The first child sponsorship scheme commenced in 1953 to aid children in Korea following the Korean war and subsequently established in other countries.

Since the 1980s, a "welfare" approach has gradually changed to a more collaborative relationship where communities work alongside World Vision to improve their lives and take control of their futures.

[8] WVA's development activities seek to improve the well-being of those in need without favouritism or discrimination by race, religion, culture, or political persuasion.

Overseas grants are received from philanthropic organisations, other government aid programs and United Nations agencies such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF and UNHCR (responsible for children and refugees).

[citation needed] World Vision's main focus is the well-being of children, and child sponsorship programs provide its greatest source of funds.

Sponsorship links the donor to a specific child or children overseas and the sponsor makes a long-term commitment to contribute regular amounts (usually monthly).

[citation needed] In the financial year 2017, cash disbursements provided by WVA to international programs totalled $A229.3 million.

[citation needed] As at June 2018, WVA funds were being used to respond to emergencies in East Africa (including South Sudan), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Myanmar and Bangladesh (Rohingya crisis) and Afghanistan (drought).

[16] DM 2020 is directed to a number of different but related aspects of disaster management, including –[17] “Transformational Development” is the expression used by WVA to describe “a holistic approach to improving the lives of the poor by recognising people's physical, social, spiritual, economic and political needs.”[18] Money raised by WVA is used to fund development projects aimed primarily at improving the lives of children.

[19] World Vision development assistance programs are delivered over the long-term, i.e., up to ten years or longer, and members of the local community are involved throughout.

[20] World Vision Australia offers educational resources, which include general topic sheets and classroom materials for primary and secondary levels.

Its programming includes: New projects commencing in 2018 will support the development of literacy and work-ready skills among young people in remote communities.

In addition to AusAID funding, World Vision Australia makes submissions regarding government policies relating to aid and development.

[33] In 2013 WVA was criticised for funding a soccer field in Jenin in the West Bank that was named after a former militant PLO leader.

[38] World Vision Australia chief executive, Tim Costello, accepted this move as being the correct thing to do pending a proper investigation of the allegations.