ChildFund International is inspired and driven by the potential that is inherent in all children; the potential not only to survive but to thrive, to become leaders who bring positive change for those around them.
The heart of ChildFund International remains the one-to-one connection made when you sponsor a child. Our work began in 1938 with an effort to support orphanages for the children who had been left without homes or families in the wake of the second Sino-Japanese War.
These orphanages were funded by individuals in America who “sponsored” an orphaned child in China. This approach continues today.
What began as a modest effort to sustain orphanages has evolved into a global force working for children encompassing the globe.
We work in 30 countries, assisting approximately 18.1 million children and their family members in 2013. Our distinctive approach focuses on working with children, regardless of race, creed or gender, throughout their journey from birth to young adulthood, as well as with families, local organizations and communities globally to create the environments children need to thrive.