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----------- FAST FACTS ----------
- OFA is the only national organization specifically focusing on support, education, and workforce development for youth aging out of the foster care system.
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We award $15 million annually in funding to thousands of foster youth across the country who attend college and specialized training programs.
- Funds may be used for tuition, books and tools, housing, transportation and health insurance.
- Recipients are independent students who do not receive family support and are solely responsible for their higher education.
- Funds may be used for tuition, books and tools, housing, transportation and health insurance.
- Charity Navigator rates OFA four stars -- the highest score possible for fundraising efficiency bestowed by one of the nation's leading charity evaluators.
- Over 91 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to support OFA programs and youth
- Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) number: 11105
OFA defines an orphan as "any child who has lost the love of their parents through death, abandonment, abuse, or neglect."
Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America serves thousands of foster teens across the United States. Whether we're providing them with college scholarships, connecting them with mentors and internships, sending them care packages, or testifying before Congress, OFA is a passionate champion of foster youth.
Each year 25,000 young people "age out" of the foster care system. We're committed with our partners and sponsors to help foster teens become tomorrow's successful citizens. We're working to maximize support for their post-secondary education goals and mobilizing the community at large to assist them.
Our Mission:
Provide opportunities for America's foster youth to pursue their college and post-secondary education
Highlight the potential of America's foster youth and show the importance of supporting their dreams
Create pathways for citizens, businesses, and civic organizations to assist older foster youth
Raise public awareness of the number and plight of older teens leaving the system
Draw attention to the bureaucratic maze of foster care that youth are forced to navigate through
A Voice of Determination
Antonia Arias
Associate Degree Candidate,
Gibbs College
"I was eight when I got into foster care. It was hard, because by the eighth grade I'd moved through five different schools, different counties and various foster families. Later on, through my senior year of high school I lived in three group homes.
"I felt different in school when my foster parents, who didn't look like me, had to come in. That made me feel like an outsider, and was one of the issues that I dealt with growing up, because people don’t understand. But I would say don’t judge a book by its cover.
"When my social worker told me that OFA had a scholarship and could help me, I applied. And when I talked to Tina at OFA, she was there just to talk about daily stuff or if I needed help in school. So it is a LOT of support as well.
"When I get a care package, I feel like it is Christmas again. They have neat stuff in there like books you can read, and goodies...and I did get my red scarf, which came in handy for winter time. It is great to see how a lot of people put time into getting things for someone who needs it; and it shows that other people really care about you.
"I didn’t have an easy life growing up, but with OFA's help I made it! When I get my Associates degree, I want to become a probation officer. I want to be able to help kids in need, the way I was helped. Also I want to get my Masters degree, because I want to become a social worker. I would love to help other people who are in my shoes to go to college and be someone when they grow up."