Finding sponsors for orphans and children's homes
Sponsors of children's homes give for years when they trust the organisation and see the difference they make. Start with the people closest to your work, and make regular giving easy.
- Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
- Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
- Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).
Where sponsors come from
- Churches and congregations, locally and abroad, often through a partnership with one home.
- Former volunteers and visitors who have seen your work.
- Local businesses that supply food, school items or repairs.
- Diaspora groups from your area.
- Company social investment programmes and foundations, usually for registered organisations with audited or well-kept accounts.
Ways to ask for support
- Monthly sponsorship: supporters give a fixed amount every month towards the children's care. Regular giving with reminders keeps it going.
- Item lists: beds, mattresses, food, school uniforms and fees, each with a price, so a sponsor can cover something specific.
- Projects: a borehole, a new dormitory or a vehicle, as a campaign with a budget.
- Events: a fundraising dinner or open day with tickets.
Build trust
- Get verified so sponsors see your registration has been checked.
- Send regular updates: what was bought, school results, improvements to the home.
- Issue receipts for donations and keep clear records of spending.
- Let sponsors visit by arrangement.
Protect the children
Never publish a child's full name, school, location or story without proper consent, and avoid photos that identify vulnerable children. Share stories about the home and its programmes rather than personal details. Sponsors respect organisations that protect children.
Want to sponsor a child or a home?
Choose a verified organisation, ask how your money will be used, and prefer giving through a recorded channel that gives you a receipt.
Useful links
Frequently asked questions
Can sponsors give every month?
Yes. Supporters can choose to give weekly, monthly or yearly and get a reminder with a link to pay, by mobile money or card.
Can we give sponsors a receipt?
Yes. Turn on donor receipts and each donor gets an official receipt with your organisation's name.
