We must provide learning support for 18,922 children by 30 June.

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
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- 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.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- 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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Child Sponsorship
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Research and advocacy

Grounded in evidence, driven by impact

Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the chance to make the most of their education and potential. That’s why robust, in-depth research and evidence-based practices underpin everything we do.

It means we can better understand the challenges and barriers that students growing up in disadvantage face – and can design programs to provide the best possible support, so they can succeed at school.

Through regular evaluation, we measure outcomes and assess program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. This ensures we are always innovative, responsive, and relevant – delivering support that meets the evolving needs of the children, families, and communities we serve.

Standing up for change

The foundation of meaningful, lasting change is built on research and evidence.

Anne Hampshire, The Smith Family Head of Research and Advocacy

From Parliament to social media, we stand up on behalf of students experiencing disadvantage on the issues affecting their education - regardless of whether they are supported through Smith Family programs or not. We make sure their voices are heard, and their needs are always front and centre.

Through advocacy grounded in evidence, research, and lived experience we work to influence systems, policies and attitudes, to find solutions that drive real, lasting change. Our goal is an education system where every student in Australia, whatever the challenges they face, has equal opportunity to thrive and build a bright future for themselves.

Key issues we champion

Reducing poverty’s impacts on education

Poverty can directly undermine a student’s education, affecting long-term development, academic achievement and career prospects.

Closing the digital divide

The gap between students with ready access to a digital device and the internet and those without is increasing inequity in education.

Improving careers and transitions support

Without the right support it’s tough to navigate career options and decisions about life after school – especially for students growing up in disadvantage.

Using data to create social change

The power of data is often underutilised in education. Better use and sharing of data can lead to more targeted, timely support – ensuring no student is left behind.

All children, no matter the circumstances they are born into or where they live in Australia, deserve the same opportunities to make the most of their education and achieve all they’re capable of.

Doug Taylor, The Smith Family CEO

Find out more