What is the difference between SOS Children’s Villages International and SOS Children’s Villages?

‘SOS Children’s Villages’ is the English name of the entire organisation, which is active in 135 countries and territories through national associations.

SOS Children’s Villages International is the name of the umbrella organisation of all SOS Children’s Villages associations. It was founded in 1960. As the umbrella organisation has been registered as an association with the Austrian authorities, the legal name used is ‘SOS-Kinderdorf International’ – German for ‘SOS Children’s Village International’.

A short version of the audit report of the legal entity registered with the Austrian authorities is available here.

Financial information on the whole federation can be found in our Annual Report.

SOS Children’s Villages International supports the national associations in their activities and tracks the overall impact of the organisation. The headquarters are in Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria. It is supported by six regional offices as well as representatives in Brussels, Geneva, and New York.

All SOS Children’s Villages associations are registered in their individual countries and are bound by national laws. They have their own local boards and are responsible for the organisation’s activities in each respective country.