The Smith Family
Who we are
At The Smith Family, we believe that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents. That’s why we focus on helping young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty.
As a national, independent charity, every day we work with thousands of children and their families to help them unlock better futures for themselves.
Ways to give
The Problem

Today, there are more than 1.2m Australian children and young people living in poverty.

Disadvantaged students have significantly lower Year 12 completion rates.

Disadvantaged students are on average 2-3 years behind in reading and maths by the time they are 15 years old.
Making a difference

Last year, 162,534 disadvantaged children and young people received support through Smith Family programs.

Last year, we supported 62,822 Australian students through our Learning for Life sponsorships.

Last year, 95% of children in our student2student reading program improved their reading age.
Sponsoring a child delivers the best educational outcomes

90.5% school attendance rate for primary school age Learning for Life students.

69.2% of Learning for Life students advance from year 10 to completing year 12.

79% of Learning for Life students engaged in employment, education or training, a year after leaving the program.
For $1.80 a day, you can give a disadvantaged Australian child the school essentials they need to fit in and get ahead.
Latest News
Explore crucial insights on the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA), focusing on literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.
06 October 2023
An opportunity to make Education better and fairer through National School Reform Agreement review
23 August 2023
Affordability, accessibility and digital skills essential to close digital divide for students experiencing disadvantage
08 August 2023
Information about a cyber incident in November 2022, including FAQs and channels for further information and support is available here.
Introducing Conversations with The Smith Family
Hear more from Doug Taylor, CEO as he talks to those involved in the different areas of our work. In this special series of interviews, Doug brings to life the experiences of our students, their families, our volunteers and our supporters. Learn more.We are committed to child safety
The Smith Family is committed to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect as we work with their families and communities. We will provide safe environments; always act in the best interests of children; and take action to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and neglect.
Get Involved
1 Poverty in Australia, 2020, ACOSS/UNSW Report.