Become a donor
For every child a chance
Imagine being a child too hungry to learn and too scared to cry for help.
Every child deserves safety, nutrition, education and hope, but in South Africa right now:
1 in 3 children will experience violence before age 18
1 in 3 children live below the food poverty line
8 in 10 Grade 4 learners cannot read properly
6 in 10 youth need mental health support
1 in 4 children suffer irreversible stunting from malnutrition
These numbers are real and everyday struggles – hunger, fear, missed education and the absence of care. But with your help, we can change that.
How UNICEF takes action
With partners big and small, we deliver:
Child protection programs preventing violence
Food system strengthening fighting hunger
Reading recovery initiatives for foundational skills
Mental health support through community hubs
Emergency relief during crises
Your contribution ensures one more child receives the care and support they need to thrive.
Your donation's immediate impact
R250 gives a malnourished child a fighting chance.
R500 helps 5 children unlock their future through reading.
R1,000 connects a child survivor from violence with lifesaving care services.
Why give monthly?
Sustained support for vulnerable children
3x greater impact through matched funding
Regular updates on lives you're changing
Other crucial ways to help
Donate now
Your donation—big or small—changes lives. From life-saving medicines to quality education, your gift helps protect children from disease, abuse, and hardship.
Start a fundraiser
Want to make a difference in children’s lives? Creating your own fundraising campaign is quick, easy, and impactful. Follow these simple steps to start fundraising for UNICEF on GivenGain:
- Visit GivenGain
- Type UNICEF South Africa in the search bar and select it as your cause.
- Click “Start fundraising” You’ll find this button on UNICEF’s profile page.
- Create your campaign
- Give your fundraiser a catchy name
- Set a fundraising goal
- Share your story — why are you supporting UNICEF?
- Add a photo or video to make it personal - Publish and share: Click “Create page” and start sharing your fundraiser link with friends and family via social media, WhatsApp, and email.
- Keep it active: Post updates, thank your donors, and celebrate your milestones!
Tips for success
- Use a special occasion (birthday, wedding, school event, etc.)
- Be real and passionate in your story
- Add photos or videos for impact
- Thank your donors and keep them updated
Add UNICEF to your MySchool card
Support UNICEF every time you shop — at no extra cost!
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to MySchool
- Login or register
- Click on “Beneficiaries” and search for UNICEF South Africa
- Add us as one of your beneficiaries (you can choose up to 3)
- Swipe your card at partners like Woolworths, Engen, Loot.co.za and more!
Every swipe helps us reach more children with life-saving support and education.
Why Choose UNICEF?
We’re the global leader for children’s rights, with over 75 years of impact:
Proven results: We’ve influenced more child protection laws than any organisation
Urgent action: We work where needs are greatest
Unwavering commitment: We fight until every child thrives
Donor voices: How your support changes lives
Got questions?
Where does UNICEF get its funding?
UNICEF’s work is funded entirely through the voluntary support of millions of people around the world and our partners in government, civil society and the private sector. UNICEF does not receive any funding from the UN.
How do I know that my money won't end up in the wrong hands?
UNICEF has a tested system of checks and balances to ensure the proper use of funds, including regular internal and external audits.
Members of our staff conduct regular field visits to monitor spending and progress of the projects that we fund. We also make payments to funded projects in instalments to enable us to assess the impact of previous funding.
How do I know a fundraiser is genuinely raising money for UNICEF?
If you have been approached by a person claiming to be raising funds for UNICEF and you think they might not be a genuine fundraiser, please contact South Africa’s fundraising team at [email protected] with information on who approached you as well as where and when this took place.
Where does UNICEF work in South Africa?
Our operations are nationwide. Working with partners in government, the corporate sector and civil society, UNICEF’s work in education, health and child protection reaches communities across the nine provinces of South Africa.
Contact UNICEF South Africa’s fundraising team at [email protected] and we’ll assist you with your fundraising plans.
