In all countries where SOS Children's Villages operates, the aim is to form a national association which is its own legal entity, with its own statutes and Board of Directors. Common for all of them is membership of the international umbrella association, and the fact that their Board of Directors work on an honorary basis. Each member association has to comply with the international statutes and principles for education and child-care of SOS-Kinderdorf International, and for financial and administrative practices.
The national associations are registered and organised as a foundation, trust, association, non-profit company or society. As a full member of SOS-Kinderdorf International, they have the right to apply for funding through the umbrella association, and to request services from the General Secretariat.
Many national SOS Children's Village associations present themselves in a variety of ways to interested Internet users. Visit national websites in the section "Where we help".