NPC: Tell us a little bit about your organization, ChildFund International. Why was it started?

Virginia Sowers: ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children’s Fund) has been inspired and driven by the potential that is inherent in all children; the potential not only to survive but also to thrive, to become leaders who bring positive change for those around them.

Our distinctive approach focuses on working with children throughout their journey from birth to young adulthood, as well as with families, local organizations and communities globally to create environments children need to thrive.

NPC: Who does it serve?

Virginia Sowers: We help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children around the world and in the United States to build their capacity to improve their lives and have the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities.

NPC: How long have you been in operation?

Virginia Sowers: Founded in 1938 in Richmond, Va., as China’s Children Fund, ChildFund has evolved from a focus on orphans and orphanages to an international child development organization.

China’s Children Fund became Christian Children’s Fund in 1951.

On July 1, 2009, the organization changed its name to ChildFund International to reflect the true breadth and international scope of the organization’s work and to recognize its affiliation with the ChildFund Alliance.

ChildFund International is a founding member of ChildFund Alliance whose members partner to improve the lives of children and family members in 55 countries.

NPC:  How many people did you serve your first year? And, this year?

Virginia Sowers: In 1939, the board of China Children’s Fund sent its first donation of $2,000 “to the authorities of China” for the benefit of war orphans.

Today, ChildFund International assists approximately 15.2 million children and family members in 31 countries worldwide.

This includes more than 500,000 sponsored children who are supported through monthly contributions.

NPC: What is your most difficult challenge as a nonprofit?

Virginia Sowers: Meeting the tremendous needs of children living without basic life necessities, and getting to the roots of poverty.

NPC: What was your most difficult challenge starting out?

Virginia Sowers: Our organizational history reveals that our founder J. Calvitt Clarke was a veteran promoter of relief for peoples displaced by the ravages of WWI, and a gifted publicist and fundraiser. He had traveled quite a bit abroad and had witnessed the suffering of war and famine victims. What affected him most was the suffering of children, and he was able to effectively share his concerns with others and launch a nationwide appeal for funds on behalf of Chinese children orphaned by the second Sino-Japanese War.

NPC:  What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a nonprofit?

Virginia Sowers: Identify an unmet need and work steadfastly toward your goal. Others will be inspired by passion, action and accountability.

NPC: How can people get involved?

Virginia Sowers: ChildFund International invites others to learn more about our organization via our web site and blog and to engage with
us in conversation via our social media networks. A great way to become involved is to sponsor a child or to contribute to our Fund-a-Project program, which allows individuals to collectively accomplish a goal such as funding playgrounds for children in Afghanistan or donating supplies for a community garden in the U.S.

http://www.childfund.org

www.mychildfund.org/fundaproject

 http://www.childfund.org/make-a-donation.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/ChildFundinternational

http://www.childfundinternational.wordpress.com

http://www.twitter.com/childfund

http://www.youtube.com/childfundtube

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2331305&trk=anet_ug_hm

NPC: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Virginia Sowers: Our work would not be possible without the
generosity of our child sponsors and donors, and we are most grateful for their support. We invite others who are passionate about children to join us.

*Virginia Sowers is the Community Manager for ChildFund International. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.childfund.org.