Help provide vital educational support to 11,705 Australian children this Christmas.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Partnerships
  Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Volunteers like Jenny make a lasting impact

Volunteers

29 June 2020

Volunteers are the backbone of our work, and their donation of time – amounting to an amazing 362,450 hours last year – allows us to grow the reach of our programs to children in need across the country. Their contribution is invaluable.

For one of our volunteers, Jenny, her long-term contribution to the community was recognised through a nomination for the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award. This award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to a local community, and we couldn’t be prouder of Jenny for being nominated.

Jenny has been volunteering with The Smith Family for 10 years. She is a major contributor to Learning Club – enthusiastically sharing her knowledge and experience as a former teacher to help students improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

She understands that when a child has spent years feeling that they don’t fit in or aren’t as smart as their classmates, it can take a toll on their self-worth. Building a child’s confidence can have a huge impact on their academic outcomes.

Volunteering is giving me purpose since I retired. It’s nice to be out helping people. And young people’s education is where the future is, isn't it?

“It’s really nice to see the development of these children,” said Jenny. “One little boy at Learning Club was quite withdrawn at the start. But he kept coming, which was the best thing. And he has made developmental strides as a result. That's what they need – consistency.”

Last year, 85% of students said going to Learning Club made them try harder at school. And Jenny is thrilled to be part of a program empowering disadvantaged children to reach their potential.

“Volunteering is giving me purpose since I retired. It’s nice to be out helping people. And young people’s education is where the future is, isn't it?”