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

~ 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 particularly like the fact that the charity works with the community to help them help themselves. I like the link with children and feel that nobody asks to be born in poverty. I do also give to NSPCC as a regular direct debit to possibly help children in this country too.

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

I have been sponsoring children with Plan UK since 1996. in that time I have sponsored 4 children - one until she was 16, one until her family left the area due to conflict, one through a school payment where the children raised the money to make the sponsorship payment to sponsor a little boy in India as the year group studied India (and the sponsorship passed from year group to year group and he became almost a member of the class) and my current sponsored child in Kenya. I have always really liked the communication aspects and love receiving drawings. My current 'child' is almost exactly one year old (to the day) of my own DD1 and we love to compare lives. We look forward to building more of a relationship as they both get older (currently 6 and 5)

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

See above - I originally chose Plan UK for 2 main reasons - their lack of religious affiliation and that a larger % of the sponsorship money actually gets to the child's community.

~ 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?

When we started our current sponsorship we requested a child around the same age of DD1 so that we would have that link - and so would she as she grows older. We have now been sponsoring this child for nearly 3 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?

I like the fact that as much of the sponsorship money as possible can be used to improve the lives of the child's community. I know some money has to go towards 'running costs' but I want to feel that my money is making a difference to 'my' sponsored child and her 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 give to a range of charities - both well-known brands and smaller ones. I am not sure why - it is more the cause that I consider rather than the brand. Although I have never met a Plan UK chugger whereas many 'better known/bigger brands' charities do seem to use them.

~ What are your initial reactions to the idea of sponsoring a child? And what (if anything) appeals to you about this form of giving?
The personal connection appeals. Not sure about it though, wonder if it's almost too personal and specific, how has that child been selected, what are the impacts on that child (negative as well as the presumed postives)? Would prefer specific projects to sponsor instead, and then updates on that project (school, water, appropriate technology).

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
Have considered doing so before DC, but above put me off a bit. Big monthly cost now, not sure we could justify as we give to other charities too.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
Yes, heard of before and then learnt more as my Rainbow unit took part in Girlguiding UK's Changing the World/Plan project (Because I am a girl). Like the non-religious aspect to the charity and what I've seen about how they 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? less- feels like a big commitment financially, not something we could suddenly pull out from.

~ 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? Have to trust them- reputation, information about where my money goes easily available. No religious links. Issues I personally care about and am interested in.

~ 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 have given to a variety- well known big names and very small ones. The smaller charities often have very specific projects and as someone else said are less top heavy and spend far less on advertising etc.

~ 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 is something I've vaguely thought about but I've always thought that it would be heart wrenching if something happened to the child you were sponsoring. . I guess what appeals is it would make you feel like you know what direct difference you are making.

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

See above.

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

Think I may have come across them as an organisation which promotes rights for women and girls.

~ 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 decided to do it then I would not stop the support as I see it as a long term commitment. So I think that it would promote long term donations.

~ 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?

Level of admin costs and I don't like associations with large corporations.

~ 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 guess the brand does give me confidence but I'm aware that large charities have a lot of internal politics etc and I am more attracted to helping niche areas - particularly in women's rights etc.

~ 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 brilliant idea, seeing my children growing up in such a privileged society really brings it home that the vast majority of the world's children are not as fortunate.

~ 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 haven't yet done it. DH and I often rethink our giving and this is definitely something we'd consider, especially as our DC get old enough to get involved.

~ 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 Plan UK but had never looked into exactly what sort of things they're involved in.

~ 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 children of my own makes it a bit more personal already and if we sponsored a child of a similar age to one of my DC it would make it a bit easier to understand where they are in terms of development 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?

Gut feeling and reputation play a big part, I like to research who I give to and I will not give to people to leap on me in the street or knock on my door asking for money.

~ 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?

To be honest I tend to go for the smaller charities, the more 'homegrown' ones. I feel they have more to lose by not being transparent with where the money goes. I have family who've worked as accountants for a couple of big charities and they've put me off donating to them.

~ 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 is something I would give consideration to. What appeals is that it is helping a child develop.
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences? Have considered but not followed through on.
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? Never heard of them 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 inclined.
~ 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? Openess and honesty about how much of the sponsorship amount would be used for general admin and how much would actually directly benefit the child.
~ 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? Big brand does not alway imply more trustworthy or better experienced. My confidence would come from researching their achievements etc. Smaller could be good, provide their track record was good.

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 thinl it is a really good idea, especially as I have two DC of my own and I would like to set an example for them/show them how to be charitable.

Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I have never considered it before on a formal basis (not aware how) but I am a British ex-pat living in a developing country and would like to sponsor a child/children that I know in my neighbourhood.

Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
No, this is the first time I have heard of Plan 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?
More inclined.

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 long ago the charity was founded, how well organised them seem.

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 suppose slightly more likely to trust a well known charity but I wouldnt rule out giving to a less well known brand.

I think that people are missing the point with PLAN. You are sponsoring a DC but the money goes to the whole community and the DC and their family benefit that way.
I have been sponsoring with PLAN for over 20 years. DCs are the same the world over and they like to feel special and not just part of an under privileged statistic. If your DC likes to get things through the post and think someone cares, I think that any DC does and it gives it a human face. I never send gifts but I send letters, mainly on postcards so that they can learn about UK. Over the years I feel privileged to have learnt, first hand , about life in Nepal, Equador and Togo, to mention just a few.It is two way-much nicer than just being a 'charity case'.
I haven't done it, but at anytime I could travel to these countries contact PLAN and see their work. In addition to the letters from the DC I get progress reports on what is happening in their community.
It is great and I feel that the money is well used.

~ 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 would want to know a bit more about the child's community and how the money would be spent.

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

Have never sponsored a child before, maybe for the above reasons. Also, am conscious of the needs of both children and adults in the UK and wondering whether I should give at home first.

~ 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?

I think it would be a good idea for the dc to be involved in order to make them more aware of other people's needs.

~ 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 the money is actually spent on and how much of my donation is to be spent on marketing.

~ 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 others have said, it's what the charity does and their expertise that would influence me more.

~ 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 it

~ 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 briefly but feel unable to commit to a long term committment at the moment.

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

I have not heard of it 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 likely.

~ 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 money is spent on and how much is spent on advertising etc.

~ 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 probably feel more inclined to give to a charity that I had heard of before.

~ 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 would like to sponsor a child as it would be a good way to open my children's eyes to the lives of others, how lucky thy are and the importance of helping others.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences? I am considering it now but have concerns. I worry that the child may not be real, that the money may be spent in ways I did not intend to support, that the money would be eaten up by admin costs.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? I hadn'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? More, without a doubt.

~ 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 at how admin costs are cvered, how the money is spent, motives behind the giving, how children are deemed 'worthy enough' to receive.

~ 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 just like to be sure my money was helping others, not paying the director's salary.

I like the idea of sponsoring a child and sponsored a little girl in Africa for a number of years through Plan. It was my understanding that a good part of the money went to community projects and some to the family direct. i really liked the annual updates on the family and I got some letters from the child. I stopped sponsoring her when she got to 15 and whilst i was offered another child, i was moving overseas and it all got too hard. I felt that Plan was an accountable organisation, being quite small at the time and this was important to me. It is completely understandable that some money goes to advertising and admin, but as a donor, you really want to feel that good is being done with your donation. I really liked the way that Plan appeared to promote a community led approach to sponsorship, with a number of families in a single community receiving assistance at the same time, as well as money being provided for community projects. I am also very keen on education being at the heart of any assistance, both in terms of education for children, work creation and education around health and nutrition. A big brand charity is just as valid a cause in my view, but on a personal level I would tend to steer away from Christian based charities, particularly where missionary work is being promoted/ supported.

~ 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 a personal connection but the cynical side of would question in what way I really was sponsoring that child. How would the child I was allocated was not one of 1000 children whose details were sent to lots of different individuals? When i think about the logistics of payments etc it is obvious that it does not work as clearly as the marketiing woudl suggest. Plan UK does not say "Oh AAAvegetable has just signed-up, lets go an d find another child who is not yet receiving our help but now can". I don't suppose that matters, you are still helping, but the bottom line is that the personal connection is more of a marketing ploy than a real connection.

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

I don't. My Mum did. The reason I do not is that after my mother died I decided to concentrate all my charity giving, sponsorship etc, on one area that means a lot to me: cancer research.

Having said that I would consider this form of giving as my children get older as a way of teaching them how lucky they are and how other people live.

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

I have heard the name but that is all.

~ 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 because despite what I just said about it being a marketing tool it would nevertheless probably appeal to my kids and could be used to engage them with the idea of the developing world.

~ 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 have no idea how to assess whether a charity is using my money sensibly. All I can do is google and check there are no horror stories about misuse of funds.

~ 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 can see attractions to both. Big well known charities are probably less likely to misuse funds. However, smaller grass roots charities may spend less on advertising and communications.

~ 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 and knowing that you are directly benefiting someone else's life in a personal way. However, would be interested to know how children are chosen and how much money goes directly to the child/their family.
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?

I have considered sponsoring a child but haven't done so yet due to financial constraints. I could only do it if I knew I could commit to it for a long time, I would not be able to just give up once I had started. I do give money to charities but not on so 'personal' a basis.

~ 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, seen leaflets in magazines etc. Funnily enough I have one for when I am financially settled to make a commitment to a child. I chose plan UK having read good things about the company on the internet.

~ 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, because of the personal connection. As a teacher I would also like to share this with children in my class. I think both adults and children respond well to the personal connection.
~ 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 have to admit that I am not knowledgeable in this area. I tend to give to charities due to the causes they support, and trust that they are regulated.

~ 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?

Big charities are attractive because you can see the work that they do, and they are so well known that I assume that they are monitored and regulated. I do not think they are more or less likely to have a greater expertise. However, I do wonder with larger charities whether my small contribution makes a difference, and also how much is taken up on admin etc. For those reasons, smaller charities can be more attractive because I feel more is likely to go straight to them, ie less overheads. With this in mind I have regular donations to both small and large charities. The only thing I hate is the 'chuggers' on the street, which most people seem to dislike too. Pretending to have a mobile phone conversation usually stops them from coming to speak to me!

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

For me, it's a more personal way of giving as you get to see first hand the difference you can make. So I do like the idea very much and would like to be able to be involved with this.

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

As a teenager I sponsored a child through the catholic church but there wasn't much correspondance, then that area was involved in a violent uprising and I didn't hear anything else. I would like to sponsor a child again but as we are struggling financially at the moment, I just can't afford it and the monthly payments are quite high.

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

I have not heard of Plan UK before and I must admit, I don't tend to support charities that I have not heard of.

~ 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?

Obviously a personal connection would make me more inclined to give as you feel responsible for that child and their family, but I wouldn't want that family to feel obliged towards us nor would I like to dictate what the money should be spent on.

~ 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 see how much of the donations goes towards helping people and how much goes into salaries.

~ 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 well known ones have this air of trustworthiness about them but as an ex-worker of a very well known charity, I know that salaries are high and money is wasted on expenses and hire cars to ferry staff to pointless meetings about how to raise more cash when actually they've just spent hundreds getting everyone there and providing them with lunch. So a smaller charity which relies more on dedication and volunteers would sit better with me. Run by people who care about what they are doing rather than just wanting to get up the ladder to a better career.

~ 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 don't like it. As a teenager, I was heavily involved in a group that debated and raised awareness of developmental issues and my thoughts have been very coloured by this. I don't like the relationship it sets up between the First World giver and the child receiving the donation, in that the person receiving the donation is expected to write as though we were some sort of Victorian benefactor. I think that charity is charity, you shouldn't need to have a fuzzy feeling engendered in you by the person you are helping. On the other hand, it is good to have that assurance that your money is doing what you hope it is doing vs languishing in an administrative pot somewhere. I prefer giving to charities that provide tangible real life benefits e.g. where I can be told my money has bought a school chair or a goat or treated water etc. I would rather sponsor an operation for a child rather than the child itself. I don't like that there's this cutesy element, or how "Other" it makes the child.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
No and I never will. I do give money to charities that work in the developing world.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I haven't heard of them so can't comment.

~ 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 to give, though I would like to have solid information that the money was being used for tangible real things of benefit. Project reports would be more persuasive to me than sponsoring someone, particularly if I could see that the projects were being made sustainable with strong local community involvement and not too many white faces...

~ 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?
Sustainability
Respectful images and reporting of people in these situations. While I appreciate the need to pull on heartstrings, we could all be in this situation and some images can be very dehumanising. A good example of positive advertising is the Pampers Newborn vaccine which shows people of different cultures cuddling their newborns in a universal experience vs showing children at death's door. I particularly loathe watching white celebrities crying over sick children as though we needed this conduit to feel for people who are starving and in poverty.
Some sort of breakdown of where the money goes
Not having young college students with cheery voices chugging on the street for commission - this is hugely offputting

~ 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?
Somewhere in between. I don't trust some of the larger charities because of "chuggers" - particularly having jolly middle-class male student types trying to be flirtatious with me to get commission. I never stop for these people. I would give to a big charity if I felt that they had a strong development agenda and that they were supporting true development vs just highlighting crises and offering handouts that make people dependent over time. Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish and he'll eat forever...

The problem for me is I don't feel able to commit to sponsoring a chilld until I feel that I have a reliable income. I feel that sponsoring a child is for life, so it's a daunting prospect to donate x regularly.

~ 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 great idea in general. My initial reactions are positive. It feels more personal.
~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
No. Not yet, but it's something I often consider.
~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
I recognise the name, but don't know anything 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?
More inclined, I think.
~ 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. Are they clear about exactly how much of my donation will reach the target and how much goes on administration.
~ 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 feel happier giving to a larger charity for international charities because I feel they have a better infrastructure and likely to be more efficient. For local matters, I feel smaller charities are better. I look for the percentage of my donation that will reach the target.

~ 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 probably quite a simple way to donate. I've always just given unrestricted funds to charity before though, figuring that they would be better at deciding where cash needs to be spent, rather than giving x amount to x child.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
I haven't, but i regularly give money to international charities and have fundraised large sums for charities working in developing countries. I guess i wasnt ever sure if a child would get the money in the end.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do? I saw an advert on telly, and i've seen chuggers out and about with 'I am a girl' t shirts on (really liked the branding, there) I know that they work around gender issues in developing countries, which i personally consider to be one of the main causes of poverty. So, yes, very worthwhile.

~ 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? im not sure, i think i would feel some middle class guilt at some kid being made to write letters thanking us for cash, but then, maybe would be good for my daughter to learn on a personal level about how other little girls live in the world.

~ 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 at the long-term goals of the charity. I know on paper it can look like a charity is spending too much money on staffing etc, but then a few years down the line they can be making considerably more money than rival charities BECAUSE they've paid staff well in order to get the best possible people involved. I think a lot of the chat about money spent on 'admin' is a myth, or at least a hangover from years ago when it maybe was like that. Oxfam spend about 10p in every pound on admin, which includes international distribution of aid, so that doesn't seem like a lot to me.

~ 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 like that larger charities tend to form coalitions like the DEC, which i think is a really positive and efficient thing, it allows donated money to be distributed quickly and to the places that need it most. I also think that larger charities are more accountable, although they tend to be less dynamic in their approached to campaigns etc, because the fear of tarnishing the brand is so great.

~ 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's a nice idea, in principle. I think it would appeal more to my children than me because they get to "see" where the money we donate goes and what difference it makes.

~ 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 - seen ads on TV. Have heard of child sponsorship before because our school did it when I was a child.

~ 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?

See first question - it makes no difference to me, but my children might appreciate 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?

To know where my money is going and that there's not a lot of it being creamed off for salaries. I find it annoying if I make a donation in some way and end up being spammed with endless envelopes and pens - this makes me think my money's being wasted, as well as being just plain annoying and intrusive.

~ 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 makes no difference to me. I choose which charities I donate to on the basis of what they are capable of achieving and how relevant they are to me and those closest to me.

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 used to sponsor a little boy in Haiti during the late 1980s through to his 16th birthday. It was lovely to see support in action and knowing that I was making a little bit of difference to a child and family somewhere else 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 started to sponsor a child last year but had to stop when my hours at work dropped. My thoughts were that it was a different experience from previously in that although a link was made with one family, there was much more focus on the money benefitting the whole community. My son loved seeing photos of the girl we sponsored and knowing that he was helping make a positive difference to her life.

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

I have known about Plan since the mid 1980s and 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?

More inclined to give - it's more personal and real.

~ 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 look for charities which mean something to me - so a charity which focuses on benefitting children will always appeal to me.

~ 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?

Depends really, as long as a charity is seen as trustworthy they can be big brand or not. I give to some little less known charities when I can because I become aware of them via local papers etc. It doesn't especially matter to me but obviously Plan has a real "feel good" factor about the work it does. A family sponsoring a child has a connection with a recipient of the work - it's good to see how the work enables a child to have opportunities they would not otherwise have.

I have often thought of doing this, I have heard of Plan UK via leaflets in magazines and (I think) TV ads. I like the idea of sponsoring one child - but would worry about the other siblings/their friends not having such treatment. My brother sponsors a child in Africa, so I am very aware of the idea. I like the personal connection, but again would feel worried about the others around. The obvious concern is how many children have multiple sponsors, yet others may have none. I imagine it to be like the WWF Sponsor a Tiger/Elephant etc, where hundreds probably sponsor each one. I also worry about how much money actually gets to the child - is it via parents/guardians - many agencies are famed for their expensive admin costs which inevitably lessens the amount that reaches the child. So I imagine the bigger companies to be the worst culprits.Sorry if this is not the positive feedback you would probably want, but although I like the idea, my cynicism kicks in.

~ 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 developing a relationship with a child as he or she moves through education and growing up. I would hope that it would develop into a longer pen pal relationship - but would not expect that to happen.

~ Have you ever considered - or do you currently - sponsor a child in a developing country? What are your thoughts and experiences?
No, I have no experience.

~ Have your heard of Plan UK before? And if so, what did you think of them/know about what they do?
No, I have not heard of Plan 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?
Yes, I think it would.

~ 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?
Supporting the ends to which the money will be put.
Being sure that most of the money is used usefully and not on overheads etc.
A more political rather than a charitable agenda.

~ 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?

Probably prefer a smaller, more specifically focussed charity than a big brand - as big brands have big overheads and also armslength managers, I would imagine.

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

Sponsoring a child appeals to me because you are doing something specific, and presumably would get regular updates on how the particular child (and/or his/her village) is doing. It makes it more "real" and tangible.¨

~ 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, somehow haven't got around to actually doing it.

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

As far as I am aware, Plan UK doesn't have a big profile, but I have 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?

Not sure what this means? My child swapping drawings/letters with the sponsored child? Sure, and it would involve the family as a whole, not just me... also would be a nice way to tell my child about how children in other parts of the world live.

~ 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?

Exactly that: transparency, and being ethically aware. I would want my money to do good, not make more money by funding dubious investments etc.

~ 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?

A brand being big does not, as I'm sure we've seen recently, by any means make it honourable. I would be more likely to believe that a smaller brand is even more conscious of its reputation, and more likely to do things a bit differently (rather than the way they've always been done).

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

We really like this form of giving, because there is something tangible about being able to show our own children that they are making a difference in a real humans life. The individuality of each sponsorship allows our kids to learn to make a difference and to have compassion. When we simply sign a direct debit form and forget about it (as with some other charities) we miss out on the training opportunity with our kids, and therefore do a disservice to that charity, as our children are unlikely to give from their own salaries in the future.

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

Yes. I think it's great. We sponsor through compassion. One of the great things about that is that when my family are a little older we will have the opportunity to visit the child/village/school that we have been giving to and praying for.

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

I haven't heard of Plan UK before today.

~ 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. As I said, I want to give to charities that support children in developing countries, but if there is a training opportunity for my children in it as well, I'm more likely to choose that charity.

~ 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 I'm perfectly honest we look for a christian organisation. I know that's a negative for some who don't agree with a christian message being shared with aid, but for us it's a big plus. If what we believe is true, then why wouldn't we want to share that source of comfort with the world's poorest who are suffering?

~ 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?

A big brand does go some way towards making you feel confident that they are doing what they say they will, but it also makes me feel like they are more likely to spend the money on branding, offices, employment, PR etc...
In general we are more likely to give money to a small family going of to set up an orphanage/school who we have met/know through friends than to a big organisation.
That said we do give to a couple of big organisations, so I don't feel that strongly about it!

~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 open to the idea but still slightly uncomfortable with this type of 'patronage'. I like the idea of direct help, but sponsorship does little to address wider problems of access to education and poverty in the child's community.

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

I've not seriously considered it, as I don't have the financial resources to sponser a child long term. It's not something that I'd start and stop.

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

I've never heard of them and their name doesn't give a clue 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?

I would like a connection. I'd like to know how the child is doing, especially in places where the the political climate is volatile.

~ 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 the aims are. Where the resources go. Are there religious links/conditions of charity (this would put me off)?

~ 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?

Completely depends on the charity. E.g. I donate to Macmillan because I've seen for myself the difference they make in the community. Bigger charities also often also hold greater lobbying power. However, bigger charities come with bigger infrastructures which need funding.