A: Just as you can’t change designated countries, once you’ve registered, we can’t change your selection. We track your group’s pledged support through a unique code generated by the registration process — which makes some communities available or unavailable to other groups based on the total commitments we’ve already received. Pray about your decision, and then look forward to hearing about how your commitment is changing lives!
A: Once your group has registered to support a specific country, we can’t change your selection. We track your group’s pledged support through a unique code generated by the registration process — which makes some country selections available or unavailable to other groups based on the total commitments we’ve already received.
A: Short answer: we want to make sure your funds go to the right place! About three weeks before your event, we create your Donation Toolkit, which makes it easy for you to send in your Famine funds. The special code on your Donation Toolkit ensures that your funds go to your designated country. Once this kit is on its way to you, we can’t change your code and still ensure that your funds will go where you want them.
A: They could, depending on which country your group selects. Take a look at the information provided for each country. That should let you know if there’s a match available, and if so, how much the match multiplies your giving. Stay tuned — more information on this topic will be available soon.
A: That’s awesome! We’ll work with you so that your Famine funds can help support what your church or group is already faithfully doing. E-mail us at
30hfsupport@worldvision.org with your name, account number (if you know it), your church name and address, and what community or project your congregation is already supporting.
A: Undesignated funds help provide food and care for children all around the world. They may be used in projects that provide access to clean water, improved nutrition, basic healthcare, education, or economic opportunities. We also use these funds to match U.S. government grants or to deliver goods donated by corporations — both of which multiply the impact of your group’s gifts! About 15 percent of all undesignated funds will be used in our work to help children and families in poverty here in the U.S.
A: Possibly. Some communities may be closed to visitors because of safety or other concerns. Other areas may be more open. Be aware that circumstances, such as disasters or political unrest, can change at any time — opening or shutting to the door to most any community.
In addition, World Vision works with tens of thousands of donors and churches around the world, many of whom would also like to travel to see their funds in action. Logistically, it’s simply not possible to take everyone. (And if we tried, the cost and time would mean that less help would go to those in need.)
However, if you’re interested in traveling to an area where you’ve designated funds, please do contact us AFTER you’ve done the Famine and sent in your funds. E-mail 30hfsupport@worldvision.org or call us at 1.800.7.FAMINE (1.800.732.6463).
A: That’s a great question with two great answers. First, World Vision has been awarded a number of U.S. government grants in many of these countries, so your dollars have a much greater impact there. In a specific country, for example, every dollar World Vision raises could be matched by five dollars of agricultural support from the U.S. government.
Second, many of the countries you can choose have well-established projects with a good communication stream — which allows us to share in greater detail about how your funds are making a difference.
A: Yes! After the national Famine dates, we’ll begin collecting reports and get information to you as soon as we can. Please keep in mind that communication from the field is not always rapid, so it may be early to mid-summer before we are able to publish a full report. Note that you will get a report only if you designate your funds.
A: World Vision staff will use your Famine funds for whatever is needed most within the communities we serve. These critical projects are usually in the areas of food and agriculture, clean water, education, basic healthcare, and economic opportunities. Through decades of experience, we’ve learned that the best way to change a child’s life is to help their community become self-sustainable in key areas like these.
A: Designating your funds is a great way to rally your church around a specific part of the world. It can also create a greater connection to those you’re helping. Take the time leading up to your Famine to learn about the country you choose. Develop a heart for that region and pray for its people! If your church already supports sponsored children or projects in that area, take this chance to deepen your impact. After the national Famine dates, we’ll provide you with a report about how your funds are helping children and families in the country you selected.
A: To designate your funds, you choose a country from the list we offer, and we’ll use your funds to help children and families there. If you don’t designate your funds, we’ll use them where they’re needed most to help feed and care for children around the world.
