Direct Relief is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides medical assistance to people around the world who have been affected by poverty, natural disasters, and civil unrest. Thanks to generous material and financial contributions from individuals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical equipment manufacturers, Direct Relief can work with healthcare professionals and organizations on the ground and equip them with the essential medical supplies and equipment that they need to help people recover from a disaster.
Direct Relief’s assistance programs are tailored for the particular circumstances and needs of those who have suffered from the effects of natural and man-made disasters. Direct Relief also establishes partnerships with local organizations to provide health services to people in rural areas of a country that are poor and lack basic healthcare infrastructure.
Each year, Direct Relief takes steps to leverage every dollar of assistance that it provides into $30 (wholesale) worth of medical supplies for healthcare professionals to use in caring for their patients.
History
Founded in 1948, Direct Relief provides medical assistance to people and communities without regard to their political systems, religious beliefs, or ethnic identities. Read the story.
People
To carry out its charitable mission and achieve its goals as an international humanitarian relief organization, Direct Relief employs 50 dedicated professional staff members, is governed by an independent Board of Directors, and benefits from the time, energy, and skills of more than 400 volunteers, who assist in all aspects of the organization’s domestic and international operations. Meet our staff and Board.
Finances
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. See Financials.
Policies
Direct Relief policies include:
Privacy Policy
Donation Policies
Compensation Philosophy
Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Recognition
Each year, Direct Relief is widely recognized by independent organizations, such as Charity Navigator, and publications that monitor non-profits for the high degree of efficiency in how its finances are managed and spent. See Awards and Recognitions.
Work
Much of Direct Relief’s assistance programs focuses on maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness programs.
Credentials
Direct Relief holds credentials, licenses, and memberships with a variety of prominent professional organizations, government agencies, and jurisdictions.
Principles
Direct Relief’s strategic plans and operations are based on a set of 10 guiding principles that enable it to achieve its goals and mission. Read the principles.
FAQs
Here are some answers to the most common questions about Direct Relief, including information about its operations and programs, how you can donate or serve as volunteer, and how the organization makes the best use of the donations it receives from individuals and companies.
Job Opportunities
Direct Relief is always looking for motivated people to join the team at its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. Browse job opportunities.
