About
Smile Train is the world's largest cleft-focused organization, headquartered in New York, NY. Rather than sending short-term medical mission trips, Smile Train uses a sustainable, local model: it supports local medical professionals and local hospitals so that children with clefts can receive safe, high-quality care in their own communities, year-round.
Mission
Smile Train works to transform the lives of children born with cleft lips and palates by supporting free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care through local partners, while strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the countries where it works.
What they do
- Support free, safe, high-quality cleft surgeries performed by local surgeons at partner hospitals
- Provide comprehensive cleft care beyond surgery, including speech therapy, psychological support, nutritional services, and orthodontics
- Train local medical professionals — the organization reports 100,000+ Smile Train-supported cleft training opportunities
- Partner with more than 1,000 hospitals and thousands of medical professionals across its global network
History
Smile Train has been operating since 1999. Over more than 25 years, its "teach a man to fish" model — investing in local surgeons and hospitals instead of visiting teams — has made it the largest cleft-focused charity in the world.
Scale and impact
- 2 million+ safe, high-quality, free cleft surgeries supported since 1999
- Programs across 95+ countries
- A single cleft surgery can cost as little as approximately 400 dollars
- Recognized with a 100/100 rating from Charity Navigator, a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated designation
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 Smile Train Inc (EIN 13-3661416) reported total revenue of 121,687,237 dollars, total expenses of 97,518,703 dollars, and total assets of 423,870,929 dollars. The IRS issued its tax exemption in January 1993, and it is a 501(c)(3) public charity.