Corporate Fact Sheet

What’s Inside the Corporate Fact Sheet

Compassion International exists to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Here, you’ll learn how we do just that by discovering our unique ministry history and distinctives. You’ll also find common media inquiries below. 

What Does Compassion International Do? 

Compassion International seeks to build God’s kingdom by equipping churches to reach the world’s most vulnerable children with the transformative hope of the gospel. As children grow into thriving followers of Jesus, they can transform their families, communities and nations. 

How We Do It 

Compassion partners with churches in impoverished communities to care for children with the love of Jesus. Whether children face hunger, sickness or hopelessness, local church staff customize care by offering meals, tutoring, medical care and encouragement. 

This holistic care is empowered by supporters around the world through child sponsorship. Sponsorship means encouraging a child and donating to them monthly. This consistent support enables a local church to care for a child’s immediate needs, introduce them to the hope of the gospel and prepare them for a brighter future. 

Compassion is proud to be a leading authority on holistic child development through child sponsorship. 

Compassion’s History 

In 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson flew to South Korea to minister to troops fighting in the Korean War. While there, he witnessed the suffering of orphaned children freezing on the streets. He was overwhelmed by their pain and filled with compassion for them. 

On the long journey home to Chicago, one question burned in his mind: “What are you going to do?” Swanson answered this call from God by launching a ministry to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. 

His ministry would grow into what Compassion International is today: a global ministry serving more than 2.3 million children in 29 countries (and counting). 

Compassion’s Ministry Distinctives 

Our ministry distinctives — the three Cs — distinguish us from other ministries supporting children living in poverty. 

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. 

The children and families we serve don’t have to be Christians, but they’re offered a clear representation of the gospel. 

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. 

Local churches already established in impoverished communities are uniquely qualified to understand the needs of the children they serve. They know each child by name and can deliver the care they need instead of what they don’t. 

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. 

When children living in poverty are cared for and equipped to overcome their circumstances, they’re empowered to pursue their dreams, driving change into their lives and the lives of others.