United States

• The United States has many orphan societies. For example, The American Orphan Association, Inc., located in Ohio, provides scholarships and emotional support for orphans in the United States who hope to attend college. The Orphan Society of America, with headquarters in Pennsylvania, focuses specifically on helping American orphans who lost at least one parent to violence. The Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association of Salem, Massachusetts was originally founded to assist widows and orphans of seamen. Now, they also assist needy families in the Salem area.
  
  

Native American

• The First Nations Orphans Association recognizes that in the past, many Native American orphans suffered severe trauma when they were removed from their tribal homes and forced into assimilation in the mainstream, American culture. The organization assists Native Americans who were adopted or fostered to apply for tribal enrollment, receive psychological support for issues related to their adoption or fostering, and to connect with their tribal leaders.
  
  

International Associations

• Some orphan associations work with orphans in other countries. For example, the Ethiopian Children and Orphan's Association helps poor families and children in Ethiopia that are struggling with basic needs such as food, clothing and clean water. They also help the Ethiopian communities dig water wells and build schools.
  
  

Religious Affiliations

• Orphan associations can have a religious affiliation. One example is the St. Joseph's Children's Home, located in Kentucky, which established a statewide foster care and adoption program. There are many charitable organizations affiliated with various religious groups and churches that provide much needed services to orphans and needy families.