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Addressing the biggest challenges for children, together with individuals and families

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 the age of 18
  • 1 in 3 children live below the food poverty line
  • 8 in 10 Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning
  • 1 in 4 children suffer irreversible stunting from malnutrition

Behind these numbers are real, everyday struggles: hunger, fear, missed education and the absence of care. With your help, we can change that.

Whether you are a philanthropist looking to make a transformational investment, or an individual who wants to give what you can every month, every contribution counts.

 

Donate online | Bank transfer | How philanthropists can help | Other ways to help | Frequently asked questions | Contact us

Online donation

Monthly giving

Regular monthly donations are the most valuable and predictable form of support. They allow UNICEF to plan, invest and deliver for children consistently. Even a modest monthly contribution makes a real and lasting difference.

Single donations

Giving once is safe and easy, and no amount is too small. You can make a one-time gift at any time to support UNICEF's work in South Africa or around the world. Every contribution, large or small, helps change children's lives.

Bank transfer

A boy looks up from a book on his desk, while his friend next him has his hand raised, in a classroom, with more children in the background.
UNICEF/UNI1016360/Vumani Mkhize

Individuals and organisations who prefer to make a single donation by bank transfer can use the details below.

Account name: UNICEF Pretoria South Africa
Bank: CITIBANK
Branch code/name: 820 / Johannesburg Citibank
Account number: 202128122
SWIFT code (international transfers): CITIZAJX
Reference: Your name / organisation

Please email your proof of payment to [email protected] so that we can thank you and confirm receipt.

Want to help but can't give right now?

There are other ways to make a difference for children:

 

Other ways to help

Creating your own fundraising campaign is quick, easy, and impactful. Set up your own fundraising page for a birthday, a race or a challenge, and invite friends, family and colleagues to support UNICEF. 

Add UNICEF as one of your beneficiaries on your Woolworths MyDifference card. Each time you shop, Woolworths gives back to UNICEF, at no extra cost to you.

Give your customers, clients or colleagues an easy way to support children by hosting a UNICEF donation terminal on your premises.

Follow UNICEF South Africa, share children's stories, and encourage others to give. Raising your voice for children matters.

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | YouTube | LinkedIn | Threads | WhatsApp

 

How philanthropists can help

Philanthropists, family foundations and trusts can help change the future of children in South Africa at scale. Working with government and partners, UNICEF turns transformational gifts into lasting change for millions of children.

UNICEF International Council

The UNICEF International Council is a global community of private philanthropists and partners, many from the world's leading business families, along with global influencers. Its members combine their funding, leadership and expertise to advance children's rights at scale. They engage directly with UNICEF leadership, take part in thematic working groups, and work with UNICEF to shape strategy and mobilise resources for children in emergencies and beyond.

Membership is open to donors who have made a significant philanthropic commitment to UNICEF.

Learn more about the International Council

There are several ways to make a significant impact:

  • Invest in an issue you care about. Support a priority area of our work, such as child survival, early learning and foundational literacy, nutrition, child protection or youth skills.
  • Make a multi-year commitment. Predictable, long-term funding allows UNICEF to plan ahead and work with government to bring proven solutions to scale.
  • Fund innovation. Help test new approaches that government can adopt and expand across the country.
  • Give flexible funding. Unrestricted gifts allow UNICEF to respond where needs are greatest, including in emergencies.
  • Match donations. Inspire others by matching gifts from the public, your employees or your network.
  • Leave a legacy. Include UNICEF in your will and give children a better future for generations to come.

As a philanthropic partner, you will receive regular reports on results, and opportunities to see our work in the field and engage with UNICEF leadership.

To discuss how you can make a difference, contact our Partnerships team

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

  • Global leadership: UNICEF is the world's leading organisation for children's rights, with 80 years of experience.
  • Proven results: UNICEF has helped shape more child protection laws than any other organisation.
  • Urgent action: We focus our work where the needs are greatest.
  • Long-term commitment: We will not stop until every child can thrive.

UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from millions of individuals, governments, civil society and private sector partners. UNICEF does not receive funding from the United Nations regular budget.

UNICEF has strict checks and balances in place. These include regular internal and external audits, field visits by UNICEF staff to monitor how funds are used, and payments to implementing partners in instalments based on assessed progress.

If you are unsure, please contact our fundraising team at [email protected] with details of who approached you, and when and where it happened.

UNICEF works across all nine provinces of South Africa, focusing on education, health and nutrition, and child protection, in partnership with government, the private sector and civil society.

Contact UNICEF South Africa’s fundraising team at [email protected] and we’ll assist you with your fundraising plans.