Many people are interested in supporting humanitarian efforts internationally.  Often, relatively small gifts can have a major impact, whether those gifts provide children with immunization against polio or malaria or are used to purchase an animal that can produce milk for a family.  The most effective and reliable way to give for global causes is do so is through international organizations that have a presence in the countries to which the donors wish to direct their gifts.  This is particularly true for disaster relief.

Donors are advised to do the same checking for international relief organizations as they do for local, regional, and national non-profits.  Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau, and the American Institute of Philanthropy all provide ratings for international relief organizations.  Donors are also encouraged to contact these international non-profit organizations directly or to visit their websites to learn more about their programs.

The list below is not all-inclusive and is intended to be a sampling of the non-profit organizations that provide assistance to those in need outside the U.S.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Provides humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of disaster, war, and other situations of violence.
19 Ave de la Paix        
CH 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Phone: + + 41 (22) 734 6001
FAX:   + + 41 (22) 733 2057
www.ICRC.org

Or contact through the American Red Cross:
2025 E Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
1-202-303-5000
1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767)

Rotary International
Provides ongoing humanitarian and economic assistance through established Rotary Clubs.  Has been the primary force in the eradication of polio internationally.
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
www.rotary.org

The International Rescue Committee
Provides relief and resettlement services to refugees and victims of armed conflict and disaster
122 E. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10168
1-212-551-3000
www.TheIRC.org

Heifer International
Provides gifts of livestock and plants as well as education in sustainable agriculture to financially disadvantaged families around the world.
One World Ave.
Little Rock, AK 72202
1-800-422-0474
www.heifer.org

ShelterBox
Provides humanitarian aid worldwide in the form of pre-packaged containers that hold tent shelters, food, water purifiers, utensils and other essentials that can serve a family or group of ten for up to six months
Unit 1-A Water-ma-trout
Helston, Cornwall    TR 13 OL W
United Kingdom
Phone: + 44(0) 1326 569782
FAX:  + 44 (0) 1326 572336
ShelterBox USA: 1-941-907-6036
info@shelterbox.org
www.shelterbox.org

Foundation for International Community Assistance
Provides financial services to the world’s lowest income entrepreneurs so that they can create jobs
1101 14th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 1-202-682-1510
FAX:  1-202-682-1535
www.VillageBanking.org

Doctors Without Borders
An international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
Phone: 1-212-679-6800
FAX:     1-212-679-7216
www.doctorswithoutborders.org