Two young girls and their brother sit and smile in their home.

A Christian Charity Releasing Children from Poverty

Compassion International is a Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused Christian charity, releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Releasing Children From Poverty in Jesus' Name

In 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson witnessed small, shivering and starving war orphans on the streets of South Korea. On his way back home, one question resounded in his mind:

“What are you going to do?”

It was then that Rev. Swanson founded Compassion International, a Christian charity dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Since that time, Compassion has supported millions of children, providing them with the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual care they need to break the bonds of poverty.

What Makes Compassion International One of the Best Christian Charities to Support?

Children living in poverty are among the most vulnerable children in the world. They’re unable to meet even their most basic needs, from food to clean water to medical care. At Compassion, we believe every child living in poverty is precious in God’s eyes. And that’s why we’re working to release each one from poverty in Jesus’ name. How do we do it? We’re unique among other Christian charities. We’re:

  • Christ-centered. Jesus is at the center of everything we do, so every child in our program hears the gospel and sees it in action through local church pastors, volunteers and sponsors around the world.

  • Church-driven. We empower local churches in impoverished communities to serve children in need. This enables churches to fulfill their role as sources of light and hope, representing Christ and making disciples in their communities.

  • Child-focused. We exist to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. As children grow into thriving followers of Jesus, they can transform their families, communities and nations.

Want to make a difference in the life of a child living in poverty? Learn more about child sponsorship.

What Makes Us Distinct: Partnering with Local Churches Around the World

Poverty is a challenge that we can’t conquer alone. That’s why Compassion partners with local churches in 29 countries across the globe. Our local church partners identify the most vulnerable in their communities, providing hands-on love and care to each child. Through your support, local churches provide nutrition support, medical care, educational opportunities and so much more. These church partners know, love and protect each child, keeping them safe from crime, abuse and violence. They introduce each child to the love of Jesus, which changes everything.

A young girl sits on the ground folding her hands together and smiling.

A Christian Charity Focused on Child Sponsorship

At Compassion, we release children from poverty in Jesus’ name through a variety of programs. For example, we have a program that supports new mothers and babies and one that provides education to children. However, our main program is child sponsorship, which provides ongoing support for children journeying out of poverty. Through sponsorship, you can provide a child in need with:

  • An introduction to the gospel.

  • Education.

  • Medical care.

  • Safe community.

  • Protection from abuse.

  • Nutrition support.

  • Disaster relief.

As a sponsor, you’ll also encourage the child by writing messages and praying for them. Consider sponsoring a child today. Our Christian Charity’s Financial Accountability Compassion holds to the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability, using money only for the purpose for which it was raised.

We regularly perform program audits to ensure our programs are well managed and funds are properly disbursed and applied. This enables us to balance low administrative and fundraising costs with high-quality programs.

As a Christ-centered nonprofit, we are committed to being good stewards of the resources you entrust to us. Watchdog organizations like the Better Business Bureau, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Charity Watch give Compassion high marks for financial accountability.

Compassion is 100% committed to financial integrity, stewardship and wise use of each dollar. By partnering with us, you can be assured that your donation will go directly to a child in need.

At Compassion, our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, releasing children from poverty in his name. You can support us in this mission by sponsoring a child today!

Our Christian Charity’s Financial Accountability

Compassion holds to the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability, using money only for the purpose for which it was raised.

We regularly perform program audits to ensure our programs are well managed and funds are properly disbursed and applied. This enables us to balance low administrative and fundraising costs with high-quality programs.

As a Christ-centered nonprofit, we are committed to being good stewards of the resources you entrust to us. Watchdog organizations like the Better Business Bureau, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Charity Watch give Compassion high marks for financial accountability.

Compassion is 100% committed to financial integrity, stewardship and wise use of each dollar. By partnering with us, you can be assured that your donation will go directly to a child in need.

At Compassion, our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, releasing children from poverty in his name. You can support us in this mission by sponsoring a child today!






















Partnering with the local church in a one-to-one relationship is a child sponsorship model we have seen work well for decades. Would you consider becoming part of our family and sponsor a child today?

Christian Charity FAQs

When selecting a Christian charity, it’s important to investigate several aspects of the charity. First, choose a charity that supports a cause you’re passionate about. You’ll also want to choose a charity that focuses on solving a specific problem, like poverty. When researching Christian charities, here are some questions you’ll want to ask:

  • How does the charity rank in Charity Navigator?

  • Is the charity financially accountable?

  • Has the charity effectively remedied a problem children face?

  • What makes the charity unique from other charities?

  • Are there results you can see?