Content & Republishing Policy

Republishing Guidelines

News organizations and publications are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free.

Unless otherwise noted, Direct Relief authorizes free republication of its articles and graphics under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

For further information, please check with Direct Relief by clicking on the “Get in Touch” button available at this link.

Republishing Stories

What are Direct Relief’s requirements for republishing its stories?

For attribution, Direct Relief requires that the republisher:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: “Author Name, Direct Relief.” If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: “This story was originally published by Direct Relief.”
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story. The standard attribution is: Direct Relief is an independent, apolitical and nonsectarian humanitarian nonprofit.

Can stories be altered or edited?

Yes, with Direct Relief’s permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief using the form below [get in touch].

If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: “Additional reporting by [reporter and organization].”

Can Direct Relief material appear on pages with ads?

Yes, Direct Relief’s content may appear in print or online pages with advertising.

Can Direct Relief material be used to create or sell advertising?

No, this is prohibited.

Can Direct Relief material be used in commercial products like academic textbooks or conference presentations?

To inquire, please use the form below [get in touch].

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief’s work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief’s content.
  • Direct Relief’s work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief’s stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, please use the contact form below [get in touch].
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief).
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must do so immediately.

Republishing Photos & Illustrations

Can Direct Relief photos and illustrations be republished?

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners.

What are the requirements for republishing photos?

When using Direct Relief images, the following is required:

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: “Lara Cooper / Direct Relief.”
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Can Direct Relief images be used in commercial advertisements or promotions?

No, this is prohibited.

Republishing Videos, Podcasts & Data Visualizations

Can Direct Relief videos be republished?

Yes. To inquire, please use the form below [get in touch].

Can Direct Relief podcasts be republished?

Yes. Podcasts are available through the following platforms:

Can Direct Relief data visualizations or graphics be republished?

In most cases, yes. Direct Relief can provide embed codes, images, or raw data files. To inquire, please use the form below [get in touch].

Getting Direct Relief Content & Assets

Where are Direct Relief stories available?

Stories may be copied at directrelief.org/news.

Are originals or high-resolution versions of Direct Relief photos available?

Yes, they are usually available. Please get in touch with Direct Relief using the form below to receive the images and a list of captions.

Can Direct Relief’s logo be used on republished stories?

Yes. Download a high-resolution .png file here: https://www.directrelief.org/media/#logo