What is World Vision?
World Vision Australia is part of the World Vision International Partnership, a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation operating in more than 90 countries.
The work of the World Vision Partnership is inspired by Christian values. It works to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty. The help provided is on the basis of need. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
The World Vision International Partnership provides short-term and long-term assistance to 100 million people worldwide, including 2.4 million children. It helps over 20 million people every year, employing 22,500 staff. The Partnership’s annual budget is in excess of US$1.5 billion.
World Vision Australia is Australia's largest charitable group. We bring together a variety of specialists on issues such as climate change, the environment, human rights and international conflicts. Our CEO is Reverend Tim Costello, one of Australia's most respected leaders of public debate on social justice and environmental issues.
Where do we operate?
World Vision is a global organisation that works at the grassroots. Country offices – such as World Vision Australia ¬– coordinate activities from within that country. World Vision International coordinates global activities and partnerships between offices. Many of the countries we work in are among the world's poorest. Others, including Australia, are affluent, but have pockets of disadvantage.
What are our main activities?
World Vision’s work is project-based. Relief projects may be short-term, while rehabilitation and development projects may last for five to ten years. Sometimes we are asked for assistance, and sometimes we initiate contact.
The aim of many of our programs is to empower people to become self-reliant through a range of activities that may include health improvements, agricultural training, small business workshops and leadership development.
Where does the money go?
We depend on the support of over 400,000 Australians for funding, with the majority of income coming from child sponsorship. Other avenues include emergency relief appeals, Government grants, cash donations and the 40 Hour Famine Appeal.
Just under 84% of our budget is spent on program-related expenses. More than 75% of our budget is allocated solely on field payments, including food and goods. The remainder is spent on administration and fundraising.
What can you do to help?
Over 400,000 Australians contribute to World Vision activities, and their contribution has helped make a difference in the lives of millions of the world's most vulnerable children, families and communities; differences such as:
- improved healthcare, resulting in lower child mortality - down from 15 million in 1980 to 11 million today for children under 5;
- extensive immunisation campaigns, freeing more than 175 countries of polio; and
- a halving of child deaths due to diarrhoea, which have dropped from 3 million in 1990 to 1.5 million in 2000.