Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about SOS Children’s Villages, our work, and how you can help. Whether you’re looking to support children around the world or want to learn more about our programmes, we’re here to help you.
What does SOS Children's Villages do?
SOS Children’s Villages exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. Working in over 130 countries, we are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care
What makes SOS Children's Villages unique?
SOS Children’s Villages is the world’s largest charity focused on protecting children who have lost, or are at risk of losing, parental care. We strengthen families at risk of breakdown, provide a secure home for children without parental support and respect local religions and cultures. We are a non-denominational and apolitical independent charity.
How was the first SOS Children's Villages Association founded?
In 1949, a group of trail-blazers came together and founded Societas Socialis (SOS) in Innsbruck, Austria to help support the many children who had been left without parental care by the war.
When does an SOS Children's Villages Association become active in a new country?
SOS Children’s Villages becomes active in new countries where there is a need to help children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. The organisation conducts feasibility studies and requires an agreement with the government before starting operations.
Which children are eligible for admission to an SOS Children's Village?
We work to strengthen families so that children can remain with their parents or relatives. However, there are occasions where this is not possible. Children who need a new, permanent home in a family environment and for whom no more suitable care placement can be found are eligible to be cared for in one of the SOS Children’s Villages communities. Other forms of alternative care we support include foster care and kinship care. Generally, children up to the age of ten can be admitted, but sibling groups can vary in age.
Who decides whether a child is admitted or not?
Admission decisions are made in cooperation between SOS Children’s Villages and national welfare authorities and social services, based on guidelines and criteria tailored to each country.
How can I volunteer at SOS Children's Villages UK?
You can volunteer at the UK office in Cambridge or help raise funds for SOS Children’s Villages UK. Details on volunteering opportunities are available on our website.
Do you have any international internships or job/volunteer opportunities?
SOS Children’s Villages does not employ people on a short-term basis in SOS Children’s Village communities to ensure consistency for the children. They employ people locally to support the local market and further children’s connections to their culture.
How do I apply for employment at SOS Children's Villages UK?
Interested individuals can visit the “Jobs” page on our website to learn about available opportunities and apply.
Can I donate items instead of money, like footballs or food, blankets, clothes, etc.?
SOS Children’s Villages prefers monetary donations over items to better match needs, support local businesses, and reduce costs and carbon footprint. However, donors are welcome to inquire if they have further questions.
Your data and privacy
We love to keep you updated about how your donations are helping vulnerable children, but we will only contact you in the ways that you have asked. You can always change your mind about how we contact you – simply email: hello@sosuk.org. We may use legitimate interest to send marketing and fundraising news by post. We don’t sell your information or details. You can read our Privacy Policy here.
Child safeguarding
Child safeguarding is always of paramount importance to us. We are very careful about what details we share and how we share them, and there are some details we will not share. Please see our Safeguarding page for Child Safeguarding Policy and Reports, Code of Conduct and Accountability Report for more information.
Fundraising standards (your donations)
We are open about how we spend your donations and we put them to good use in a timely, impactful and cost-effective manner to maximise the benefit to vulnerable children. You can read our latest Annual Report here.
We follow the Code of Fundraising Practice and always aim to work above and beyond standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Charity Commission, Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator. We are frequently refreshing our knowledge on these standards to ensure we are working in the best possible way.
We regularly review our fundraising practices, adapting them to the changing environment, making sure they’re legal, transparent, honest, and respectful.
We don’t accept any kind of support that could compromise the effectiveness of our work and the core principles underpinning what we do. Our partnerships with businesses follow a due diligence process, to ensure any potential relationship is in accordance with our ethical policy and principles. Read our Ethical Partnerships Policy here.
We may contact you about donations to our work, but we will never pressure you and if you don’t want us to contact you in this way, please do let us know.
My donation
How will my donation be used?
Your donation will support our ongoing work to care for children who have lost parental care and those at risk of losing it. Your support will help to strengthen families and ensure that children can receive the care, support and love that they need. This includes providing essential services such as food, shelter, education, and emotional support across our global programmes.
Can I choose where my donation goes?
Yes, you can choose to donate to specific appeals, such as our emergencies fund, which is used for crisis response. We sometimes launch specific appeals tied to current events. Donations via our ‘Donate’ page, however, are used wherever the need is greatest, helping us provide continuous care and support to children worldwide.
Can I add Gift Aid to my donation?
Yes, if you’re a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation by 25% at no extra cost through Gift Aid. Simply tick the Gift Aid box when donating, and for every £1 you give, we can claim an extra 25p from HMRC.
Can I set up a regular donation?
Absolutely! Regular gifts allow you to provide ongoing support. You can set up a monthly donation to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. You can do this today here.
How do I know my donation is being used effectively?
We will contact you in the way you’ve told us you’d like to hear from us, to let you know how your donations are making a difference.
SOS Children’s Villages regularly reports on how donations are spent and the impact of our work. You can view our recent annual reports here. We ensure funds are used efficiently to maximise support for children.
What other ways can I support SOS Children's Villages?
Is it safe to donate online?
Yes, we use secure payment gateways and encryption to ensure that all online donations are safe and protected. Your personal and financial information is handled with the highest level of security.
Emergency Giving
I donated to your emergency fund. Where will my money go?
Donations to specific appeals are allocated to those appeals; otherwise, funds are used for general emergencies. 20% of donations support safeguarding and effective fund use.
How quickly will my donation be used to help in an emergency?
As soon as an emergency appeal is launched, we mobilise funds to support affected children and families. For general Emergencies Fund donations, your donation is used where and when it is needed most. Your donations ensure swift response, providing critical aid such as shelter, food, and psychological support.
What types of emergencies do you respond to?
We respond to a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters, conflicts, and health crises. Our priority is always to protect vulnerable children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care, and ensure their well-being and safety during times of crisis.
How does SOS Children's Villages support children during emergencies?
We provide life-saving essentials such as food, water, shelter, and medical care, alongside long-term emotional and psychological support. Our teams work to reunite separated families and help children recover from trauma. We also work to help communities build resilience against emergencies, and rebuild afterwards.
How can I be sure my donation is making a difference?
We are committed to transparency. We regularly report on the impact of our emergency response efforts, and 20% of your donation ensures our programmes are safe, sustainable, and accountable.
Can I specify which emergency my donation supports?
Yes, if you donate to a specific emergency appeal, 80% of your funds will go directly to that crisis, with the remaining 20% ensuring good governance and safeguarding. If you make a general emergency donation, we will allocate it to where it’s needed most at the time.
My question isn't answered here. How do I contact you?
If your question is not answered, you are encouraged to contact SOS Children’s Villages UK directly for more information. Please email hello@sosuk.org or visit our ‘Contact Us’ page for further details.
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