About

The Mission

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 – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Direct Relief's 155,000-square-foot warehouse. (Lara Cooper/Direct Relief)

Humanitarian Medical Aid

Direct Relief's assistance programs are tailored to the particular circumstances and needs of the world's most vulnerable and at-risk populations. 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.
Guiding Principles
Focus Areas
History

Charity Ratings

Recognition

Direct Relief’s work earns wide recognition from independent charity rating agencies and watchdogs, including a 100% fundraising efficiency rating from Forbes, a place 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

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.

Active Emergencies

Health worker Reuben Chipelesa of Nkhunga Health Centre in Malawi wears donated PPE from the Covid-19 Action Fund for Africa. (Photo courtesy of Homeline Media)

Disease Outbreaks

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Direct Relief is equipping health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, the U.S. and around the world with protective gear and critical resources.

Wildfires

Fire Relief

Direct Relief is responding after a series of major fires erupted around the world, including in Australia, the Amazon and throughout the U.S.

Designed for Disaster

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