The history of CAFOD

In 1961, the National Board of Catholic Women organised the first Family Fast Day, to assist poor families in Dominica [J Stuyt]

CAFOD was born when volunteer members of the National Board of Catholic Women organised the first Family Fast Day on Friday, March 12, 1960

CAFOD had its beginnings when the National Board of Catholic Women organised a Family Fast Day in response to a request from the people of the Caribbean Island of Dominica for help with a mother-and-baby healthcare programme.

In 1962, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales officially set up CAFOD - then known as the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, but today is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.

The aim was to provide a focus for all the small-scale charitable efforts which were already taking place.

Today, CAFOD is still bringing about change as a result of the immense commitment and generosity of the Catholic communities of England and Wales.

There are now two Fast Days each year – one during Lent and one during Harvest - and money is raised not only by fasting, but through a wide range of imaginative sponsored events in churches, schools and youth groups across England and Wales.

take action

Jobs & volunteering Do you want to use your skills in a global team tackling injustice and poverty? You could play a vital role in our work

Campaigning Thousands of people campaign with CAFOD and its partners across the world to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. Join them - by taking action today.

Big Bro diary room Big Deal was at Festos with a 'diary room' where you could have your say! Take a look at films from the day