Organizations that help Orphans

Provides food, clothing, shelter, education, comfort to African children orphaned/affected by HIV/AIDS through grassroots organizations helping communities and families care for these vulnerable children.

It used to be said that in Africa, there was no such thing as an orphan. This was because in many African communities, children who had lost their parents were traditionally taken in by members of their extended families, most often an aunt or an uncle. Today, however, the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on the adult population of Africa has resulted in large numbers of orphans and far fewer aunts and uncles to take them into care. It is expected that by 2010 the number of AIDS orphans in Africa will reach 25 million.

The Firelight Foundation believes children grow best in families and that the most effective strategy for addressing the needs of children made vulnerable or orphaned by HIV/AIDS and poverty is to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to provide for their care. To do this, we support grassroots organizations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa that help households and communities provide food, clothing, and shelter, education and comfort to children in need. The Foundation supports programs that are organized by local leaders, encourage communities to create appropriate solutions to problems, and strengthen the community’s capacity to address its own needs. In 2008, we helped community organizations throughout the continent reach almost 100, 000 children and 50, 000 caregivers.

Financial Information

Firelight Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Click below to view our most recent independent audit and IRS Form 990.

Banner photo: Holistic care that helps children stay in school often includes psychosocial support, nutrition programs, health services, and children's rights protection.
Photo right: Children in 'Tatu-Tano' support groups in Tanzania make sure their peers attend school, tutor each other, and do chores together.
Photo left: The Gwai Grandmothers in rural Zimbabwe are a small group of energetic volunteers who provide outstanding nurturing care to vulnerable and orphaned children in their communities.