About Plan

Founded over 70 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest international development agencies in the world. We work in 48 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas and raise funds in 21 countries.

We are an independent, not-for-profit organization without political agenda or religious orientation.

More than 1,500,000 children and their families directly benefit from our grassroots, self-help programs in health, education, water and sanitation, income-generation and cross-cultural communication. Indirect beneficiaries include an estimated further 9,000,000 people living in communities working with Plan.

We work to provide a better world for children now and in the long-term future. We make this happen by putting children’s needs and concerns at the center of all our programs and encouraging children to participate and contribute their ideas and opinions so they are truly heard in their community. Our work to promote child rights and lift millions of girls and boys out of poverty is based around eight core areas.  

Our vision

Our vision is of a world in which all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity.

Our mission

Plan USA strives to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries by:
  • Enabling deprived children, their families and their communities to meet basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies;
  • Fostering relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries; and
  • Promoting the rights and interests of the world’s children.

Child sponsorship

Plan's work is made possible thanks to nearly 1,100,000 people in 18 donor countries who support us by sponsoring a child as well as through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, grants, and strategic partnerships with other organizations.

Plan USA is proud to have met and exceeded the standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Less than 17 percent of our total funding is from government or multilateral grants. Learn more about Plan USA’s financial accountability.

To learn more about Plan USA and how you can get involved, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Sponsor a child today!Sponsor a child today! Child sponsorship supports long-term community development projects that benefit children, their families and communities.