Frequently Asked
Questions
How is my monthly orphan sponsorship used?
Your sponsorship is used by MWL to provide a comprehensive support system for the child you sponsor and their caregiver. We take your donation far beyond basic needs, we create a nurturing environment for your child to thrive emotionally, socially, psychologically, and academically. Your support may be utilized by providing access to:
- Cash Assistance
- Health Checks and Follow-Ups
- Recreational Activities
- Psychosocial Support (PSS)
- Educational Activities
- Community Centers
- Food Baskets
- Iftar Meals During Ramadan
- Eid Clothes
- Qurbani Meat Distribution
- Carnival Celebrations
- Back-to-School Supplies
- Winter Clothes
- Early Recovery Activities for Caregivers
Click here to learn more about how your sponsorship helps orphans
Our policy regarding not featuring adults' faces
We believe that every individual should be honored and deserves respect. Therefore, we do our very best to protect the dignity of adults by not using pictures depicting their faces when receiving aid. However, we use pictures of children smiling to reflect their joy as a result of your contribution.
What is MWL's privacy policy?
We respect the privacy of all our donors. We do not sell your information, rent it out, exchange it, or provide it in mailing lists. We may send you opportunities and newsletters via communication with our website.
Is using my credit card online to donate safe?
We strive to keep your personal information completely secure. We utilize SSL internet security protocol as our certification and encryption technology to keep your credit card data safe. Meaning, whenever you enter your credit card number in a response form on our site, you can feel confident that your information is protected.
How will a sponsored child benefit from my donation?
Sponsorship of an orphan child with MWL costs $60 per month to be billed monthly or annually. Every dollar of that money goes towards meeting the child and their community’s basic provisional needs and facilitating programs to meet their long-term sustainable growth – programs such as education and healthcare.
How does your organization work with the community?
As a community-based organization, our programs are built and run in collaboration with the very communities we aim to aid. We want to empower people to make positive changes in their lives, the lives of their children and for their community as a whole. Our collaborative team is highly invested in efficiently and effectively using all available resources to meet the needs of each community we serve.
How long does Mercy Without Limits work in a community?
Our goal at MWL is to be present in a community for as long as there is a need for our services. In the case of logistical challenges that may prevent us from continuing our efforts, we will reevaluate different options to ensure our orphans and their communities can transition smoothly.
Is there a time limit for my sponsorship of a child?
No, there is no time limit that dictates how long you can sponsor a child. We view sponsorships as a commitment to the child for the long term, but each sponsorship is different, and the lengths are based on different factors. Generally, sponsorship can end when a child grows old enough to care for themselves or becomes self-sufficient. As long as the child that you sponsor has not become self-sufficient, he or she will typically continue to receive assistance. If or when your sponsorship ends, we will inform you and provide you with a chance to sponsor another child that is in need of assistance.
What support do I provide for my sponsored orphan?
MWL is unique in that our sponsorship program is designed to provide orphans not only with life’s necessities (food, water, shelter and healthcare), but also access to programs that benefit and empower them and their respective community– such as vocational programs and psychological interventions. Our orphan sponsorship program also provides support to our orphans’ mothers, helping them develop financial independence to support their children and themselves.
What does the cash assistance cover?
We provide monthly cash assistance to caregivers to help them meet basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, health, and educational materials for the children. Depending on the situation and logistics, these funds are distributed every 2-3 months to ensure timely support.
What do health checks include, and are there follow-ups?
We conduct comprehensive annual health checks for the children, which include physical exams, screenings for common illnesses, growth and nutritional assessments. If any medical needs arise, we follow up with the necessary care and treatment to make sure the children remain healthy and supported.
What activities are organized for orphans?
We plan a variety of fun and engaging activities, including outdoor excursions, sports, arts and crafts, and indoor games, to provide relaxation and opportunities for social bonding for both the children and their caregivers.
What are life skills and psychosocial support activities?
Our life skills workshops and psycho social support activities are designed to help children and their caregivers learn valuable knowledge, cope with trauma, and build resilience, fostering their emotional and psychological well-being.
What are community centers, and what purpose do they serve?
Our community centers are safe and welcoming spaces where orphans and caregivers can join various activities, including tutoring opportunities, workshops, and support services. At these centers we promote learning, engagement, and a sense of belonging within the community.
What does the food basket contain, and when is it distributed?
We carefully prepare food baskets filled with essential items like rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, dates, lentils, and more, to help families during Ramadan and beyond. Depending on availability, we may also include extra nutritious items like powdered milk and canned goods. These baskets are given out at the start of Ramadan to ease the financial burden on caregivers and typically sustain a family of 5 for a month.
What is unique about our iftars?
Our iftars blend traditional meals with activities that bring joy and foster a sense of belonging, supporting both cultural connections and emotional well-being for children and their caregivers.
What kind of clothing is provided for Eid Al Fitr, and when is it distributed?
We provide new clothes to orphaned children so they can celebrate Eid Al Fitr with joy and pride. These clothing packages include culturally appropriate outfits designed for the festive occasion. This initiative helps create a sense of belonging and excitement, while also easing the financial burden on caregivers.
How is meat distribution managed during Eid Al Adha?
We work with local partners to distribute Qurbani meat to orphans and their caregivers, ensuring a quality and joyful celebration for everyone involved. We ensure the sacrifices are performed within the correct time frame in each region.
What is the purpose of the carnival celebration?
We host carnival days filled with fun activities for children, caregivers, and the community in various countries, with the goal to establish positive memories and strengthen social bonds. These carnivals include giant inflatable slides, bouncing castles, face paint, performances by local musicians, and meals and snacks for orphans.
What items are provided in the back-to-school campaign?
We supply children with school uniforms, stationery, water bottles, backpacks, and educational materials at the start of each school year, helping them feel prepared and motivated for their studies. We also provide teacher bags that include whiteboard markers, binders, and additional stationery to support their efforts to educate children in underserved communities.
What kind of clothing is provided during winter?
We provide warm clothing, including coats and accessories, to ensure children stay cozy and healthy during the cold months.
What are early recovery activities for caregivers?
We organize skill-building workshops at our community centers, covering topics like sewing, handcrafts, computer skills, and basic literacy and numeracy, helping caregivers gain new skills to foster long term financial independence.
What kind of financial and vocational support does MWL offer for widows?
Our Widow Support program provides vocational training (e.g., skills development) for widows so they can earn income, like sewing, soapmaking, house cleaning ect. Additionally, we support widows with broader social welfare, financial assistance and empowerment (Through cash assistance, educational access, healthcare*, and psychosocial support).
How does MWL’s widow sponsorship program help mothers become self-sufficient?
By providing vocational training and ongoing support, MWL helps widows develop skill sets and income-generating opportunities, which promotes self-sufficiency and allows them to better care for their families. Also see our financial and vocational support FAQ.
How can I sponsor a widow or contribute to MWL’s economic empowerment programs for women?
You can donate via MWL’s main donation portal under “Widow Support” or “Women’s Economic Empowerment” programs (accessible from the “Donate” page).
How does MWL provide education support and scholarships to children in need?
We provide education support through our Education Support program and the Orphan Fund sponsorship program. Through these initiatives, children receive school supplies, tuition support, health services, and psychosocial care so they can attend school and pursue their dreams.
What types of educational programs and student sponsorships does MWL offer for orphaned children?
Our Orphan Sponsorship Program allows donors to sponsor a child (for USD $60/month) and that sponsorship covers food, water, health services, and education for the child. Our Education Support page emphasizes school supplies, access to education and encouraging children to thrive.
Where can I donate to support education and school supplies for vulnerable children through MWL?
Donations can be made via MWL’s “Donate Now” page under the Education Support or Orphan Fund options.
How can I donate a food box to a family in need through MWL?
You can donate via MWL’s donation page selecting “Food Aid” or the specific campaign (e.g., Ramadan, Winter) that includes food boxes.
What is included in an MWL emergency food box for Ramadan?
Specific item-lists vary from season to season, depending on regional availability, but we make sure that a family of five has enough food for one month with each box (usually contains staples like, oil, rice, beans, canned goods ect.)
Where does MWL distribute its food aid and food boxes globally?
MWL distributes globally in countries including Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, and in refugee camps (e.g., Rohingya) as part of its orphan and emergency relief work.
How much does it cost to build a water well with MWL?
Specific standard cost for water wells (tube vs deep) varies by seasonal availability and country(each country has different labor and material costs) Please see the specific country for each price.
What is the difference between a deep well and a tube well in MWL’s water aid projects?
A Tube Well is a smaller water well that uses a hand pump to serve around 40 families. A deep well is a larger water well that uses automatic faucets to serve around 100 families. Both are installed in villages across Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Where can I donate to build a water well as Sadaqah Jariyah through MWL?
You can donate via MWL’s Water Aid program page through the “Donate” portal.
How does MWL provide emergency shelter and housing for refugees and displaced families?
Our Syria Emergency work includes providing tents (emergency shelter), heating materials, food and winter relief to families forced from their homes. We also renovate schools and hospitals which may serve as temporary housing during an immediate crisis.
What types of shelter aid does MWL offer in disaster and conflict zones like Syria and Gaza?
We offer emergency tents, heating materials, shelter kits and food boxes in conflict/disaster zones. For example, Syria Emergency provides tents and heating materials to those in crisis zones.
Disclaimer: MWL never misappropriates funds, if access to aid is not available, we build up a shipment, and stock it near a border until access becomes available. Any money you donate will eventually go to its intended recipient.
Where can I donate to provide shelter kits and emergency housing for families through MWL?
Use the “Donate” page, selecting the “Emergency Response” or “Winter Relief” campaigns, or a Syria/Gaza appeal that includes shelter kits.
How can I pay my Zakat and Sadaqah online through MWL?
Through our online donation portal – select options such as “Zakat al-Mal”, “Sadaqah”, etc.
What are the Zakat-eligible projects I can support through MWL’s religious giving programs?
Projects include Orphan Sponsorship, Widow Support, Food Aid, Emergency Relief, Water Aid, and other programs.
How does MWL distribute Fidya and Kaffarah donations during Ramadan to those in need?
Specific details for Fidya/Kaffarah distribution vary by location, and year costs. We use our direct teams in each country to navigate how to best serve each population. Usually an event is held, families are invited and they are given the meat there, or we go to smaller villages with a delivery truck.
What types of medical care and services does MWL's healthcare program provide?
MWL’s healthcare program focuses on essential and emergency medical support by strengthening existing hospitals and clinics in crisis-affected areas. This includes supplying medical equipment, medicines, dental and general healthcare services, and supporting healthcare staff where access to care would otherwise be limited. MWL’s healthcare support is designed to address urgent medical needs and maintain basic healthcare access for vulnerable communities, including orphaned children through regular medical checkups.
Examples MWL lists include establishing five dental clinics in Northern Syria, supporting health facilities in Eastern Ghouta, funding hospital staff salaries, supplying hospitals with equipment and medicine, distributing oxygen kits to hospitals in Jordan during the Covid 19 pandemic, and helping establish the Yemen Academic Hospital. We also have our orphan sponsorship that includes consistent healthcare with two check ups per year. We distribute vaccines to orphans, and help widows with maternal care.
How does MWL deliver healthcare in conflict zones and hard-to-reach areas?
MWL describes an on the ground model that works through supporting and supplying existing healthcare facilities and hospitals with salaries, equipment, medicine, oxygen kits, and fuel in crisis moments.
Examples of this include the February 2023 Syria earthquakes, we supplied fuel to hospitals in Northern Syria and helped secure large scale medicine and medical equipment for healthcare facilities in the region.
What makes healthcare a critical part of MWL's humanitarian mission?
Healthcare is central to our mission because health is foundational to dignity, recovery, and stability. Without access to medical care, families cannot rebuild, children cannot attend school, and communities cannot recover from crisis. We prioritize healthcare alongside food, water, shelter, and education to ensure that humanitarian support addresses both immediate survival needs and long-term human development.
Can I direct my donation to support healthcare in a specific country or crisis?
Yes. MWL offers program-based and crisis-specific giving, allowing donors to support healthcare efforts in particular countries or emergency responses, such as Syria, Gaza, or other crisis-affected regions. Donors can direct their support by selecting the relevant healthcare program or donating through a specific country or emergency appeal.
If you want your giving tied to a specific crisis, the best way is to donate through that crisis appeal page or select the relevant program and appeal on MWL’s donation flow.
How is MWL providing emergency relief to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar?
While we have done winter relief for Rohingya camps (e.g., providing blankets, essential supplies) specific program details for “Cox’s Bazar” vary by season, and need. Ex. water during summer, and winter clothes during the cold.
What is MWL doing to deliver aid for the Gaza emergency and Syria emergency crises?
For Gaza, the need is dire, with people displaced without shelter, food and medical care. It falls under our urgent appeals (support for urgent appeals changes with availability, need, and access times. For Gaza we send food, tents, clothes, medicine, when we have access to a border.)
For Syria, we provide emergency shelter (tents), food boxes, hot meals, heating materials and other relief for displaced families.
Also see our Syria rebuild initiatives (often cleaning streets, repairing hospitals, or vital infrastructure like water stations, electric generating stations, ect.)
Where can I donate to support MWL’s emergency response efforts in conflict zones and for refugees?
Donations for emergency response can be made on MWL’s “Donate” page under “Emergency Response”, “Winter Relief”, or crisis-specific appeals (e.g., Syria, Gaza).