Fixit: Where do funds go in support-a-child charities?

Q I often see ads and commercials asking for a monthly financial contribution toward the support of one particular needy foreign child. The sponsor is provided with basic information about the child and regular reports as time goes by. Are these organizations legitimate? Are they cost-effective?

A If you're asking whether your donations go directly to a particular child, the answer is, not always.

Many organizations work with villages or churches to provide programs that benefit entire communities, including the sponsored children living in those communities. Programs may include distribution of food and clothing, health care, education, counseling and agricultural services, disaster relief and religious education. In some cases, it makes sense to pool funds. To provide education, for example, the community may need funds to build a school. To provide clean water, it may need to drill a well that would serve an entire village.

Sponsoring a child is a great way to make a difference in someone's life. Before you make the commitment, however, do your homework to make sure that your support is used effectively in the way you want.

Ask:

• if the children in fundraising materials are actual children or models.

• if the living conditions are accurately portrayed in the fundraising appeals.

• if funds are pooled for community-wide projects that will benefit the child indirectly. If so, learn what kinds of projects your donation will support.

• about the cost of your monthly donation and what it will cover.

• if you can write letters or send gifts to your sponsored child.

• what will happen to the child you are sponsoring if you end your sponsorship.

• if the charity has demonstrated its transparency by participating in a review through the Charities Review Council. A list of reviewed charities is on the Giving Guide at www.smartgivers.org.