We are committed to empowering people with disabilities in the poorest places on earth
Our story
We are a Christian international development organisation committed to empowering people with disabilities in the poorest countries around the world.
With more than 45 years in Australia and 115 years internationally, we remain the only Australian development organisation working to end the cycle of poverty and disability.
Founded on faith and love
From our humble beginnings as a home for blind and orphaned children in Turkey, we have grown and our journey continues to echo the history of our founder, Pastor Ernst Christoffel, working in the poorest communities irrespective of race, faith or gender.
What we do
We work in partnership with local organisations to build an inclusive world by implementing community-based programs that:
Prevent blindness
Our work aims to reduce avoidable visual impairment and blindness and ensure those who are permanently vision impaired can access the most relevant support and opportunities to live their life to its full potential.
End poverty
By creating inclusive learning environments and supporting livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities, and empowering people with disabilities to be advocates for change within their own communities.
Advocate
To transform the lives of people with disabilities — advocate at all levels from local communities to governments to amplify the voices of people with disabilities.
Miracle a Month
Become a Miracle-a-Month supporter and restore the sight of someone like Sathi every month.
Where we work
In 2024, CBM Australia worked in more than 20 countries in the Pacific, Asia and Africa across both our programs and advisory work, with help from our generous supporters.
Our impact
In 2024, together with local partners, the Australian NGO Cooperation Program and faithful supporters, CBM Australia saw:
More than 3.9 million people
with disabilities, their families and communities benefiting from our programs.
654,622
lives transformed through our inclusive eye health programs.
85,297 people
benefiting from sight-saving surgery.
Over the past 10 years, our program investment has increased to a combined total of $235 million.
$26.5 million was raised from our generous Australian supporters. For every $1 given:
18c is carefully invested in generating future income so we can reach even more people
77c goes directly towards supporting our life-changing programs.
5c goes towards essential administration, infrastructure and systems in order to deliver our life-changing work.
Take action
Ways you can get involved.
Attend a supporter event
Supporter meetings are held around Australia and are an amazing opportunity to hear first hand how your support is ending the cycle of poverty and disability.
Volunteer with us
Your time is a precious gift. Every year thousands of hours are generously given at CBM’s Melbourne head office by dedicated volunteers.
Leave a Gift in your Will
Through your Will you can leave a legacy of hope that will live on beyond your lifetime and impact generations.
#BetterWorldForAll
International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD) — 3 December — is a United Nations (UN) sanctioned day celebrated annually. This important day aims to raise awareness and promote action around the rights of people with disabilities and their full inclusion in society.
This year we’re focussing on building a #BetterWorldForAll