LAST UPDATED: October 2026
Choisissez comment vous aimeriez faire une différence
Whether you want to be personally paired with an orphan or contribute to broader care, your giving changes lives. Choose the path that feels right for you.
Orphan Sponsorship
Orphan Care
Transformer la vie des enfants orphelins depuis plus de 40 ans
The Orphan Sponsorship Program is one of the oldest running programs within Islamic Relief, established in 1986. We serve orphaned children under 18: a child whose father has passed away or whose whereabouts have been unknown for two or more years. Sponsorships can extend to age 24 for orphans in higher education or with ongoing medical needs.
Our Prophet ﷺ placed the highest status on those who care for orphans. Sponsoring an orphan is among the most beloved acts in Islam, a deed that brings you close to the Prophet ﷺ himself in Jannah. With your continued support, Islamic Relief has helped over 80,000 orphans worldwide.
Your support reaches not just the child, but their entire family
Your support covers essential daily needs and provides a stable foundation for a better future. Across 26 countries, our dedicated case workers conduct regular home visits to ensure every child is safe, supported, and thriving.
- Aliments et repas nutritifs pour la famille
- Abri sûr et stable
- Accès à une éducation de qualité
- Soins de santé et soutien médical
- Visites et suivi par un travailleur social dédié
- Soutien supplémentaire à travers les programmes de Ramadan, de Qurbani et d'Eid
- Micro-financement et formation professionnelle pour les gardiens
Vos parrainages transforment des vies
Orphans and Children FAQs
Choosing how to give
Is Orphan care the same as Orphan Sponsorship?
No. Orphan Sponsorship is a monthly commitment of $90, or $45 through our shared sponsorship option, that directly supports an individual orphan’s basic needs.
Orphan Care donations are pooled to support broader needs, including additional support for sponsored families and projects benefiting multiple children and families. Orphan Care can be given as a one-time or monthly donation. You will not be supporting one orphan directly.
Can my donation be Zakat-eligible?
Yes. You can choose to designate your donation as Zakat when you give. Zakat-designated donations are used only to support Muslim orphans and families who meet Zakat eligibility requirements, in accordance with Zakat guidelines.
Our orphan sponsorship program is Zakat eligible. If you would like to designate your orphan sponsorship as part of your Zakat donations, kindly let us know. We can pair you with a Muslim orphan.
What does the Orphan Care fund cover?
The Orphan Care fund can support:
- Medical Aid: Assistive equipment, surgeries, therapy or treatment
- Educational Support: Tuition fees, educational materials, tools, or skills training
- Shelter Repair: Home repairs, electricity supply, clean water or sanitation facilities
- Orphan Projects: Supporting education, health, social welfare, sports and leisure activities
About Orphan Sponsorship
Who does Islamic Relief support through our Orphan Sponsorship Program?
Our Orphan Sponsorship Program targets orphans younger than 18 and their families when they fulfil either of the following criteria:
- The father or both parents have passed away
- A child whose father’s whereabouts have been unknown for two years or more (one year or more for refugees and internally displaced people)
A Sponsorship can continue past the age of 18 up to the age of 24 if the orphan is in higher education or if the orphan has medical needs which require the sponsorship to continue.
Children who are identified for sponsorship are usually within a family home, living with their mother or extended family members such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents.
Islamic Relief sponsors children regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity, if they meet the requirements set out in the program selection criteria.
How does my sponsorship support the family?
When you sponsor an orphan, your support extends to their entire household. In most cases, this monthly assistance is a key source of income for the family and is used to meet essential needs such as food, rent, utilities, and other basic living expenses.
An orphan’s vulnerability is closely linked to the wellbeing of their family. Supporting the child means supporting the environment they depend on for stability and care.
Does the orphan receive sponsorship money every month?
The donations are transferred to your orphan’s guardian on a quarterly basis. This allows a consistent income, not only for your sponsored orphan, but for their entire household.
Sponsorship funds are used for vital necessities such as:
- Food
- Shelter
- Education
- Health care needs
*Kindly note, if you have a recurring donation and your payments have not gone through for more than 2 consecutive months, the sponsorship will be closed and your sponsored orphan will be reassigned to another donor.
What information will I receive about the orphan I sponsor?
When you start your sponsorship, you will receive a biodata report that includes a photograph and detailed information regarding your sponsored orphan. In addition to the initial report, you will receive a single consolidated annual progress report in December of each year. Please note, the reporting period will be for the previous year. Donors may request their orphan’s annual progress report via [email protected] if they have not received their report in December.
Do I have to find another donor to pair with?
No, you do not need to find another donor. Our team at Islamic Relief Canada will match your sponsorship with another donor. The identity of the other donor will remain confidential.