Our story

Plan was founded in 1937 by British journalist John Langdon-Davies and refugee worker Eric Muggeridge. Originally named 'Foster Parents Plan for Children in Spain', the aim was to provide food, accommodation and education to children whose lives had been disrupted by the Spanish Civil War.

Langdon-Davies conceived the idea of a personal relationship between a child and a sponsor - a model that puts the child at the centre, and today remains the core of what we do.

The idea that problems faced by many children can be reflected in the story of one child's life helps people to see the human face of poverty - and, more importantly, see how they can help.

Since that time, our approach to humanitarian assistance has evolved from wartime relief activities, to post-war support, to long-term community development and emergency assistance that helps children, their families and their communities in developing countries.

For 70 years, Plan has been working with children, families and communities, and has established a long-standing reputation of being a highly ethical, effective and committed development agency.

View Plan's history timeline