Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies.
Programs
Nongovernmental, nonsectarian, and not-for-profit, Direct Relief provides assistance to people and communities without regard to politics, religious beliefs, or ethnic identities. >>> guiding principles
Direct Relief’s assistance programs focus on maternal and child health, the prevention and treatment of disease, and emergency preparedness and response, and are tailored to the particular circumstances and needs of the world’s most vulnerable and at-risk populations. >>> programmatic focus areas
This tradition of direct and targeted assistance, provided in a manner that respects and involves the people served, has been a hallmark of the organization since its founding in 1948 by refugee war immigrants to the U.S. >>> read the history
Recognition
Direct Relief’s work earns wide recognition from independent charity evaluators, including a 100% fundraising efficiency rating from Forbes, the No. 1 spot on Charity Navigator’s list of the “10 Best Charities Everyone’s Heard Of,” and inclusion in Fast Company’s list of “the world’s most innovative nonprofits.” >>> awards, ratings, and recognition
The only humanitarian nonprofit to be designated by The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies, Direct Relief holds credentials and memberships with a variety of prominent professional organizations, government agencies, and jurisdictions.
Finances & Policies
Direct Relief honors the generosity of its donors by following a firm policy of full transparency in all of its operations. The organization routinely reports on how donations are used and makes its financial documents (e.g., tax returns, annual reports, audits), fundraising practices, and compensation policies open to the public.
People
Direct Relief employs 70 professional staff members, is governed by an independent Board of Directors, and benefits from the help of more than 400 volunteers. >>> meet the staff and board
Direct Relief is always looking for motivated people to join the team at its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. >>> open positions
