The charity founded by J.K. Rowling to support disadvantaged children and young people is Lumos.
Rowling established the organization in 2005, originally under the name Children’s High Level Group. It was renamed Lumos in 2010. The charity works internationally to end the institutionalization of children and promote family-based care and community support.
Lumos argues that children separated from families are often placed in large residential institutions even when they are not orphans. Its programs seek reforms that keep children with relatives or place them in safe family settings whenever possible. The organization has worked with governments, communities, and partner groups in several countries.
The name Lumos comes from the Latin word for light and also echoes the light-producing spell in the Harry Potter books. Lumos is not Rowling’s personal foundation for every charitable activity; it is a distinct organization with its own mission and programs.