What is “UNICEF”?

UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund. When UNICEF was created in 1946 to help children in war-torn Europe, China and the Middle East, the acronym stood for “United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.”

By 1953, UNICEF’s mandate was extended to address the needs of children in the developing world. At that time, the words “international” and “emergency” were dropped from the organisation’s name, making it simply the United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organisation.

What is UNICEF’s mission?

We work for the survival, protection and development of children worldwide through fundraising, advocacy and education.

What does UNICEF do?

UNICEF began in the aftermath of World War II, supplying dried milk, nutritional supplements, medicines, immunisations and other urgent assistance to help starving and ill children in Europe, the Middle East and China. Today UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives.

In cooperation with governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UNICEF saves and protects the world’s most vulnerable children, working to ensure child rights and providing health care, immunisations, nutrition, access to safe water and sanitation services, basic education, protection and emergency relief.

How can I volunteer for UNICEF in the field?

UNICEF secures volunteers, who must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and two-to-five years’ experience in their field of expertise, through the United Nations Volunteers program.

You can find out more on the United Nations Volunteers program website: www.unv.org.

How can I volunteer for UNICEF in Ireland?

UNICEF hosts a limited number of volunteers, Transition Year students & interns in our Dublin office each year. For more information & an application, please contact info@unicef.ie.

Where does UNICEF get its funding?

UNICEF is supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations, corporations and private individuals. UNICEF receives no funding from the United Nations.

What is UNICEF Ireland’s registered charity number?

UNICEF Ireland’s charity registration number is: 20008727. To ensure maximum transparency and accountability, UNICEF Ireland is also a registered company in Ireland. Our company registration number is: 371124.  The 2019 Annual Report includes our fully audited accounts.

How can I update my monthly pledge donation?

To change your monthly pledge donation options or to cancel your donation at any time, please call our Donor Care team on 01-8783000.

How can I donate by Text? 

If you would like to donate via text message, please text Yemen to 50300 to give €4. UNICEF Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKE CHARITY. Helpline: 0766805278

How do I know a door-to-door fundraiser is genuinely raising funds for UNICEF?

At UNICEF Ireland, we have a small dedicated team of professional fundraisers who work in residential areas to sign up monthly donors to support our work for children. All our fundraisers carry a letter of authority or identification badge which clearly identifies them as UNICEF fundraisers.

You can meet our Door-to-Door Fundraising Team here. 

Sadly, fraudulent fundraising affects many charities across Ireland. If you have been approached by someone claiming who you believe is not genuine, please contact the UNICEF Ireland office.

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