Our history timeline

From its roots in 1937 to today, Plan has evolved into a global organisation that directly supports more than 1,500,000 children in 49 developing countries.

1930s

In 1937, Plan was founded as ‘Foster Parents Plan for Children in Spain’ to help children whose lives were disrupted by the Spanish Civil War.

1940s

During World War II, the organisation became known as ‘Foster Parents Plan for War Children’ and worked in England, helping displaced children from all over Europe. After the war, the organisation extended aid to children in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece and briefly in Poland, Czechoslovakia and China.

1950s

As Europe recovered, Plan gradually moved out of these countries and opened new programs in less developed countries. The organisation removed the reference to war children and became ‘Foster Parents Plan Inc.’ to reflect the goal of bringing lasting change to the lives of children in need, whatever their circumstances.

1960s

Plan expanded its work to countries in South America and Asia. Plan's programs were designed to promote long-term, sustainable development for children and their families. In 1962, US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was honorary chairwoman during Plan's Silver Jubilee.

1970s

The global name became ‘Plan International’ as programs now spanned South America, Asia and Africa.

1980s

Belgium, Germany, Japan and the UK joined Canada, the US, Australia and the Netherlands as donor countries. Plan was recognised by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

1990s

Plan marked its 60th anniversary of helping children. Offices opened in France, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Republic of Korea.

2000s

Plan’s donor countries increased to 17 as offices opened in Ireland, Spain and Switzerland.

The name Plan International evolved to simply ‘Plan’ and a unified global identity was created to help make the organisation more easily recognised around the world.

The new logo was shown to sponsored children in all the regions where Plan works, and they loved the playing child and the warm sun. This image is consistent with Plan's approach to put the child at the centre of what we do.

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