Every day, 1 in 5 Kiwi kids go without the basics that most of us take for granted. This has a profound effect on their health, education, and self-esteem.

With the cost of living and rents skyrocketing, hardworking parents and caregivers are finding it more and more difficult to provide their children with the essentials they need to thrive. These children are likely to miss out on important opportunities such as school camp or swimming lessons.

Kiwi Kid Sponsorship is tailored to meet the needs of each individual child and provides funding for clothing, shoes, bedding, school uniforms, stationery, school camp, sport, and extra-curricular activities, as well as medical expenses.

One-to-one sponsorship is transformative for young people living in poverty. Parents and caregivers can apply directly to Variety or are referred by a social worker, budgeting advisor, church leader, teacher or similar. The programme is offered across New Zealand and each child has access to $450 annually, until they reach the age of 18 or leave school.

The Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme addresses the child’s needs by matching a child with a generous sponsor, who helps pay for essential costs, providing the child with the items and opportunities they would otherwise miss out on. Kiwi Kid Sponsorship has life-changing benefits for families too. 99% of caregivers report feeling less stressed and their children report enjoying school more and feel more included.

Apply for Kiwi Kid Sponsorship (KKS)

Individual grants provide specific, one-off funds for children. You can apply for an individual grant for your child/children whether they are on Kiwi Kids Sponsorship or not.