Frequently Asked Questions About Child Sponsorship

Choosing to sponsor a child is an important decision. You may want to know how sponsorship works, how children qualify, where your donation goes, and how you can stay connected with the child you support. Below are answers to common questions about our child sponsorship program and how sponsors can support underprivileged children.

Child Sponsorship FAQs

How does child sponsorship work in Bangladesh?

Shapla Foundation works with local schools and slums in Bangladesh to assist children through its program. Sponsors select a child who is waiting for sponsorship. Each sponsored child receives support from an assigned caretaker who monitors the child's well-being, school attendance, exam results, activities, and expenses.

How can I sponsor a child in Bangladesh?

You can sponsor a child through Shapla Foundation's Child Sponsorship Program. Children who meet the program's eligibility requirements are placed on a waiting list, where sponsors can select a child to support.

How much does it cost to sponsor a child?

It costs $30 per month or $360 per year to sponsor a child through Shapla Foundation.

How long does child sponsorship last?

Each sponsorship program lasts approximately one year or one school season. After the program ends, sponsors can re-sponsor the same child for another year or sponsor another child.

What happens when my sponsorship ends?

When a yearly sponsorship ends, you can choose to sponsor the same child for another year. If you decide not to continue, Shapla Foundation places the child back on the waiting list for a new sponsor.

How often will I receive updates about my sponsored child?

Shapla Foundation promises at least one update about each sponsored child every month. Sponsored children's profiles are regularly updated, allowing sponsors to monitor their progress.

Can I communicate with my sponsored child?

Yes. Shapla Foundation provides opportunities for sponsors to build a connection with their sponsored children. Sponsors can talk to their children via virtual meetings and meet them in person when they are in Bangladesh.

Can I meet my sponsored child in Bangladesh?

Yes. Sponsors visiting Bangladesh can arrange a meeting with their sponsored child. Shapla Foundation provides a visit form for sponsors to submit information about their stay so the foundation can arrange the meeting.

Sponsorship Payments and Donations

What payment methods does Shapla Foundation accept?

Shapla Foundation currently accepts payments through PayPal in North America and Europe. Sponsors in Bangladesh can make payments through bKash.

Can I sponsor a child without a PayPal account?

If you don’t have a PayPal account, please contact the organization. Our team can provide a suitable payment solution.

Can I make a general donation instead of sponsoring a child?

Yes. Shapla Foundation accepts general donations in addition to child sponsorship. You can make a general donation of any amount through the Donate option on our website.

Where does my $30 monthly sponsorship donation go?

Shapla Foundation currently allocates 70% of the sponsorship donation to the child's direct expenses, 22% to caretaker expenses, including salary and travel expenses, and 8% to marketing and administration fees.

How does Shapla Foundation track sponsorship expenses?

Shapla Foundation keeps receipts for purchases made for a sponsored child and uploads those receipts to its software for approval. A manager then approves the funds. The sponsors can see activities involving funds used for their sponsored child.

What happens if I miss a sponsorship payment?

Shapla Foundation keeps 8% of donations in its administrative account and may use those funds when a sponsorship account misses a payment. The organization will contact the sponsor and ask them to make an alternate payment as soon as possible.

Child Sponsorship Eligibility

Which children are eligible for sponsorship?

Children must meet Shapla Foundation's eligibility requirements to participate in the sponsorship program. The child should:

• Come from a lower socioeconomic class
• Be under 18 years old
• Have a family monthly income of no more than approximately 10,000 to 12,000 Bangladeshi taka.
• The child also cannot be involved in paid employment
• The child must participate in the foundation's activity programs.

How does Shapla Foundation verify a child's age?

Children must provide a birth certificate or another document that can certify their age. This documentation is part of the foundation's eligibility requirements for children under 18.

Monitoring and Support

Who monitors my sponsored child's progress?

A caretaker is assigned to each sponsored child. The caretaker is responsible for monitoring the child's well-being, school attendance, exam results, activity programs, and expenses.

Can I see how funds are being used for my sponsored child?

Yes. Sponsors can see activities involving funds used for their sponsored child. The foundation also tracks purchases, retains receipts, and uploads those receipts to its software for approval.

How are sponsorship funds sent to a child's family?

The sponsorship fund is sent to a verified parent's bKash account through Shapla Foundation's Disbursement Wallet. The foundation keeps receipts for purchases and submits them through its software for approval.

What information can I see about my sponsored child?

Sponsors can see their sponsored child's profile and stories and monitor the child's progress through profile updates. The foundation also provides opportunities for virtual meetings and personal meetings in Bangladesh.

About Shapla Foundation

What does Shapla Foundation do for underprivileged children?

Shapla Foundation is a non-governmental, non-religious charitable organization whose stated goal is to support poor children in Bangladesh in obtaining basic education. Its child sponsorship program connects sponsors with children who meet the program's eligibility requirements.

How does Shapla Foundation help sponsors stay connected with children?

Shapla Foundation allows sponsors to view sponsored children's stories and profiles, monitor their progress through updates, participate in virtual meeting sessions, and meet their sponsored children personally when visiting Bangladesh.

Can I support Shapla Foundation without sponsoring a child?

Yes. You can make a general donation instead of sponsoring an individual child. General donations can be made through the Donate option on the website.

Can I support a child if I live outside Bangladesh?

Shapla Foundation currently accepts sponsorship payments through PayPal in North America and Europe. Sponsors in Bangladesh can pay through bKash. If you do not have PayPal, the foundation asks you to contact its team for a suitable payment solution.