History
Donations
Request Assistance
Medical Supplies
Miscellaneous
History
Q: What is Direct Relief International? What does Direct Relief do?
A: Direct Relief International is a medical assistance and disaster relief agency based in Santa Barbara, California. Since 1948, Direct Relief has provided assistance to indigenously run healthcare facilities and projects by supplying them with specifically requested and appropriate pharmaceuticals, supplies, nutritional supplements, and medical equipment. We serve the poor and victims of natural and civil disasters without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, ethnic identity, or ability to pay.
Q: Who started Direct Relief International?
A: In 1945, William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant who had amassed significant wealth in pre-war Europe, began sending thousands of relief parcels containing food, clothing, and medicines to relatives, friends, and former employees who were rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of World War II. The William Zimdin Foundation was established on August 23, 1948, as a California not-for-profit corporation.
After Zimdin's death in 1951, Dezso (Dennis) Karczag, a Hungarian immigrant and close business associate of Zimdin's, assumed management of the organization, which changed its name to Direct Relief Foundation in 1957. In 1982, the it became Direct Relief International.
Q: How is Direct Relief funded?
A: Direct Relief does not rely on any funding from government grants. Our support comes entirely from private individuals, associations, foundations, and businesses who entrust us with cash and resources so that we can fulfill our humanitarian mission to help improve the health and lives of people around the world.
Donations
Q: Exactly how much of my donation is going directly to people in need? How much of my donation is used for administrative costs?
A: As of June 2007, Direct Relief has covered all of its administrative and fundraising costs internally, meaning that 100 percent of donated funds go to our program work. Our administrative and fundraising expenses average about 1 percent of our public support and revenue. As of the end of our fiscal year 2008, Direct Relief International was able to deliver nearly $38 in medical aid for every $1 spent. For the seventh consecutive year, Forbes has recognized Direct Relief as one of only two nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that is 100 percent efficient in fundraising.
Q: How can I be assured my donation is going directly to people in need?
A: We commit to spending your donation where you designate. When you select "wherever most needed," you allow us to strengthen health systems treating vulnerable people around the world and to respond to emergencies that do not receive widespread attention. We commit to spending your money in the most productive, efficient way possible.
Q: Can I choose what program or country I'd like my donation to go to?
A: All funds we receive for specific tragedies are devoted entirely to those events. If you wish to restrict the use of your donation to a specific purpose or area, we will honor that wish or inform you that we cannot and offer to return your contribution. We have not and will not collect money for a specific incident or purpose with the intention of using it for other purposes.
Request Assistance
Q: How does Direct Relief choose its partners?
A: We identify partners through an application process that allows us to select organizations and/or projects that match Direct Relief International's capabilities and strategic goals. In order to qualify for assistance through Direct Relief, a healthcare facility or program must meet the following criteria at the outset of the application process:
• Healthcare services must be provided to medically underserved populations in a charitable/subsidized and non-discriminatory manner.
• Healthcare services cannot be withheld from people who are not able to pay for services.
• Healthcare services and donated products must be supplied to patients free of charge, for a voluntary fee, or a fee based on patient’s ability to pay.
• Healthcare services must be effectively provided by qualified healthcare providers. (Qualified health providers include practitioners who have completed specialized training or education in the diagnosis and treatment of local health conditions.)
• Donated medical goods must be stored in a secure area.
• Recipients or assigned consignees must have the capacity to receive and clear medical donations through secure channels.
• There must be a match between Direct Relief’s inventory and the needs of the potential recipient.
• The recipient must be officially registered or qualified as an approved provider of health services.
If these criteria are met, candidates are invited to submit an application for medical donation to be reviewed for selection by the Program Department.
Q: I am an individual seeking financial/medical assistance? Am I eligible?
A: Direct Relief does not provide assistance on an individual level. We sincerely apologize that we cannot do more to help you in your time of need and recommend that you consult www.interaction.org or www.charitynavigator.org for other charities that offer individual assistance.
Q: I know of an organization I think Direct Relief can help. How may I request funding or assistance for my organization/health facility?
A: Direct Relief does not provide technical assistance or cash gifts, nor do we directly foster community projects. We recommend that you consult www.interaction.org or www.charitynavigator.org for more information on how your organization can receive help.
Medical Supplies
Q: How does Direct Relief International get its medical supplies?
A: Every year, more than 150 manufacturers and healthcare facilities contribute pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and equipment to support our programs. Since 1948, Direct Relief has linked overabundant medical resources in the U.S. with unmet needs of charitable health facilities worldwide through our Product Donations Program.
Q: How does the Product Donations Program work?
A: Direct Relief International is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and provides contributors with documentation for tax purposes.
• Direct Relief International abides by the World Health Organization’s guidelines in accepting product donations. Direct Relief is a member of the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) and adheres to high standards in the delivery of medical products to underserved people affected by poverty and disasters around the world.
• Manufacturers/Distributors and healthcare facilities, please contact Direct Relief to make a contribution of medical products.
Manufacturers/Distributors: Contact Anthoula Randopoulos at (805) 964-4767, ext. 153 or email arandopoulos@directrelief.org.
Healthcare Facilities (hospitals, clinics, rest homes): Use our online contact form or contact Alivia Birdwell at (805) 964-4767, ext. 100
Individuals: We apologize, but due to California Pharmacy law, Direct Relief cannot accept medical products from individuals.
• Medical product offers are evaluated based on the specific needs of charitable health facilities and programs that Direct Relief supports worldwide. Our physician on staff evaluates these specific needs and discerns the appropriate medical products for a given situation.
• Upon approval of donation, please provide the following information before donations are shipped:
- Product Name
- NDC/Product Number
- Product Description
- Lot Number (if available)
- Unit
- Quantity
- Expiration Dates (if any)
• Incoming contributions are received and housed at Direct Relief International’s warehouse in Santa Barbara. Pharmaceuticals are stored in a secure area licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy and the Food and Drug Administration. We have licensed pharmacists and medical doctors on staff.
• Medical contributions are matched with specific needs of charitable health facilities and programs worldwide.
• Impact Reports are submitted to manufacturers, which identify the worldwide programs the donations are supporting.
For more information or questions regarding the appropriateness of a donation, please contact Direct Relief at (805) 964-4767 or email arandopoulos@DirectRelief.org.
Q: How can I donate medical supplies or equipment to Direct Relief?
A: Please see http://www.directrelief.org/SupportUs/CorporateGiving/DonateMedicalProducts.aspx
Q: What donations does Direct Relief need?
A: For a specific list of items Direct Relief needs, please see http://www.directrelief.org/SupportUs/CorporateGiving/MostWantedProductDonations.aspx
Miscellaneous
Q: Can I intern or volunteer for Direct Relief?
A: Volunteers assist with a full range of administrative, clerical, research, and writing tasks, as well as in staffing special events. Currently, we are near capacity with volunteer requests, but we continually accept inquiries. Direct Relief’s volunteer opportunities exist at our warehouse and office in Santa Barbara, California. If you are interested in becoming an intern or volunteer, please contact us at info@DirectRelief.org and a staff member will contact you to see how your talents might be put to use in our program. Direct Relief is unable to offer volunteer opportunities overseas or in disaster areas. We also do not coordinate accommodations.
Q: What is Women for Direct Relief?
A: Women for Direct Relief is a group of supporters dedicated to building community among women, raising money for Direct Relief, and having fun. Members include women from the community and the board, who support Direct Relief projects in various ways, including visits to partners (El Salvador in 2006, Mexico in 2003).
Q: Do you have any partner clinics in the Darfur region of Sudan?
A: We support several partners in Sudan, but are not working directly in Darfur. Our Programs department and our medical advisor for Africa are exploring the best avenue for us to provide support to the Darfur region.
Q: How can I get publications or a media kit from Direct Relief?
A: Please call Direct Relief to receive publications.
Q: What is Direct Relief International’s photo usage policy?
A: Direct Relief International works with voluntary photographers who provide the organization with images to be used for Direct Relief publications and for its Web site only. We ask that you please do not reuse or copy our images.