Faqs

• What is Plan International?

  Plan International is a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries.

  Not for profit, independent, and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.

  Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies. In 2006, we changed our name and are now known as Plan International in the 72 countries where we work around the world.

  Learn more about where we work.

• What is Plan International Canada?

  Plan International Canada is part of Plan International. Funds raised in Canada and worldwide are used to support child-centred, community development projects through sustainable solutions with measurable results.

  Plan International Canada Inc. (Plan International Canada) is officially registered as a charitable organization with the federal government.

• Who benefits from Plan International's work?

  Children are at the heart of everything we do.

  Supported by over one million donors worldwide, Plan International`s projects support more than 1.5 million children and their families while indirectly supporting nine million people in communities involved in our child-centred initiatives.

  Learn more about Plan International's programs and projects.

• How does Plan International choose where to work?

  In choosing where Plan International works, we carefully assess the potential to create lasting, positive change. We analyze poverty statistics and a wide range of human development indicators, such as literacy or infant mortality. We work with communities who have invited us to collaborate with them – an important prerequisite for work to be successful and sustained.

  Decisions on how to use the funds are based on strategic plans prepared by in-country program staff in consultation with children, communities, local governments and partner organizations.

  Learn more about How we work.

• What is Plan International’s stance on abortion?

  The reality is that abortion is not widely available or legal in many developing countries. Where it is, Plan International supports women so that they can make their own decisions about sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning and abortion. Plan International supports the rights of women to choose all legal and safe options when it comes to family planning and other reproductive health services, including abortion.

  Plan International Canada is currently implementing reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health programs that will reach 9.1 million people in 8 countries around the world. However, Plan International Canada does not own or operate healthcare facilities, provide clinical services or directly employ health care professionals in the delivery of these programs, and does not provide abortion services or provide referrals for abortion services.

• Does Plan International provide emergency relief?

  Yes. Plan International is uniquely positioned to respond quickly when disaster strikes in one of our program countries. Many of our staff were either born in, or have deep roots, in the areas they serve. This local knowledge as well as Plan International’s long-term presence give us the relationships and infrastructure to ensure that money donated in response to emergency appeals gets to the people it’s intended to help.

  In many instances, your contribution to emergency response through Plan International is matched by the government.

• Do sponsorship contributions go directly to one child?

  No. Sponsorship contributions are pooled centrally, and used to fund programs benefiting sponsored children, their families and communities. More than 70 years of experience have taught us that helping families and communities become self-sufficient is the best way to secure a child’s future.

  Learn more about child sponsorship.

• How much of my contribution goes towards Plan International’s development projects?

  We are committed to maximizing the amount of funds that go towards helping children. In 2015, 80.5% of funds raised by Plan International Canada supported programs that help children and communities. 19.5% went towards administration, operating and fundraising costs.

• How can I see the results of my contribution?

  We regularly share stories about the people we work with on our website and on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles. We also send email updates to donors on the progress their donation is supporting.

  If you’ve sponsored a child, community or project, you will receive annual progress reports regarding your child or chosen program.

  We also publish an Annual Report that includes audited financial statements showing how funds are spent. These statements are prepared according to International Accounting Standards.

  Learn more about how we stay accountable to our supporters.

• Are my contributions eligible for tax credits?

  Yes, donations are tax deductible. To save expenses and for easier record keeping your receipt will be automatically issued in February for cumulative donations of more than $25. Only official receipts – paper and electronic – issued by Plan International Canada and bearing our business number are valid for Canadian income tax purposes.

  If you are a member of a group sponsoring a child, project or program, official receipts are also available for individuals in the group.

  If you require a tax receipt prior to February, please contact our Donor Care team by phone at: 1-800-387-1418 or email at: info@plancanada.ca.

  Get your tax receipt by email and help us keep costs low and save paper. Email us at info@plancanada.ca or call 1 800 387-1418 to convert to e-receipts now.

• Can I leave a gift in my will to my sponsored child?

  No, it is not possible for you to leave a gift in your will to your sponsored child. You can, however, leave a gift in your will for Plan International's child sponsorship programming.

  Since a legacy gift is realized well into the future, and because needs and programs shift over time, your bequest will have the maximum impact for children if Plan International Canada has the flexibility to direct your gift to where the need is greatest at the time. This will allow your gift to support generations of children far into the future.

  To ensure that Plan International is able to honour your wishes and distribute your gifts as you intend, the wording of your will is important. To discuss the wording of your will, please don't hesitate to contact Karobi Ray, CFRE at 1-800-387-1418 ext. 292 or email kray@plancanada.ca. You can also view some samples of wording for your bequest here.

• I talked to one of your representatives on the street and was given the opportunity to donate through a special iPhone. Is this a secure way to make a donation?

  Plan International Canada is always seeking new monthly donors to join our global movement for change. One way to support us is through our committed and passionate representatives on the streets of many Canadian cities. Thanks to Public Outreach, one of our face-to-face fundraising partners, our street representatives in Vancouver can now accept donations on the spot using specially modified iPhones. This is a convenient and secure mobile giving method that helps us receive your urgently needed contribution as soon as possible. The new method can accept both credit cards and cheque donations and helps reduce administrative costs. If you meet one of our representatives, please feel free to inquire about the new devices and learn more about our important programs.