J.K. Rowling’s charity Lumos began operating under its current name in 2010.
The organization was founded in 2005 as the Children’s High Level Group. Rowling became its president and helped draw attention to children living in institutions, including orphanages and large residential homes. In 2010, the organization changed its name to Lumos, referencing the light-producing spell in the Harry Potter books.
Lumos campaigns for family-based care and works with governments and local partners to reduce the use of institutions for children. Its stated approach emphasizes keeping children with their families when safe and supporting foster, kinship, or other community care when necessary.
The charity’s name is sometimes confused with the fictional spell “Lumos,” which produces light from a wand. The organization is a real nonprofit, while the spell belongs to Rowling’s fictional wizarding world. Rowling has also used public appearances and writing-related projects to support charitable causes beyond Lumos.