakthroughs more possible and I used to donate monthly to the NSPCC but the huge amount of begging letters through my door and rumours about the cost of fundraising events put me off so I stopped a little while ago.