What we do and who we are

We have global reach

We are part of one of the largest aid networks in the world. Because of our global reach and local presence, together we have the potential to reach everyone.

Our local experts help some of the most difficult-to-reach people in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Whether it’s a single mother living in a remote area, a teenage boy living in a war zone, or a disabled father and daughter who are discriminated against, we help anyone regardless of faith, gender and ethnicity.

Through a local priest, a midwife or a water engineer – our global reach is present in the lived experience of local communities. These skilled women and men understand what people need because they are part of the communities they work in. Their commitment, passion and knowledge reach people other organisations can’t.

We have the potential to reach so many people because we are a member of a global Church network with a presence in 165 countries. The local Church is trusted even in the most dangerous countries, regions and communities regardless of religion. This means that your support will help those who are truly in need.

Find out where we work

We are Catholic

We are the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. With your help, we reach out to people living in hard-to-reach places, in war zones and those who are discriminated against.

We believe that if one of us is hurt, hungry or abandoned, we all are hurt, hungry and abandoned. No one should be beyond the love and support they need to live a dignified life.

Find out about our values

We help people thrive

No one wants to live on handouts. That’s why our experts provide long-term aid to equip people with the skills, tools and opportunities to live with dignity, support their families and give back to their communities.

Find out how to support our work

We face tough challenges

Poverty. Conflict. Climate Change. Inequality. Right now there is a child going hungry, a grandmother who is thirsty and a family without a home.  It doesn’t have to be this way. Together with your support, and the expertise of our local aid workers, we reach out to those that are excluded and give them the help they need.

We are there in a crisis

We support teams of experts who can act fast, providing food, water and shelter for people who have lost everything. And we’re there in the months and years that follow too, listening and helping people rebuild their lives and prepare for whatever the future holds

Read our latest emergency updates

Give regularly to our Emergency Response Team

We speak out for justice

When international bodies and governments make decisions that damage poor communities, we speak out.

Campaigning works – it can take years of effort or be as simple as signing a petition. Increased aid for water and sanitation, action on climate change, protection for human rights defenders, and a clamp down on corruption have all come as a result of taking action together.

Campaign with us

We reach out to young people

Each year, tens of thousands of young people discover our work at school or in groups – from volunteers, teachers and classmates.

We reach out to young people to be the change they want to see in their communities and worldwide.

Search our education resources

Search our prayer resources

We are inspired by ordinary people

Elspeth Orchard is just one of the extraordinary Catholic women who helped organise the first Fast Day in 1960 that raised over £6,000. Two years later, CAFOD was born.

We are extraordinary together

When we unite and make a stand for what we believe in, we can achieve remarkable things.

With your support, our experts can reach to the ends of the earth. Experts like Ligia Brigones, who supports women in Nicaragua to stand up for their rights.