The Grail was started in Australia in 1936, in the USA in 1940, in Brazil and South Africa in 1951, in Uganda in 1953, in Portugal in 1958 and subsequently in Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Italy, Mexico, Canada, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Mozambique, Kenya and Sweden. Grail members are also working in Belgium, Belize, Cape Verde, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

The work varies very much according to the needs of the country and the gifts of those drawn to the movement, but always we seek to make our vision practical and effective, never limiting our work to humanitarian aid, but attempting to improve the quality of life and to build a society which recognizes, in words and deeds, the dignity of all human beings and the value of all creatures.

As the Grail has continued to grow, through several generations and in all continents, it has developed into a world-wide movement of women and has gathered into itself a rich experience of different cultures and environments, social involvements and spiritual journeys, life situations and commitments of persons and groups