Unlike many other nonprofit organizations, 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 resources so that we can fulfill our humanitarian mission.
All funds we have received for specific tragedies have been devoted entirely to those events. We have absorbed all administrative costs to honor the intent of donors who restricted their contributions while ensuring disaster victims receive the fullest measure of assistance possible. This has left us with a challenge - to cover the costs of our already lean general operations.
By clarifying that we may use your contribution wherever most needed, you allow us to strengthen the long-term health systems that are vital to vulnerable people around the world and respond to emergencies that do not receive widespread attention. We commit to spend your money in the most productive, efficient way possible.
Of course, if you wish to restrict the use of your donation only for 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 what may appear to be a specific incident or purpose with the intention of using it for other purposes.
Learn more about our past disaster donation policies - Haiti, Katrina and tsunami.