The United States is home to a large number of humanitarian organizations that work internationally to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance overseas. These aid agencies respond to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies, providing food, water, shelter, health care, and other critical support. DONARE has selected 27 well-known and influential humanitarian organizations based in the United States that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. The nonprofits on this list have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
There are many more US-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, and relief agencies working both at home and abroad to address a wide range of challenges. Private citizens in the United States are known as substantial and generous donors to international relief efforts and charitable causes.
Secular Humanitarian Organizations
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a prominent humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1881, the nonprofit organization provides relief to people affected by disasters, both natural and human-made. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of independent organizations dedicated to humanitarian principles.
Donate now to the American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
UNICEF USA
Founded in 1947, UNICEF USA (United States Fund for UNICEF) is one of 34 National Committees located in countries around the world, that raises funds for the United Nations Children's Fund’s emergency and development work and advocates for children’s rights worldwide. The National Committees are a part of UNICEF’s global organization, each established as an independent local non-governmental organization (NGO). UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the agency of the UN responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The UN agency is today one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.
Donate now to UNICEF USA
https://www.unicefusa.org/?form=FUNYADDHSLL
Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières USA
Doctors Without Borders USA (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organization. Médecins Sans Frontières translates to Doctors without Borders. The non-governmental organization (NGO) provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics or exclusion from healthcare in more than 70 countries. Rapid and effective response to humanitarian emergencies is at the core of its work. Doctors Without Borders was founded in 1971 in Paris, France. The US branch raises funds and awareness for MSF's global operations.
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Donate now to Doctors Without Borders USA
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Founded in 1933 with the aim of helping the politically persecuted, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest non-governmental organizations (NGO) focusing on the support of refugees worldwide. The NGO provides emergency aid and long-term assistance to refugees and those displaced by war, persecution, or natural disaster. The IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive and rebuild their live. Its international headquarters are based in the United States. The International Rescue Committee is currently working in over 50 countries.
Donate now to the International Rescue Committee
https://help.rescue.org/donate/
World Food Program USA
World Food Program USA (WFP USA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which aims to combat hunger and improve food security worldwide. The non-governmental organization (NGO) is currently the only national WFP fundraising partner. WFP USA is focused on mobilizing people in the United States.
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. The UN agency, awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, is saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to support people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. For millions of people worldwide, WFP assistance can make the difference between life and death.
Donate now to WFP USA
https://www.wfpusa.org/?form=EmergencyFund_WEB_RES
CARE
Based in the United States, CARE is a major international humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and supporting long-term international development projects. C.A.R.E. now stands for "Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere". The non-governmental organization (NGO), founded in 1945 as "Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe C.A.R.E.", is one of the largest and oldest humanitarian aid organizations focused on fighting global poverty and social injustice. The NGO and its global network of independent national organizations work together across more than 100 countries.
Donate now to CARE
https://www.care.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/
USA for UNHCR
USA for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national funding partner for the United States. The organization is one of ten UNHCR National Fundraising Partners worldwide. Established by concerned American citizens, the nonprofit organization builds support in the United States for the humanitarian work of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). USA for UNHCR’s mission includes informing Americans about the plight of people forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution, and advocating for their protection.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a UN agency mandated to assist and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. The organization is known by its short name the UN Refugee Agency. UNHCR was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly to provide assistance to refugees resulting from World War II. On January 1, 1951, UNHCR began its work. Each year, the UN Refugee Agency helps millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide.
Donate now to USA for UNHCR
https://give.unrefugees.org
Save the Children USA
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Save the Children USA (officially: Save the Children Federation) is the US American branch, working on issues such as education, health, and child protection in emergencies. The non-governmental organization (NGO) campaigns for the rights and protection of children and delivers urgent humanitarian assistance for children worldwide.
https://www.savethechildren.org/
Donate now to Save the Children USA
https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?11246.donation=form1&df_id=11246&mfc_pref=T
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization that aims to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression, and to assist the world's most vulnerable communities. The mission of the non-governmental organization (NGO) is to empower people affected by crisis, poverty and disaster to rebuild their lives and communities. To accomplish this mission, the NGO provides humanitarian assistance, implements development programs and advocates for change. Founded in 1979, the aid agency is headquartered in the United States and operates in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Donate now to Mercy Corps
https://www.mercycorps.org/donate
Oxfam America
Oxfam is a prominent international aid organization that focuses on alleviating poverty and advocating for social justice. Oxfam America is the branch operating in the United States. The name “Oxfam” derives from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942. The non-governmental organization (NGO) aims to alleviate poverty, inequality, and injustice globally. Oxfam provides humanitarian assistance, works on development projects, and advocates for policy changes. Oxfam America is an affiliate of Oxfam International, a worldwide confederation of humanitarian non-governmental organizations, networked in 87 countries as part of a global movement for change.
Donate now to Oxfam America
https://give.oxfamamerica.org/page/25564/donate/1
Plan International USA
Plan International is a global organization working to advance children's rights and equality for girls. Plan International USA is the US American arm of this organization, focusing on international development and humanitarian projects. Founded in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children's aid organizations in the world. Plan International is active in more than 75 countries. The charity responds to emergencies and disasters that threaten the lives of children.
Donate now to Plan International USA
https://www.planusa.org/give/give-to-plan/
Doctors of the World USA / MĂ©decins du Monde USA
Médecins du monde translates to Doctors of the World. Doctors of the World is a humanitarian and human rights organization which provides emergency and long-term medical care to the world's most vulnerable people. The non-governmental organization (NGO) is committed to ensuring that all people worldwide can exercise their right to health. The NGO’s vision is a world where barriers to healthcare have been overcome and healthcare is acknowledged as a fundamental right. Médecins du monde was founded in 1980 by a group of French physicians.
https://doctorsoftheworld.org/
Donate now to Doctors of the World
https://doctorsoftheworld.org/donate/
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps is a non-governmental humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical aid to those affected by conflict, disaster and disease. The organization also offers healthcare training and development programs. International Medical Corps was founded in 1984 by a group of American physicians and nurses. During humanitarian emergencies, the aid organization responds rapidly. International Medical Corps works currently in over 30 countries worldwide. Its headquarters are based in Los Angeles.
https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/
Donate now to International Medical Corps
https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/
Concern Worldwide US
Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization that focuses on the world's most vulnerable people. In addition to providing emergency aid in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, the non-governmental organization (NGO) is also involved in long-term development cooperation. Concern Worldwide US is the American arm of the nonprofit organization. In 1968, the aid agency - formerly known as Africa Concern - was founded in Dublin, Ireland by a small group of people in response to famine and conflict in Biafra. Concern Worldwide currently operates in 25 countries.
Donate now to Concern Worldwide US
https://concernusa.org/donate/
Action Against Hunger USA
Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) that is committed to ending world hunger. Action Against Hunger USA is the United States branch of the nonprofit organization. The NGO’s main goal is to take decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. Founded in 1979 by a group of French doctors, scientists, and writers as “Action Contre La Faim”, the charity aims to save malnourished children from starvation, establish access to safe drinking water and create sustainable solutions to hunger. Action Against Hunger currently works across 50 countries.
https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/
Donate now to Action Against Hunger UK
https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/take-action/make-a-gift/
Humanity & Inclusion United States
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) - formerly Handicap International - is a humanitarian non-governmental organization working (NGO) for the universal recognition of the rights of people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, the NGO aims to help disabled and vulnerable people in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Humanity & Inclusion United States is the US American branch and a member of the Humanity & Inclusion Network, which includes eight national associations.
Donate now to Humanity & Inclusion United States
https://www.hi-us.org/en/about-us/index?form=donate
HelpAge USA
HelpAge is a development and humanitarian aid organization that promotes the social, economic and cultural rights of the elderly. The non-governmental organization (NGO) sees its mission in combating age-related poverty and age discrimination. The aid organization carries out projects to alleviate human suffering, promote participation and strengthen individual potential. HelpAge USA is the American branch and part of the HelpAge Global Network.
Donate now to HelpAge USA
https://helpageusa.org/donate/
USA for IOM
USA for IOM is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that supports the work of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The NGO raises awareness and resources to assist migrants and displaced persons. Based in Washington, DC, USA for IOM also mobilizes funding and partnerships to support IOM's migration programs and initiatives worldwide.
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, bringing together the governments of 171 member states. The United Nations agency works closely with intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to assist migrants around the world, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and migrant workers. IOM also responds to emergencies, saving lives and protecting people on the move. In 2024, the UN agency aims to assist 139 million people worldwide.
Donate now to USA for IOM
https://usaforiom.org/donate/
Direct Relief
Direct Relief - formerly known as Direct Relief International - is a humanitarian aid organization based in the United States. Founded in 1948, the non-governmental organization (NGO) provides emergency medical assistance and disaster relief internationally and in the US. The NGO’s mission is to expand access to medicine and healthcare by equipping health professionals with life-saving medical resources. Direct Relief is currently active in more than 90 countries.
Donate Now to Direct Relief
https://donate.directrelief.org/
Relief International
Relief International (RI) is an international humanitarian organization that specializes in emergency relief and development assistance, helping fragile countries or communities suffering from human-made or natural disasters. It focuses on delivering sustainable solutions for health, economic development, and education. Relief International is based in the United States, and has partners in France and the United Kingdom.
Donate Now to Relief International
https://www.ri.org/donate/
Faith-Based Organizations
Please be aware: Faith-based organizations may pursue additional goals. If you prefer donating to an ideologically independent organization, choose a secular humanitarian organization.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The nonprofit organization focuses on alleviating poverty, providing emergency relief, and supporting sustainable development. Founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States, the aid agency provides assistance to people in more than 110 countries and territories. CRS is a member of Caritas Internationalis and one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations globally.
Donate now to Catholic Relief Services
https://support.crs.org/donate/give
World Vision USA
World Vision is a Christian evangelical non-governmental organization (NGO) with a focus on development cooperation and humanitarian disaster relief. The emphasis of its work is also on helping children at risk. World Vision USA is the United States branch of the nonprofit organization. Founded in 1950, World Vision is now one of the world's largest aid organizations and one of the largest Christian non-governmental organizations. The NGO's fundraising projects are primarily financed through child sponsorships. World Vision provides food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education support in more than 90 countries.
Donate now to World Vision US
https://www.worldvision.org/donate
World Relief
World Relief is an evangelical Christian humanitarian nongovernmental organization (NGO) based in the United States, also known by its full name World Relief Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals. The faith-based NGO’s mission is to empower local churches to serve the most vulnerable people in the fight against poverty, violence and injustice. The organization was founded in 1944 - in the aftermath of World War II - to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. World Relief partners with local churches and communities to develop locally-driven solutions to humanitarian needs. Its headquarters are based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Donate to World Relief now
https://give.worldrelief.org/site/Donation2?1080.donation=form1&df_id=1080
Islamic Relief USA
lslamic Relief USA is a faith-based humanitarian and development agency working to save the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable people. It is a member of the Islamic Relief Worldwide network. First established in the United Kingdom in 1984, the leading Muslim charity now works in over 45 countries, helping individuals, families and communities through emergency relief and development projects. The US affiliate was established in 1993. Islamic Relief USA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.
Donate now to Islamic Relief USA
https://giving.classy.org/campaign/565013/donate
Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is a Christian non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on sustainable development projects as well as international disaster relief. The NGO was founded in 1945. Lutheran World Relief is based in the United States and operates currently in East and West Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
Donate now to Lutheran World Relief
https://give.lwr.org/page/123179/donate/1
MAP International
MAP International - Medical Assistance Program International - is a Christian humanitarian organization based in the United States. Its mission is to deliver medicines and healthcare supplies to people in humanitarian crises around the world. Founded in 1954, the non-governmental organization (NGO) is currently is active in around 80 countries. In disaster relief medicines and health supplies are MAP’s primary focus, but the NGO also provides blankets, clothing, water filters and other emergency supplies.
Donate now to MAP International
https://www.map.org/ways-to-give
ADRA International
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA or ADRA International) is a faith-based humanitarian agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the purpose of providing disaster relief and development cooperation. Originally known as the Seventh–day Adventist Welfare Service (SAWS), the Christian charity was established in 1956. ADRA International is headquartered in Silver Spring, United States.
Donate now to ADRA International
https://give.adra.org/
Related Pages
Browse by Country
- Humanitarian Organizations United States
- Humanitarian Organizations United Kingdom
- Humanitarian Organizations Canada
- Humanitarian Organizations Australia
Browse by Topic
- Humanitarian Crisis Relief
- Refugees and IDPs
- Children in Need
- Hunger and Food Insecurity
- Medical Humanitarian Aid
- Vulnerable Groups
- Faith-Based Humanitarian Organizations
See also