Compassion International is a Christian child sponsorship and holistic child development nonprofit founded in 1952. It partners with local churches to release children from poverty in Jesus' name, working through more than 8,000 church partnerships across 29 countries and currently serving 2.3 million children. The organisation began as a response by Rev. Everett Swanson to the plight of Korean War orphans in South Korea and has operated for more than 70 years.
Its flagship child sponsorship programme pairs sponsors with local churches to deliver individualised care addressing mind, body and soul - nutritious food, medical care, education, protection and the gospel. Alongside this sits a holistic, Christ-centred child development model: a church-driven community empowerment approach that equips local congregations to serve their neighbours and pursue lasting transformation rather than temporary relief.
Reported outcomes include 97% of programme alumni being released from poverty, 92% providing better lives for their families, and 90% actively serving their communities. The stated ambition is that children become changemakers in their families and nations.
Compassion International describes its culture as Christ-centred, church-driven and child-focused, with each child's unique needs attended to individually. The organisation operates across the nonprofit and child welfare sectors, poverty alleviation and community development, and faith-based humanitarian aid.
