Plan International USA, Inc.

I have been a sponsor through Plan USA for decades and it is such a wonderful organization! I love having a connection with a specific child and feeling like I am making a difference for that child, their family, and their community. Plan regularly sends me cards or reminders that I can use to communicate with my sponsored children so I can keep in touch without having to remember myself. I love getting the pictures and messages back from my sponsored children! I also appreciate the regular messages from Plan about their impact in the community. Highly recommend!

Plan International is a wonderful organization doing a lot of good for a world that desperately needs it. When you donate, they make you feel like a part of a community, sending regular updates about real people around the world benefiting from the world they do.

I love the work that Plan is doing! I cannot name another organization whose programming is created for girls, by girls, which I think is so critical for making true progress towards equality! There are so many different ways to give and so many different areas to donate towards, even beyond their girl-centric work, that it feels easy to create a broad effect for many people who need assistance. Through communications sent out by Plan, such as Impact Reports and Success Stories of program participants, it's easy to see the changes being made by my support and it feels truly rewarding!

Plan International USA works to strengthen community-level programming and leadership in Plan country offices around the world. This "locally led, globally connected" approach leads to real and sustainable impact and improved lives.

I have had a sponsored child with this organization for some 50 years! There is no doubt that it does good work and keeps in touch with sponsors. I particularly like its emphasis on the education and welfare of girls and women, the neediest in much of the world and the individuals with the greatest potential for creating a better world.

Plan International USA is an incredible organization that I can't recommend highly enough. Their mission to help underprivileged children and girls across the globe gain access to quality education, protection from violence, and opportunities for youth empowerment is truly inspiring. I’m especially impressed with the dedication and professionalism of their Donor Relations team. They go above and beyond in making sure every supporter feels valued, providing clear communication and genuine care. It's clear that everyone at Plan International USA is deeply passionate about creating a brighter future for children, and I’m proud to support such a fantastic cause. Five stars all the way!

I have the great pleasure and privilege of being a child sponsor at Plan International USA , an extraordinary organization, since 2000, and throughout the years I've enjoyed and treasured writing to all the children I've sponsored, sending them gifts, watching them grow and learn, learning about their respective cultures and countries, while also seeing them learn skills to help them have a better life, until they finally reach graduation. Plan International USA has always done, and continues to do an excellent job at keeping me updated on improvements made in the children's and their families' lives, as well as in their respective communities and countries. I've also seen how, through dedication, compassion, selflessness, and with a great deal of integrity, Plan International USA has been tirelessly working to achieve equal rights for both boys and girls, as well as ensuring that young children receive nurturing care, nutrition, good health care, and emergency services. Plan International USA's programs also help young people empower themselves in order to advocate for their rights, and it is also involved in protecting children from violence, providing emergency services in the region, including after a disaster has occurred, such as an earthquake, or in the case of a war. It also offers workshops or classes on sexual reproductive health rights. For anyone who wishes to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families worldwide, helping to lift them out of poverty and violence, and, therefore, giving them a better future, I highly recommend Plan International USA.

I have been a proud supporter of Plan since 1988, and I must say, the time has flown, because I have indeed been having fun feeling a part of something greater than myself. Over the years, I have appreciated the transparency and regular communication from the Plan office, and especially the letters from sponsored children themselves. Putting the personal touch on the outreach, with letters between me and a child half way around the world, has made this effort rewarding beyond words.

I am thrilled to share my experience with Plan USA, a non-profit organization that is making a profound impact in the realm of gender equality and protecting the rights of girls and women. My daughter had the privilege of participating in their Youth Leadership Academy, and the results have been nothing short of transformative.
Through their Youth Leadership Academy, my daughter gained invaluable skills and insights into advocacy for gender equality. The program not only educated her about the critical issues facing young people today but also empowered her to become an advocate for change in her own community. The Academy's curriculum is meticulously designed by staff to address contemporary challenges we face in terms of girls’ and women’s rights. The program’s focus on practical advocacy skills means that the knowledge she gained is not just theoretical but actionable.
The supportive and inclusive environment fostered by Plan USA allowed my daughter to thrive. She was encouraged to express her ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work collaboratively with peers who share her passion for gender equality. The mentors and facilitators at Plan USA are outstanding, offering guidance and support that truly enriched her experience.
Plan USA is a remarkable organization that equips young people with the tools they need to be effective advocates for gender equality. I am incredibly proud of my daughter’s involvement and grateful to Plan USA for their dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Their work is making a tangible difference, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to support a nonprofit committed to these vital causes.

Plan USA has been a life changing experience. This organization game me the not only gave me the confidence and support I needed to go out and create my own initiatives, but they also introduced me into an entire world that I didn't know existed. It became a new community for me and for all the experiences and knowledge I gained through Plan USA, I will always be grateful.

PlanUSA exemplifies a profound commitment to achieving gender equality on a global scale. The passion and dedication of the entire team, from Shanna Marzilli, the inspiring CEO and President, to the dedicated volunteers, is genuinely remarkable. This organization not only advocates for gender justice but actively empowers and amplifies the voices of girls worldwide. My involvement with PlanUSA has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am truly thankful to be part of such a transformative movement.

Had a wonderful experience with Plan International USA. I sponsored two children for my family to correspond with. They enjoyed receiving the photos and learning more about the children from so far away. My family was very excited upon hearing from the children, and we’re excited to write back with all the communications I received it is clear to see the impact plan is making around the world!

I was introduced to Plan International USA over 6 years ago, and I have been so impressed. The mission of focusing on girls really resonated with me and I feel the passion of every single employee of the organization. Whether someone is looking to donate along with their values or become part of an organization where they can really make an active impact, Plan International USA is there.

Plan International USA Does amazing work globally to support educational opportunities for girls. The team is incredibly capable, mission-driven, and thoughtful about the work it does. I've had an overwhelmingly positive experience collaborating with fellow board members and the team and appreciate how intentional the staff is about collaborating with youth to help bolster the important work that we do.

I had the pleasure of working at Plan for over 20 years. When I started, Plan was more focused on development projects (WASH, education, health) but in the last several years evolved into a girls' rights organization, working to give girls a voice, which is very important. Plan does not fund abortions, although they advocate for them - if that lines up with your values, then I would highly recommend them to you, as they are experts at what they do. They care deeply about their employees, donors, children, and families around the globe, and their CEO, board of directors, and employees are caring, top-notch people.

I was fortunate enough to work with Plan International USA in the donor relations department when I first started my career after finishing my university degree almost 10 years ago. It was at Plan that I learned about the unique challenges girls face worldwide and this inspired me to devote my career to gender justice work. The staff at Plan are remarkable, and wholly dedicated to the mission of the organization by consistently centering children’s rights and addressing inequalities that hold girls back. I was grateful to see this dedication first-hand working with colleagues across the fundraising and programs teams, and also through Plan’s community-centered partnerships. I look forward to continuing to be a part the Plan community for years to come!

I've been a child sponsor through Plan USA for a few years. The information I receive is consistent and thorough, and it's been such a joy seeing the child I sponsor grow into a confident, empowered young woman as she engages with their programming! I have had the pleasure to witness Plan's work in the field, and I can say with confidence that their projects are designed with impactful, realistic goals while respecting local customs and norms. I am excited to see the opportunities Plan will continue to create with and for these deserving children. Would also like to give a shout-out to the Donor Loyalty team -- they are kind, helpful, and prompt with any requests. Donors are in great hands over at Plan!

Having two girls of my own, I understand how important it is to empower girls. Giving to Plan so that girls around the world are empowered is important to me. Additionally my daughter has been involved with Plan's Youth Leadership Academy. The skills she's learned have been immeasurable as she begins on a path that she hopes will lead her to working for a global NGO in an advocacy role.

Phenomenal organization committed to the advancement of girls’ rights world-wide. Plan International USA is well-respected by peers, as well as communities where programs are underway. If you are looking for a way to make a difference, consider making an impactful gift to Plan.

I worked with Plan as a Plan youth. I was part of their Youth Leadership Academy where we learned about and discussed the issues plaguing our world today and what we can do to help while also grousing as leaders and learning more about ourselves and our work. This gave me the opportunity to speak on International Day of the Girl about how girls are portrayed in the media, how that is harmful to girls, and how we worked to change the algorithm to portray all girls. Plan is a nonprofit doing amazing work and I am so glad I have the opportunity to work with them.

Plan International USA has been a leader in lifting up and supporting girls living in poverty in some of the poorest countries of the world. They have a dedicated staff continuously engaged in finding new ways to support and empower girls to make those changes that will make their lives better. My own personal interactions with staff at Plan USA have been wonderful and reflect the true dedication of the organization to improving the lives of people in need.

I have being donating to Plan International USA for years. I love the work they do. I love the types of programs they have, with a focus on helping girls in developing countries. I have three daughters who live a privileged life here in the US and working with Plan is our way, as a family, of giving back. This is a grassroots organization that takes input from the people they work with to come up with innovative ways to solve for different challenges. In addition to all this, the staff are very personable and make a real effort to stay connected with their donors. I'm a huge supporter of this organization. I wish they were better known.

People who work at Plan USA are very professional and helpful.
I can get in touch with most of them anytime I need some information.
They always keep me informed sending a complete year report and letters on time, regarding my beneficiary sponsored child.
In this way, I am able to follow up her life and school progress regularly.
Plan USA is a very good non profits organization.

Plan keeps us up to date on our recipient’s country and we get to correspond directly with our recipient which is great fun. Plan is first rate and rarely sends requests for more money as many other charities barrage us with more and more requests. Plan is first rate. We’ve been with them for over thirty years.

I was raised Navy. My brother and I were born in Rhode Island and transferred to Norfolk, Virginia. The life changing assignment was when we were literally shipped to Panama for three years when I was 7-10. This was in the mid-50s. The Navy was supervising the Panama Canal that was on long term lease to the US. All of the natives that we met in nearby towns were Black and spoke Spanish. They were hard working, cheerful, and willing to share and help anyone in need. (They loved my long red hair in its ponytail. It was so different.) (Yes, I am a Rhode Island Red…) We went to local schools off base where English was the foreign language and we learned Spanish.

Moving forward…Dad retired in Phoenix and I took more Spanish in high school. I became a teacher and librarian , teaching kindergarten through high school. I heard about Plan International a little over 40 years ago. I applied and adopted a small boy in a Spanish speaking country at my request. I wrote to him in Spanish. When he aged out, I adopted his brother. And now over 40 years later I adopt three families at a time. Usually Spanish speaking, but I no longer have preferences. It has been one of the most rewarding continuing experiences of my life! The photo is of our school.

I have been a donor to Plan for over 30 years. I have sponsored a number of children over those years. It is always heart warming to receive letters from my sponsored children and to see them develop as the years pass. In addition to sponsoring a child, I usually make a special year end contribution to support Plan's very important work with girls in the areas they do work. Plan provides regular communication to its donors throughout the year which describes the great work they do. I know that my contributions are being put to good use. Their efforts and the support from Plan's donors makes a tremendous positive impact to so many people in need. Please consider making a donation to Plan and/or becoming a sponsor of a child. You will be happy with your decision to do so.

My firm provides services to this nonprofit but I am also a regular contributor. Being in the financial services field and interacting with the CFO and other professionals in their organization I can tell you that their attention to detail and dedication to keeping costs down is second to none. They are also fully dedicated to their mission and conduct numerous program activities all over the world!

As a long term donor to Plan, I have been impressed with the scope of their work in terms of programs, international footprint and longevity. Their focus on girls rights in recent years is so important that I hope that they can grow the number of donors to support these efforts even further and that Covid will subside enough in these more remote areas that they work to allow for increased community-level programs. Keep up the good work!! Gen137

Plan International USA was the catalyst that helped me as a young high school student to begin creating change in my community and even create a non-profit tackling climate change.
It is remarkable how much Plan centers youth at the core of its vision and actively works to bring in young peoples feedback to shape their policies.

Plan’s strategy in having young people shape their strategy is what truly makes their role effective and meaningful. I am great full to have worked with them and help drive their programming.

I have been a child sponsor for 20 years, knowing that my funds support programs and projects that support the development of children. I choose to sponsor girls in Africa because I am keenly aware that when girls and women participate fully in education, community, government and commerce that more people do well.

I have been with Plan for over twenty years and have had many sponsored children with Plan. About me I have travelled the world in the poorest places to try to help people on the streets and in Churches. With Plan recently a child I have had since she was 11 and lived in Africa in a remote village with no hope. Plan came and saved all the children and Parents and now they have a school, clean water, tools and education to help their children have a better life. My child She just graduated from the Plan program she is 18 now, she will have a future and the village will also. Plan saves villages and children in the poorest places all over the world. Today with technology you can email your sponsored child and receive photos and letters from your child with the Plan communications on site, and updates. Plan is one of the oldest and largest Programs that directly saves children. For the price of a lunch once a month you can save a child's life. These photo attached is me in my younger days with my street charities. I am going to be part of Plan the rest of my life. Please contact Plan and talk with someone. God Bless Tex Perkins.

Google.org has supported Plan International’s Bridges to the Future initiative that aims to support underserved and vulnerable youth jobseekers to upskill them with in-demand vocational skills, improving their employability. Through this initiative, Plan International also partnered with the ASEAN Foundation to deliver an impactful study on the labor market in Indonesia and Vietnam, which will support their goal to not only train youth in Indonesia and Vietnam with market-driven digital skills, but also address barriers to employment and provide psychosocial support building to enable long-term success of these jobseekers.

As part of the Bridges to the Future initiative, Plan International will also be providing job-matching assistance to job seekers in Indonesia and Vietnam by conducting online job fairs, to connect candidates to potential employers. Their first job fair in Indonesia was held virtually, in September 2021, and was attended by an estimated 3,000 youths and representatives from the ASEAN Foundation and the Ministry of Education, alongside 60 companies.

We’re extremely proud to support Plan International, together with ASEAN Foundation, on this initiative as we hope it will open up the widest possible career opportunities for young Indonesians, especially for young women and people with disabilities, to access job opportunities and take advantage of digital technologies to upskill themselves. The team’s proactive approach to solving challenges arising from the pandemic, as well as their extensive network and reputation on-ground has led to them garnering the support from not only other corporates, but also the government, to ensure this initiative will be a success.

I live near Florence, Italy, and am a retired solo clarinetist, having performed for 20 years with the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra, first under the direction of Riccardo Muti, and then from the mid 80's until I retired, with Zubin Mehta, a native of Bombay (Mumbai). And this position served as the catalyst for my having sought a sponsorship for a child abroad... thus I contacted the Foster Parents Plan.

We were on a tour with Zubin Mehta in April of 1987, performing first in Oman near Muscat, and then in Bombay. The shock of the difference between Oman and India was terrible. We had been wined and dined near Muscat at the luxurious hotel on the sea, with unbelievable gifts from the sultan found every day in our room. The last gift was a copper container with the typical pudding of Oman, but being our last morning in Oman and having left early, almost all the orchestral members still had the pudding in their possession. The arrival at the airport in Bombay caused the contrast: as we left the airport on an old bus, we were surrounded by Bombay's poor people, rubbing their stomachs and extending their hands for anything we could give them. So out the windows with everything we could muster, including the coveted Oman pudding. This was only the beginning of 3 full days in Bombay. We gave two concerts, and were invited by the elite of Bombay, honoring Mehta and of course his orchestra. I can still see the children trying to sleep on cardboard spread all over, some very close to the curb of the streets, unbelievably almost next to the immense wheels of our bus! We were all in shock. At a luxurious villa with supper offered by one of the friends of Mehta, we witnessed the poor waiting outside for handouts, accepting voraciously the leftovers wrapped up in banana leaves which had served as our plates!

There could be so much to describe about Bombay, but I think this gives one a succinct picture of what we found, back in 1987.

Here in Italy, at the time there were a few organizations helping the poor in needy areas of the world, especially in Africa, due to the vicinity of Italy. Some churches offered an adoption through mail of a child chosen by the volunteers of the church organizations. But when I heard about PLAN and how it operated, I was more inclined to connect with them. And so, to this day, I sponsor children through this excellent organization. My first children were in India, then Brazil (since my husband, an oboist who played in Rio for 8 years as solo oboe in the orchestra, spoke and could read Portuguese). Since then, I have sponsored children in Africa, the Philippines, and even Pakistan when Plan was operating in this country.

I have read some of the complaints of numerous sponsors, having lost their sponsorship due to various motives, most of them because the child has reached an adult age, or maybe the family had moved to another area not covered by PLAN. I realize it can be very sad to all of a sudden no longer be present in the lives of these children. But more are waiting!

I have always been very impressed with the connections offered by PLAN. Donations are acknowledged, letters and drawings from the sponsored child arrive continually, along with photos and a progress report of the community. This personal aspect is so positive. And what makes one extremely content to contribute financially, is that the receivers of our help not only find this personal communication, but the community itself is being helped through instruction and construction in regard to aiding them in a self-help situation. Somehow, someday, they will improve and no longer need such support.
In conclusion, I am very impressed with the personal communication offered by the numerous workers at PLAN. Somehow, we are all reaching the less fortunate in this confused and chaotic world. Thank you!!

While some of us feel divided by Covid, I feel United. I want to reach out and do something to help others that are experiencing the same pandemic. Plan is a great organization to help me connect in a way I wouldn’t be able to on my own.

I interned for Plan International USA this summer in corporate communications and it was an incredible experience. The team is welcoming, inclusive, and passionate about the implications of their work in the humanitarian and international development sector. I got to work on projects that contributed to educating people on problems facing girls around the world, building the leadership capacity of youth activists and helping the internal Plan team stay connected and strong as they go about their work.
I highly recommend Plan as a workplace and as a nonprofit organization to contribute donations.

I have been a part of Plan International USA's Youth Advisory Board since January this year and I couldn't have asked for a better first few months.

Plan prides itself on putting youth voices at the forefront of social change and I can say with confidence that they have definitely succeeded on that front. Many of the youth councils and boards that I have been a part of in the past just feel like a check in the box for the organization. Plan, on the other hand, puts great effort into amplifying youth voices through programs like the Youth Leadership Academy and International Day of the Girl, both of which the Youth Advisory Board plays a large role in.

Through these experiences with Plan, I have been able to strengthen my leadership skills, while also speaking up about issues that I am passionate about. Plan allows youth in their network the opportunity to advise on projects; the organization as a whole, takes this advice seriously and incorporates feedback from youth to make their programs more efficient and effective. I can't wait to be a part of more endeavors through Plan's Youth Advisory Board!

As a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member for Plan USA, I've had innumerable experiences that have characterized my growth as a young leader. Although my time as a YAB member hasn't been as long as others, my previous work with Plan, and its mission, is what motivated me to stay involved.

I attended the YLA in 2019, and knew that this was a nonprofit that I wanted to continue to stay in touch with and be apart of. When I returned home from the YLA, and with mentorship from former YAB members, I was able to start a women empowerment club at my high school. One of my favorite experiences with Plan was doing a takeover for International Day of the Girl (IDG) in 2019, where I got to spend the day at the Creative Artists Agency shadowing the executive of foundations. I had the opportunity to meet one of the only women sports agents in the USA, and one of the founders of the Me Too movement. My conversations that day surrounded how to best uplift female voices in the media. I felt important knowing that these takeovers weren't only done by Plan USA, but also by Plan offices globally, making me feel part of something greater than myself.

Now that I am apart of the YAB, I get to help with things like the Youth Leadership Academy and IDG takeovers, and cultivate these life changing experiences for the next generation of young leaders. For me, Plan gives me the outlet to further my leadership skills and surround myself with like minded individuals, but also be able to give back in many different ways. I am continue to be impressed by the ways that Plan is able to efficiently uplift and project youth voices. We, youth leaders, are continuously put at the forefront of every project done by Plan, and that is something I'm grateful to be apart of.

I joined Plan International as a donor because all children are a precious gift, and it is crucially important to give special attention to those in need, wherever they may be.
Food, shelter, clothing and education are in my opinion the right of every child on the planet. A warm and loving family environment is also essential, but not always possible in the world in which we live.
Plan International keeps one in touch with one’s sponsored child, which allows the development of a relationship to some extent. I look forward to receiving letters and drawings from Mengyi, and in my replies I try to develop and respond to any thoughts she may express. She is a marvelous artist.
I hope that in some small way I am making her life a little better, and letting her know that she has a friend on the other side of the world.
I am grateful to Plan International for giving me this opportunity.
James Slater donor number 43988

I’ve been a PLAN sponsor since 1995. It’s been a joy to support children/families in need and watch them grow and “graduate” as I took on a new sponsor child. Beyond the financial support, it’s wonderful to write letters, send gifts, and to connect in a very personal way. PLAN has always kept its overhead and administration costs low in order to earmark its funding to the field where it’s needed most. They are an organization of integrity and great spiritual strength. I can’t recommend them highly enough! Their good works are immeasurable. Karen Corinne Herceg

Plan International USA is a bright star in this sometimes challenging world and they work tirelessly to give children, especially young girls and women, access to many basic needs that many of us take for granted every day. For a small monthly investment through Plan, I am able to make a difference in one child's life, a child I've never met, but a child that needs a bit of a hand up (not a hand out, just a hand up). I had sponsored a child before through another organization but I find Plan to be the most focused on keeping its sponsors up-to-date and for ensuring its sponsors also feel cared for and listened to. For example, I wanted to find a sponsor child that shared my Dad's birthday and Plan searched its database and found the perfect match for me! Second, when I wanted to give my sponsored child gifs during the holiday season, Plan provided a wonderful gift giving guide and one of Plan's Donor Loyalty Reps even spent time with me helping me select just the right gifts. If you're looking for a way to do your part to make our small world a better place, then look no further than Plan. You will be in wonderful hands with their team and your investment will go directly to where you want it to go. I

Plan International USA is a girl's rights organization that helps girls and adolescents thrive, decide, and overcome gender inequality and oppression. Adolescents are a traditionally underserved age group, and Plan focuses on helping adolescent girls in particular, an especially vulnerable group for child trafficking, rape, harassment. Plan is in over 50 countries world-wide and has been a respected NGO since 1937.

I first became acquainted with Plan as an auditor with Price Waterhouse many years ago. I have always been impressed with Plan and I support their mission. I have been a donor for over 30 years.

I worked for Plan International when i got out of college and found it to be a wonderful organization. I was always skeptical of these sponsorship programs, but after seeing how much good Plan does and how well they manage the donations, I'm a changed person. I trust them fully and will continue to contribute to their programs. I hope you will too!

I have been a member of Plan International USA's youth advisory board for almost 4 years and I can confidently say that Plan's commitment to the elevation of youth voices is at the core of the organization's values. Plan has always ensured that it retain a position as a catalyst for change as valued by the communities it seeks to support. There is an incredible amount of diligence, time and resources put into garnering input and strategy from respective communities for every initiative launched by the organization.

Plan USA not only understands that community led work is essential, it seeks to foster that mentality domestically as well. Oftentimes my experience with the humanitarian space has been one in which US based international aid organizations see their presence as an injection of knowledge and capacity into international spaces, with minimal community consultation, and little desire to enable and address domestic injustices. Yet Plan, through programs such as the Youth Leadership Academy, addresses domestic crises and educates and enables youth into supporting their own communities while understanding global plights.

Perhaps most striking is the amount of accountability and transparency Plan International USA can offer to donors and constituents. The organizations spends a lot of time and diligence into ensuring that its donor funds go exactly where they are intended to go. Information is made readily available and managing funds responsibly so as to ensure donor and community trust, is at the crux of any and all programs.

All in all, Plan International USA has honestly changed my life. My experience on the youth advisory board has allowed me to delve deeply into the world of humanitarianism and learn from an organization that not only valued my input as a youth, but actually pushed me to contribute. Reaching the end of my university career, I realize how much leadership skills and knowledge I've amassed from working with Plan, and how much it will serve me as I seek a career into the international NGO space. I couldn't speak more highly of an organization.

We started sponsoring our first child in 1984. She was a little girl living in Cebu, Philippines.
When we moved to Japan in 1989, we were fortunate to be given a direct address to be able to keep up our correspondence with her. She worked so hard in school and was so supportive of her family, that even when she graduated from the program we stayed in touch and continued to help her through college. We were then out of touch for a couple of years until she found me on Facebook. She is married, has three children (one of whom is named after one of my daughters), lives in Brunei and has a career. I am so proud of the woman she has become. I thank Plan International for bringing us together.

I am writing as a Sponsor of many children under the Plan International USA umbrella. It has been more than 30 years since I began with these sponsorships.

At the time I joined Plan it was still “Foster Parents Plan and I was a very busy university professor, single and saw an ad for Plan somewhere and decided to take a look at just what they were doing. I found their information compelling, well-crafted. I believed their focus was admirable and important to the future of this planet so I became involved… my first sponsorship was a young girl in Indonesia with whom I corresponded for some years.

During that time I “added” another sponsorship, this time a young boy.

It was always a very pleasant series of interactions with the children AND the Plan office.

As new children replaced those who had “graduated’ I continued. It was at this point that I was able to truly understand the deep commitment and steady management of the organization, both programmatically and financially: Plan has always been impressive in their large percentage of funds actually going to the programs, unlike many others whose administrative costs are quite high.

I continue today with two children on two continents.

I’ve watched Plan adjust and expand to meet the new needs of the world’s children and their families
I am writing as a Sponsor of many children under the Plan International USA umbrella. It has been more than 30 years since I began with these sponsorships.

At the time I joined Plan it was still “Foster Parents Plan and I was a very busy university professor, single and saw an ad for the Plan somewhere and decided to take a look at just what they were doing. I found their information compelling, well-crafted. I believed their focus was admirable and important to the future of this planet so I became involved… my first sponsorship was a young girl in Indonesia with whom I corresponded for some years.

During that time I “added” another sponsorship, this time a young boy.

As new children replaced those who had “graduated’ I continued. It was at this point that I was able to truly understand the deep commitment and steady management of the organization, both programmatically and financially: Plan has always been impressive in their large percentage of funds actually going to thee programs, unlike many others whose administrative costs are quite high.

I continue today with two children on two continents.

I’ve watched Plan adjust and expand to meet new needs of the world’s children and their families.

I always have very pleasant interactions with the children AND the Plan office.
I smile when I receive a small drawing, a “thank you,” or a translated letter from the field. I am only disappointed that I was never able to meet my sponsored children… but I DO remember them all!

Joe and Lynda Berman
in Ohio

.

I worked with Plan International USA as part of my company's campaign efforts to help bolster empowerment for girls around the country, and provide them with the resources they need to achieve their goals (no matter how big or small). Not only was Plan International USA a wonderful partner, providing their support for our initiatives, but they went above and beyond to provide in-store support for our brand to further help reach our customer base with campaign messaging, and educate our customers on their work. We were so thrilled to be able to support the organization and their reciprocal support of our brand helped to make a powerful and successful partnership.

I have been part of Plan International USA's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) for three years now, and I am confident that this organization is leading the charge in designing inclusive and equitable community development programs across the world.

Unlike any other humanitarian and development organization, Plan situates young women and children at the center of development campaigns, equipping them with the skills they need to transform their own communities. This shift in program design has enabled Plan to be incredibly agile, able to quickly respond to changing local and global conditions. Plan's diverse areas of expertise - from sexual and reproductive heath and rights, to early childhood education, to entrepreneurship and economic development - allow the organization to deliver transformative programs that are culturally-relevant and targeted to the economic, political, and social needs of each community.

In particular, I have been so impressed by the way Plan meaningfully engages with its program beneficiaries. Its strategy of amplifying youth voices in internal governance practices and external program design only reinforces Plan's mission as a youth-centered organization. As a YAB member, I regularly engage with program managers and senior leadership in designing youth engagement policies and outreach initiatives. In particular, YAB members lead the process of creating an annual youth leadership summit, drawing high school students across the country into the Plan network, and equipping them with the advocacy and leadership skills necessary to implement year-long community-based initiatives. Plan USA recognizes that young people, as program beneficiaries and vital community members, have a key role to play in shaping development programming to adequately and meaningfully address the problems young people experience across the world.

Plan USA is truly "walking the talk" when it comes to youth empowerment and engagement, and I am proud to be part of this organization that is shaping the landscape of international development for the better.

I am part of a group of women in New York City who are so impressed with Plan's work helping girls in the development to not just survive, but thrive., that we formed a volunteer girl to build awareness and raise funds for their important programs. Their programs are keeping girls in school, providing job training, keeping them safe from sex trafficking and child marriages, and educating their communities about the rights of girls.

We've partnered with Plan International USA for several years. They have an amazing team who are determined to take their mission above and beyond. Their attention to detail makes our Co-produced campaigns stand out empowering our audience to make a positive change in their communities.

I have been a sponsor of several children over the years, and enjoyed receiving updates about them. It was also a learning experience for me, since Plan includes information about the region where the children live. Because Plan pools the funds from sponsors in the area and uses them to address needs specific to the neighborhood, I always felt that my donations provided the most benefit. In fact, with one of my sponsored children, after Plan completed their specified objective and had the community working to maintain it, they sent me an update and provided the opportunity for me to choose a new child to sponsor.

I would recommend Plan as a well run, effective organization for improving the lives and communities of children who need a helping hand.

Plan USA is a great organization, and motivated my whole family to donate. Their literature clearly dhefines the needs that the orgaynization plans to fulfill with your donation, and makes it interesting and meaningful to donate, especially for the kids. In fact, for my daughter’s birthday one year she asked for donations for soccer balls for the kids in the program rather than gifts for herself. We also love giving donations for specific items as gifts at the holidays, and our family members appreciate and enjoy receiving them as well.

My experience with Plan international has exceeded all expectations. The whole team there are the best at what they do. They’re helpful, knowledgeable, and really care about the children that they serve. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a great organization to donate to!

I have been with Plan International for over 15 years now, and have sponsored several children through them, they are a wonderful organization.
Most of the girls I sponsor are in India or nearby since I go there often. This year I did a second visit to my sponsored child, Kailashi, in Udaipur on March 1st, and have also visited the village two years ago. On both occasions I was taken by the wonderful Kiran Pandey, of Seva Mandir, Plan's partner organization. The first visit was a full day, I was shown around all the project which included providing latrines, building dams to preserve water and a children's kindergarten school before going on to Kailashi's village. On arrival there I was greeted like a visiting dignitary! a brass band, and marigold malas around my neck , the whole village was assembled . Some of the young children recited poems and did a little performance for me. Followed by a village meeting. On both occasions we bought notebooks and pens, cricket bat and foot ball for the children, so there was much excitement! It was great to meet Kailashi herself, and her family. Thanks to Plan and Seva Mandir they are all doing well.
The entire visit was extremely well organized, both Bryan Marshall at Plan and Kiran Pandey at Seva Mandir went way beyond to assist me when my credit card was compromised. Sending big thanks to them both, and yes I would highly recommend Plan International.

The work this organization does is wonderful, heart and soul warming. We have sponsored a young woman from Mail for several years, having first been approached by an energetic, personable, intelligent college student who was going door to door in our neighborhood. Although distant, this type of targeted giving adds a human element to the financial support. I also want to say that time and again I have found Plan International's support services to be among the best I have experienced in the profit or non profit world. Without exception the people I have dealt with have been responsive, helpful, professional, polite and a pleasure to work with. On all fronts, in substance and in process, well done!

One Sunday evening way back in the 1970s I watched a newsmagazine program, I no longer remember the program or the network, which featured a story juxtaposing the lives of two children. One was an 11-year-old girl in Dallas, the other an 11-yer old boy in Cairo, Egypt. The girl's parents had entered the child in a "Little Miss Dallas" competition, or some such children's beauty pageant and had spent considerable money on clothes, makeup etc. The little boy's day was spent at the massive Cairo city dump gathering "groceries" for his impoverished family. I was in my early 20s, just out of college but that program affected me to become involved in children's poverty issues. I discovered what was then called "Foster Parents Plan" during that process. What attracted me to Plan was that I could make direct contact with a specific "sponsored child," exchanging letters and drawings, learning about the child and his or her family and their community directly.
I have been involved since, sponsoring children from Sierra Leone to Senegal, to Haiti and most recently in Guatemala.
But I had never had the opportunity to visit one of my sponsored children until this past July when after some 40 years as a sponsor, I traveled to Guatemala to personally meet my sponsored child, Mayra, and her family in Chamtaca, high in the Alta Verapaz. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. From Mayra's greeting me personally when I stepped out of the Plan SUV, to all the planned activities, including visiting the schools Plan has been involved with, to getting to share in her coming 18th birthday celebration, it was a day I will never forget. The Plan staff seemed to share in my joy at seeing Mayra. They were amazing every step of the way, facilitating my trip, even when my first attempt had to be postponed and re-scheduled due to the Fuego Volcano in early June. I had literally been left standing at JFK Airport when my original flight was cancelled. But Plan staff quickly came up with alternate dates and coordinated my re-scheduled visit. I will never forget Mayra, who explained because of Plan assistance she could pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, saying my visit "was the best day" of her young life. It was pretty great for me too! That is why I plan to stay involved with Plan, the wonderful opportunity to meet someone special like Mayra and her family. It is as good as it gets!

I have been a sponsor through Plan International since 1984. I started sponsorship when I was 18 years old because I felt that I had many blessings living in the U.S. and God calls us to all do our part to love and care for others, particularly children, in this world. I lost track of how many children I have sponsored over the years as they grow into adulthood but I have their pictures and family stories saved. When exchanging letters with the children and their families it is wonderful to see how much a small amount from our perspective can improve their lives. Plan does not just provide food but they help communities with projects that have lasting impact on the communities and the families. Digging wells, providing education support, training regarding healthcare, providing medical care, etc. They have a long term plan which is so vital. I will continue to sponsor until the day the good Lord decides to take me home !

Over the years I have implemented parts of my vision to empower women through Focus On Women Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. I knew that for me to fully execute this vision there’s a skills gap I needed to close. Today, I am proud to say that Plan, through its GWIM programme which I attended in 2017, has closed that gap. My leadership, mentorship and facilitation skills have been greatly heightened. GWIM has given me all that I needed to fully function in equipping women to be effective leaders and transformation agents, as well as in economically empowering them to not only be survivalists (living from hand to mouth) but engage in sustainable economic activities that not only serve themselves and their households but add to the national accounts. When I reflect on how GWIM has impacted my life, I think of Page and Czuba (1999)’s definition of empowerment as a process of giving people "capacity to implement". This is exactly what Plan through GWIM did to me.

I gave four-stars just to get your attention! I consider Plan a five-star, over-all, but am frustrated with the gifts-to-sponsored-children requirements. I started sponsoring children (then Plan was called Foster Parents, I believe) in 1965. I recall having few limitations on gifts -- large stuffed animals were okay, etc. (I agree that is no longer feasible for economic reasons.) And for a while, more recently (within the past years, that is), I recall Plan's decision to eliminate anything except stickers, coloring pages. There was an issue of jealousy in small villages when some sponsored children did not receive anything. I agreed with that position, and Plan's attempt to deal with problems at customs (including bribing), and lost or stolen items. I also believe that Plan's Charity ratings have improved in the last few years -- now 5-stars because of better fiscal policies. BUT (you saw that coming!) I am frustrated with the "new/newer" gift limitations -- in part because they seem to be inconsistent. For example: Now we have 8 children, one in Ecuador, 7 in the Philippines. I sent each a "school kit" which included a mesh, zippered pouch (@ 5x7 in); a few pencils, erasers, small pencil sharpener, a few yellow highlighters, a few gel pens, rubber bands, a few large paper clips, and a small (as in mini-mini) notebook. I got a telephone call from a Plan representative (cannot recall her name) who said that she would have to divide up the items in the kit, and send them at different times. She said that I was permitted one small gift every two months, and that the gift could not be larger than 4 in x 6 in, by about 1/2 in. (I had asked if I could send a small dictionary that I measured to be 5 in x 7 in x 3/4 in -- no, not on her list). One of the kids thanked me for the three pencils and small notebook. I do not know if she received (or will receive) the rest -- but, hey, this was a school kit! I continue to look for a mini dictionary that is no larger than 4 in x 6 in x 1/2 in! Then, I noticed that Plan does not permit sharp objects -- understandably. But, a compass and protractor set, sealed in a hard plastic shell? Well, is that okay to send to kids between 12 and 17 years old? Or what about a small sewing kit -- with a micro-scissors? I contacted Plan and the person who responded by email was great, and really tried to be helpful. She told me there was no limit on gifts -- well, that is not what I was told. After she checked with a supervisor (about a mini-umbrella -- answer was no) she advised me to use a sandwich baggy to determine if the item was okay. Well, they are about 4 x 6 -- but will pencils fit in those? So, how about a quart-sized baggy; yes, the item should be relatively thin (perhaps no more than 2 inches), and weight must be a consideration, of course. And are hairbands considered clothing? What about barrettes -- would that be jewelry (I am talking about Walmart stuff -- not Ivanka's line). Surely Plan could do better in providing a great list of possibilities -- have staff visit a dollar store, for example, and come up with a good list! And how many times can we send small gifts? I do understand the issues -- including some kids getting more than others; and most certainly Customs, and just the extraordinary cost of sending items internationally. I do know that Plan has a short list of possibilities -- but insufficient information I think. I should add that I remember that Plan at one time had a system allowing sponsors to buy items, such as backpacks. Well, I thought the items were too expensive -- but perhaps that is petty. I would not mind such a possibility for such items as backpacks, but would hope that "small gifts" still could be individualized by the sponsor. MJP from Maryland

My story ended in tears . I sponsored a child from Honduras. He was about 4 years old when our sponsorship began. I loved sending him gifts (at that time plan allowed gifts) letters ,which I tried to write in Spanish btw, and photos. This correspondence lasted until he was 16 years old. Then I noticed I hadn't heard from my sponsor for awhile so I called plan and they casually said that my sponsor no longer wants to be part of the sponsorship because they didn't like the work ethics of plan?? They never wrote me good bye or thank or anything!! I was broken hearted. Next plan was going to automatically send me another person to sponsor!! I I think they forget about the emotional and very human element in these relationships. I was so upset to have someone I was growing so close to, just stop corresponding. So becareful ... it's rare that a sponsor will withdraw before their 18 birthday but it happened to me . I felt that plan USA handled it very coldly with no consideration for me or my family's feelings .

Very simply if you don't believe in the work, enroll in a child sponsorship, immerse yourself in the donor journey and try it yourself. I am a believer.

My company, Study Group, has been partnered with Plan for a number of years now and have sponsored over 10 projects around the world to bring quality education to places that need it most. I can personally attest to the incredible work Plan does, as I was able to be present for the opening of a brand new school in a remote village in northern Sri Lanka. This was my companies 10th project sponsored through Plan and it truly is incredible how Plan empowers the local community in every aspect of their projects to ensure long-term sustainability. I can't say enough how amazing this organization is and the difference they truly make in the world.

I have had a child since 1986. I had pen pals in school and this is even better since I can help a child and the family writes to me and I them, sharing life with them. I have had children write to me from all over the world and it makes me feel good knowing the children are thinking of me and they know I am thinking and caring about them. I convinced my daughter to give it a try and she was happy she started. The proof that they receive my help is in these letters they send. I will continue to share our lives with letters and help them and their families. The people I deal with who pass along the help and letters have always been friendly and helpful when I call the 800 number. Great Organization!

I am a leader of a Community Based Organisation in a developing country who had the amazing opportunity to be in the Global Women in Management (GWIM) training. This training gave me the tools to design programs that are suited to empower my beneficiaries. I thought I knew how to lead but after GWIM, I started started grooming leaders who replicated my leadership style and we are now changing our communities as leaders in our own rights. GWIM Training has played a tremendous part in giving me direction and structure to my leadership!

I was served by PLAN USA through their program Global Women In Management (GWIM). The program has built my capacity as a leader and manager of my organisation in my country. My organization has now grown and I am very greatful for all the help and support this PLAN USA continues to give to me as an alumnae of the GWIM program.

My Dad used to support children via Plan International his whole life. I remember him reading us the letters and showing us the pictures the kids drew over the years and once I started making my own money I followed in his foot steps. I do encourage my friends do support a child since we can make such a difference in these children life with such little effort. I've been with Plan International for over 15 years and now my children and husband enjoy receiving frequent letters from our current child from India.

I am delighted that I found Plan USA. You are doing a wonderful job for children and their families. I worked with children as teacher, counselor and Special Education Specialist for 35 years. I am delighted that I found you. You keep us informed about the children we sponsor and about your work. Communication with "my children" is very important to me. I cannot imagine how you do it, but keep up the great work. The children will be able to have a better life because of Plan Int USA. I wish I could do more, but one thing I can do is pray for all of you.

I would like to thank Plan for all of the great programs they offer. I have been a sponsor since 1988! Through the years I have recommended Plan to friends as well who want to help a child. I have been impressed always with what they have done to help the children and the communities . The children receive health care and education in a world where they and their communities need support. Also , Plan makes it easy to communicate with your child as well . Plan runs their organization with integrity and honesty asking for a monthly donation that is very affordable.

My organization has partnered with Plan International for over a decade to support education projects around the world. Through the various development projects we’ve supported over the years, our employees have been able to connect our organization’s mission of supporting student success to Plan’s mission of improving the quality of life for children in developing countries.

Plan staff, both those based in the US offices and around the globe within country offices, are wonderful advocates for children and communities. They’re knowledgeable on the issues facing the various countries we’ve worked in throughout the years. They’ve welcomed our employees with open arms during site visits and share their love of each project.

We’ve also been fortunate to be able to receive updates over the years on the various projects we’ve supported. It’s great to see the continued progress year over year; our employees look forward to these updates.

Our partnership with Plan International is an important part of the culture of our organization and our focus on student success around the globe.

I am a former Plan employee and a current donor. I can not speak highly enough of Plan, having seen the ins and outs of this organization. The work that Plan does is so incredibly important and to be a part of it feels extremely gratifying.

My organization has partnered with PLAN for a decade, and I have been volunteering with PLAN for 6 years. I also had the opportunity to visit an educational project site in Nepal. I so valued seeing how the project is always staffed in country and region, providing opportunities and economic growth to the area they are serving. I was impressed to see and learn more about not only the educational project, but also the healthcare, water, and girl empowerment projects in the area.

I have worked with Plan for a number of years now and taken part in some amazing events. I was also fortunate enough to visit a project out in India and document my experience first hand.

I have spent time with several members of the Plan USA team, who have all been amazingly kind and helped educate me on all things charity!

I work for Study Group, a global education company offering ELT and Higher Education opportunities for international students. Study Group has been partnered with Plan International for many years, sponsoring a large project each year as part of our Building Futures initiative to bring quality education to communities around the globe who lack it. I personally had the opportunity to visit our 2015 project in Sri Lanka, which was the construction of a new primary school in the northern region of Anuradhapura. I certainly can attest to the great work Plan does in each of the communities they work in, and their model is one I wish all international development organizations followed. Plan works at the grassroots level to not only build lasting relationships with each community they work in, but also makes sure to involve every part of the community in the design, construction, and implementation of any project they are facilitating. This ensures long-term sustainability as the community feels a sense of ownership and also has emotional ties to the work being done to better their community for generations to come. Visiting the 2015 school project we sponsored was an experience I'll never forget and makes me proud to know my company is partnering with an organization truly making a lasting difference in so many communities.

***
I am 77 years old and have been a "foster parent/donor" since my early 20's. I believe in Plan, what they do and what they stand for. I have pictures of my children on my desk where I see them often. It warms my heart to help change their lives for the better. I am a firm believer that, rather than be overwhelmed by all the "stuff" that goes on in the world, it is helping one-on-one that works. It is a win-win. If all of us did that, think of the result! It is amazing what we can do if we just bring it down to that.

***

Thank you,
Susan Stauffacher

It was my father who taught me to think, to share, and to be generous. It was my daughter and daughter-in-law who introduced me to Plan International, both were attending college at the time. So it not surprising that I have given to educational institutions and more frequently scholarships to college students and to children of the third world.

Plan International was the perfect philanthropic organization for me as it provided children with the greatest need an opportunity to learn, the communities in which they lived an opportunity to improve their lives through knowledge, and an experience of a lifetime for the teachers and administrators in a far away land. Giving to Plan outright and/or to a sponsored child gives the donor the satisfaction of helping so many with the gift of letters and numbers and the gift of hope and encouragement, good will and friendship.

Make a difference in a young person’s life, get acquainted with another world through newsletters and personal letters, and share your life with another to know the satisfaction of truly giving and taking.

Peggy

I've been a donor for the last 10+ years, even before we had our own children. Having grown up in a lower middle class family in India myself I was interested in making a difference to at least 1 child in India. I found Plan International. They allowed me to make the most effective use of my humble contribution, which otherwise I wouldn't know how to make it effective.

I really liked the emphasis paid to schooling. I would receive letters from these kids, written in their native language, and it was very heartening to see how these kids progressed.

Once we had our own kids I made sure that I shared the letters and photos of the kids in India who I was sponsoring. It really helped our own kids understand how it works in rest of the world.

This is my 3rd child, and I am so very happy and proud that 2 children benefited from the humble contributions I made. I couldn't have done it without Plan International. Thanks a lot for continuing this work.

As a new teacher in 1970 I showed a film called "Child of Darkness, Child of Light" detailing Foster Parents Plan's programs in Latin America. My world history students decided to sponsor a child for a year, and I continued the sponsorship of a girl from the Philippines. Since that time, I have sponsored several children from Africa and Asia. The latest young man from Burkina Faso was one of the most interesting and communicative. I will continue my sponsorship and encouragement of the program as long as possible and am considering a bequest in my will.

I have seen first hand the difference Plan International makes in several countries - maternal health and job training, micro finance, early childhood education, birth registration and water and sanitation just to name a few. I am especially proud of Plan's Because I Am A Girl program, which has improved the lives and futures of so many girls around the world and in doing so, makes the world a better place for boys and girls alike.

My daughter and I have been sponsoring a child through Plan for almost a year. I chose Plan because their model supports communities to solve their own problems. We got to see this in action several months ago when we went to visit our sponsored child in Nicaragua. The community had several projects that they were developing and implementing with financial and technical support from Plan, including creating a self-sustaining system for getting electricity into the community, literacy in the elementary school, and an anti-bullying programs run by teens in the community. The people who lived their, including the kids, came up with the problems and solutions, and Plan was there to provide resources needed to get it going. Our visit was amazing. We got to meet our sponsored child and her family, visit her school and home, and spend time playing with the kids and learning about their activities at school. I came away all the more convinced that Plan was the right choice for our donations.

I have been a strong supporter of Plan for years. They are an oxutstanding charity that forms lasting bonds with the people that they serve . I am particularly fond of Plan's Because I am a Girl Program. Their goal is to support girls' education in a variety of practical ways, like buying bikes for girls to get to school on time or paying tuition. As a donor, I love this, because I can see how my donation is being applied, and I often get a thank you note from the girls that I help, which is really moving.

I have contributed to Plan for six years after a friend related to me her wonderful experience with this organization. I have visited Plan sites in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador over the last few years, and have been very impressed with their community based, grassroots approach to issues of education, health, and gender equality. This organization strongly supports the rights of women and children, is very involved in birth registration in many countries, and has made a real impact on the day-to-day life of numerous individuals in many countries. I was very impressed on my visits to see their support of small businesses started by women in both urban and rural communities, providing technical and financial support to aid these women in establishing self-sustaining businesses, develop banking skills and relationships, and be better able to support themselves and their families. This organization truly helps communities evolve and grow in very practical and sustainable ways.

My wife and I have been Plan donors for many years and have visited Plan programs in Africa. I saw first hand that Plan does an extraordinary job of making sure that our donations make a lasting impact in local communities. I saw water wells that had been provided by Plan, schools built by Plan and a number of other wonderful projects that were developed and managed, with Plan's help, by the communities they benefit. Plan does not just drill a well, take a picture and leave. They work in communities for years and they work very hard to make sure their projects are sustainable. After seeing the work that Plan does and seeing how engaged they are in the communities they serve, I know that the donations we make are helping children improve their lives and increasing their chances of finding their way out of poverty. I wish we could do more.

Plan International is a great cause and they always keep you informed about the child you sponsor. After initially picking a child from India, I have since let them pick children based on where they have the greatest need and the most difficulty getting sponsors. They are easy to deal with and do not waste money with needless and costly spam. I have been involved with them for 14 years now and hope to be able to do this for many years to follow.

Great nonprofit that I have worked with for 8 years and always find projects that we can contribute to that really make a difference.

I've been a supporter and a donor of Plan USA for about a decade. Through Plan USA's programs, we have sponsored children in Kenya and Pakistan, which included writing letters back-and-forth and exchanging books and photos. We have helped women with Micro-finance loans in Vietnam. And, we were a lead sponsor to finish the construction of a primary school in Togo, Africa. The Plan USA organization makes a big impact in the lives of children around the world! Their staff is very professional and knowledgeable. A 1st Class Organization for sure! They make a difference!

My husband and I started supporting Plan over fifty years ago, and have become acquainted with families all over the world---Italy, Vietnam, Bolivia, Burkina-Faso and more. This has been only through writing---we were never able to visit any of them. I feel that Plan has helped their communities with their living conditions and promoted education, especially among girls. Also, Plan has always been on the ground when a major catastrophe happens, as in Haiti, Nepal and during the Ebola crisis. My daughter has agreed to maintain our support of Plan after we pass.

I started donating about 18 years ago. The program fulfills the old adage of teaching a man to fish so that he will always have food in the future, not just today with today's handout. I really appreciate the Give Differently program in buying animals and cultivation products for families. I've lost track of how many children I've sponsored, but I'm proud of the good that has been done in each area.

I have been donating to Plan since 1986. They keep me informed about what is happening to the family that I am supporting and the community in which they live. I like that they partner with local organizations and leave a community when their end objectives have been met.

Plan International has changed many lives in Ghana where I come from. The have not only given children a voice even in the remotest of Villages but have supported families and communities to pull themselves out of poverty.

I'm sure that Plan International probably does a lot of good, but I will no longer be contributing to the organization, and it makes me sick that I have in the past. I found out tonight after doing some internet research that Plan International has supported Reproductive Health Uganda, which is affiliated with Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States. I have to agree with another reviewer who stated that Plan's marketing materials are very slick. Plan has a highly touted campaign against sex-selective abortions in countries like India, a campaign which I would normally support if I wasn't aware of their aid to Reproductive Health Uganda. As it is, my charitable dollars will be going elsewhere in the future. I know many well-meaning folks will disagree with my views about abortion, as I have a lot of friends on the other side of the issue, but I'm not leaving this review for them. I'm leaving this review for those like me who are opposed to abortion on demand and who don't want their charitable contributions going to organizations that support it.

Our foundation has completed three projects with Plan (Guatemala, India, Nicaragua -- and visited all three sites), and we are planning a project in Burkina Faso this fall. I have had sponsored children in these and many more countries over a period of 22 years. We have visited their HQ and have regular communication with them. I love this organization and talk it up every chance I get.

I started giving to this organization when it had a different name, many years ago. I sponsored children and received letters from them, wrote back, etc. After a while I agreed to let my monthly donation be p[aid directly by my credit card. After that the letters dried up, and I no longer knew w ho or where my money was going. After several years of this, my credit card expired and I got a letter asking for the new information. I wrote back saying I had decided not to renew my msupport.
Surprise! I immediate received two different letters from children in Africa - the actual country was not specified - one wrote thanking me for "choosing me to be your chld". I feel I am being subjected to emotinal blackmail - I never agreed to resume if the organization started arranging for letters again, but I feel terrible about not anwering these letters! and of course, there is an envelope enclosed so I can send my gifts by electronic funds transfer.

We have been donating to Plan International for nearly two decades and we feel like we've created a meaningful relationship with the organization and the community that they support.

I have been a donor for over 50 years. The child that is assigned to you till they are 18 writes a letter about every 8 weeks and I have ALWAYS RESPONED. I have had letters from around the world. So far the high point was visiting "our" child n China

Reading these reviews, many people seem to be disappointed with the sponsorship program. You need to understand YOU ARE NO SPONSORING ONE CHILD! Plan makes it very clear that they work on COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. This means that your sponsor child is just a symbolic link to the COMMUNITY you're supporting. They don't receive any more aid than another child in the community. This might be why they don't have as strong of a connection with the donor as you might have hoped. Additionally, people seem to be concerned that 1. administrative costs are increasing and 2. that communication is less than they'd like, without recognizing that you need admin to better communication. I recently had the opportunity to visit my sponsor child and her community, and I'm must say, I was incredibly impressed. The local staff was efficient and friendly, and Plan organized the logistics of my visit for me. I got to see the school, water access points, sanitation facilities and health care units that had previously been sent to me in photographs, so I know all correspondence I had with the community was accurate.

My experience with Plan International USA is wonderful thus far. The organization keeps me well informed of their activities and innovative programs. I like the way Plan International USA focuses in on building communities at the local level through programs for children and collaboration with local (NGO) Non-Governmental Organizations. I have been sponsoring a girl in Kenya since the summer of this year. I received communication from the girl's father a few months after beginning sponsorship. The girl is only five years of age, and I was not expecting to receive written letters from her. I was very excited to receive communication from her father though, as he expressed the gratitude of their family. I just sent a second letter this morning. I look forward to becoming more involved with Plan International USA.

I have been a donor since 9/11 when I decided that we as a nation need to be doing more internationally to bridge the gap between the have's and the have nots. Since I did not want to go with a religious organization, and I wanted to have some interpersonal contact, and possibly go to visit my sponsor child, I researched hard and decided on PLAN. I am so glad I did. I have now sponsored, and also visited, two girls from different parts of Guatemala.

On both visits I was extremely impressed with the local staff and what they were doing in the very rural communities we visited. They are having a huge impact on many communities and many many children and families. It is one of the best things I have done in my 60 years and has culminated in a strong and permanent connection to Guatemala for me personally.

Like some of the other reviewers, I found it hard to have as much personal contact with my sponsored child as I would have preferred via letters. But after actually being in the communities, I realize that much of that is because we are dealing with different languages and cultures that do not have the kind of literacy we have in the U.S. I think it is more important for the staff to be out there helping people than figuring out how to communicate in a different language with someone from a different culture. And I'm not just talking English/Spanish, in my case with Guatemala, but one of the 22 different Mayan languages spoken in rural Guatemala. I am sure this is the same in most of the other countries PLAN operates in. They are doing a great job. Go see for yourself!

I began as a sponsor for this organization in the early 1970's when it was Foster Parents Plan. At the time, I had little money and wanted to make sure it went where it would do the most good. FPP had an extremely low administrative overhead, and I appreciated the blunt tone of their manually-typed correspondence. They were open about where my money was going, gave recommendations as to whether the family I was sponsoring would benefit from additional funds, and communicated clearly what they were doing to keep administrative costs down. Communications from the organization had the feel of coming from someone who really cared and was probably not being paid very much him/herself.

Although nearly 30 years later I am still sponsoring multiple families through what is now Plan International, over time the organization has become increasingly "slick" in their communications, and that their administrative spending has been increasing relative to their program spending. This trend appears to be accelerating in the past few years. While I am continuing with the families I sponsor, my new donations are going to other organizations. As the current children I sponsor age out of the program, I will not renew with Plan.

I have never given money to Plan; in fact, I convinced my mother not to give to their child sponsorship a couple of years ago, because of the rating. However, I am now prepared to donate to this charity because of the work I saw they were doing in Zimbabwe. I have just returned from a mission trip there where we are supporting an orphan trust. Everywhere I went, people at schools and clinics were saying that PLAN had made contributions and donations that were invaluable. Anyone who helps my friends is a friend to me. I also am pleased that they have no religious or government affiliation.

I am not fully satisfied with my sponsorship with Plan USA. I began sponsoring just over a year ago. I also have sponsored with several other organizations and developed my own case study. There are others that I like more than this one.

I have been sponsoring for 1.5 years and I have received one communication from my child. I feel as though I am blindly sponsoring this child.

I know that most of the reason to sponsor a child is for what the organization has to offer, but I feel that there are other things that my child may need, and communicating with her sponsor is one of them that may encourage her not to marry at age 13 like her mother. She is about 10 years old already.

What I do like is that this is the only organization that I have found that sponsors children in China. Although, my child is not in China, I would like to sponsor a child in China in the future.

I enjoy the communications from Plan USA. They are up-to-date, indepth and well written. I feel informed of how my money is being spent, and I am confident that my funds are being well used.

Plan USA does a great job of communicating how they utilize your funds, and the impact that they have. I was pleased to know that they have a large staff on site at Haiti already, and that anything I give can be immediately put to use to help with the earthquake crisis. Money donated is money well spent.

Plan USA does wonders for the needy children in India, along with many other countries. In addition to helping small kids, I am able to be in constant touch with them and their families, through timely letters and photos. Their volunteers are really helpful if we have any problem with any of our dealings with Plan USA. Overall, I would rate them the highest among the non-profits, not only for India but for children all around the world!