Orphan sponsorship, explained
How to sponsor an orphan
A regular gift that feeds, schools and cares for one child until they are grown. Here is what it covers, and how to choose well.
What it means to sponsor an orphan
A fixed monthly gift, through an organisation, towards one child’s food, school and healthcare until they are grown. Choose the organisation well, and an amount you can keep up.
DonateOpenly shows how to sponsor a child, month by month. See the top 10 Muslim charities in the UK by DonateOpenly’s score.
I and the one who looks after an orphan will be in Paradise like this, he said, holding up his index and middle fingers.
What a monthly sponsorship usually covers
Food
Enough to eat every day, often with a parcel for the household.
School
Fees, uniform and books, so the child stays in class.
Healthcare
Check-ups, medicine and treatment when needed.
The family
Support for the mother or relative caring for the child.
Extras
Quran classes, Eid gifts or training, in some programmes.
How to sponsor an orphan in five steps
- Pick an amount you can keep up through a hard year.
- Look the organisation up on the official register.
- Ask the eight questions.
- Set up a regular payment, and warn them early if you must stop.
- Read each report, and keep the child in your duas.
Why caring for orphans matters so much
- Do not oppress the orphan (Quran 93:9).
- Improving their situation is best, and they are your brothers (Quran 2:220).
Before you sponsor an orphan
Questions about how to sponsor an orphan
Does my money go straight to one child?
Usually not as cash. Most programmes pool gifts for every child in their care and send you news of yours.
Can I sponsor an orphan with my zakat?
Yes, for a child who is poor or needy, as those are among the groups who receive zakat (Quran 9:60). Ask the programme to keep zakat for eligible children.
Which duas can I make for the child?
Start with the duas for children on Muslims Around the World.