Their purpose was to create an organisation to draw attention to the effects of high birth rates and rapid population growth on maternal and infant mortality, communities and the environment, and to raise funds for population projects and programmes, with the ultimate aim of reducing world poverty and improving the quality of life of the world's poorest people.
In 1994, the WPF played an important role in the Dutch delegation of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, Egypt.
2006-2009, the World Population Foundation's board members include Nafis Sadik, former Executive Director of UNFPA.
WPF mainly supports local organisations that provide young and underprivileged people with access to information and services concerning sexuality and reproduction.
WPF works to strengthen the capacity of local organisations, assists in developing and implementing activities, and provides management training.
Indirect advocacy includes public awareness creation through the Dutch media and with partner organizations in developing countries.