Thank you for your interest in supporting the work of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This year, we are trying to help more than 30 million of the world's most needy people. One of the best ways you can make a difference to the lives of these people is to make a financial donation to our work.
You may choose to donate to one of our major field operations, or to make a general "unearmarked" donation. These unearmarked donations are essential to enable us to help people in desperate need, but for whom it can be difficult to raise funds as their plight is no longer in the news.
The International Federation is not a government agency, but depends on donations to carry out its work. What's more, the value of contributions is increased by the fact that the Federation has a huge volunteer network, with 355 volunteers for every paid member of staff.
Once again, thank you for your support.
Please note that you may make a cash donation directly to the Red Cross in your country, or through the donation links provided.
Important information about fraudulent Red Cross Red Crescent web sites and emails:
There are a number of fraudulent web sites and emails which are misusing the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems and name to request donations for Haiti. Please donate only through official channels. Please report all suspicious email and websites to fraudissues@ifrc.org.
Why we do not accept in-kind donations.
The Red Cross does not accept or solicit small, individual donations or collections of items for emergency relief purposes. Small items such as collections of food, used clothing, and shoes often must be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel that are needed for other aspects of our relief operation.
The best way to help a disaster victim is through a financial donation to the Red Cross. Financial contributions allow the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for the disaster relief operation. The Red Cross initially responds to most international relief efforts with monetary support, and, when needed, ships items such as comfort kits, clean-up kits, medical supplies, tents or tarps. Monetary donations also enable the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies close to the disaster site which avoids delays and transportation costs in getting basic necessities to disaster victims. Because the affected community has generally experienced significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy.
