For over 20 years, Toybox and our dedicated local partner has been working in El Salvador to protect children from the risks of poverty, violence and exploitation.
Together, thanks to the kindness of our supporters, we have:
- Provided emergency support, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, alongside vital street outreach, to reduce the risks of gang recruitment and abuse.
- Helped children secure birth registration, giving them legal identity and access to essential services like healthcare and education.
- Supported young people to re-enter and remain in education through targeted support both in and out of schools.
- Delivered parenting classes to give parents the tools to support their children’s development and education, while also helping to reduce violence within the home.
- Strengthened child rights awareness, ensuring that children and families know their rights and how to seek protection when these are threatened.
What’s Changed
In June 2025, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly introduced the Foreign Agents Law, which requires organisations receiving international funding to register as ‘foreign agents’ with the Ministry of Interior.
This legislation includes a tax on receipt of foreign funds and introduces new compliance requirements. While the full implications still unfolding, it has prompted concern among the international community and civil society organisations, many of whom have adjusted their operations in response to the new regulatory environment.
How These Changes Affect Our Work
Our local partner in El Salvador depends on international support to continue providing essential services to children and families. Under the new law, they now face:
- A possible 30% tax on international donations, reducing the resources available for food, healthcare, education, and shelter.
- The possibility of fines or operational restrictions if activities are found to be non-compliant.
- Increased uncertainty, which may affect the ability to plan and deliver long-term support.
It will now also be even harder for organisations in El Salvador to attract international funding for essential project activities. And, while some may continue to raise some resources locally, this can often not replace the level of funding required to sustain long-term projects.
Pictured below: The team deliver outreach on the streets on San Salvador - providing street children with much-needed safe spaces and opportunities for learning and play.
Pray With Us
Our partner has submitted paperwork both to register and to request an exemption from this tax, with a decision expected in September.
Please join us in prayer for:
A positive outcome for our partner’s exemption application - that the Government authorities would grant relief from the 30% tax to them, as well as other organisations supporting vulnerable children.
Wisdom and resilience for our partners as they adapt to a changing legal and operational landscape.
Protection and hope for street children, who continue to face significant risks.
Sustainable funding solutions that enable continued support for vulnerable communities.
Next Steps
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and work with our local partner to adapt our approach, safeguard essential services and ensure that vulnerable children continue to receive the support they need.
