Charity of the week: The International Rescue Committee

last updated 8 January 2015

The International Rescue Committee (rescue.org) is one of the world’s leading first responders to refugee and humanitarian crises. Active in more than 40 countries, the IRC last year provided health care to more than 14 million people and clean drinking water and sanitation to more than 4.4 million. Whether delivering aid to victims of natural disasters in Pakistan and Haiti or assisting those displaced by conflict in South Sudan and Afghanistan, the IRC relies on its nearly eight decades of experience responding to crises and rebuilding communities around the globe. As the worst drought in 60 years afflicts the Horn of Africa, IRC teams are currently providing food, water and health care to tens of thousands of Somali famine refugees in camps throughout the region.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator ranks not-for-profit organizations on the effectiveness of their programs, their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest ranking.