By Tony Morain
Direct Relief was rated the fifth largest charity in the United States in 2022, according to Forbes Magazine’s newly released annual list of theâ¯100 largest U.S. charities, by private donations. The humanitarian medical aid group received $2.2 billion in private contributions in its 2022 fiscal year, up more than 15% from $1.9 billion in 2021.
Forbes awarded Direct Relief a score of 100% for both charitable commitment (how much of a charity’s total expenses go directly to the charitable purpose) and 100% on fundraising efficiency (the percent of private donations remaining after deducting fundraising costs).
Top 5 Charities 2022 – Forbes
Top 5 California Charities 2022 – Forbes
Headquartered in California, Direct Relief is the largest of the five California charities included in the 2022 Forbes ranking.
Top 5 International Charities - Forbes
Direct Relief, one of the world’s largest channels for humanitarian medical assistance to underserved communities and victims of disasters, also ranks as the largest charity in the “International Needs” category, according to Forbes.
Direct Relief Activities – 2022
In its fiscal year 2022, Direct Relief provided more than $2 billion in medical aid and $58.2 million in financial assistance to healthcare providers and other local organizations in 98 countries and 52 US states and territories.
Ukraine was the largest recipient country of Direct Relief’s assistance in 2022, receiving 1,099 tons of medicine and medical supplies from Direct Relief, valued at $640 million, at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and other healthcare providers after Russia invaded the country in February. This includes extensive supplies for treating traumatic injuries and a broad range of medications ranging from cancer therapies, insulin, and antidotes for chemical attacks to those needed for chronic health conditions.
In addition, through the generosity of donors worldwide, Direct Relief provided $29.4 million in cash assistance for programs benefiting Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugees.
Direct Relief’s other recent activities include:
- Awarded $22.7 Million to 71 US healthcare and other nonprofit organizations through Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity
- Delivered 12.5 tons of emergency medical essentials to fight a cholera outbreak in Haiti, including IV fluids, oral rehydration salts, antibiotics and water purification tablets. Direct Relief also is actively responding to cholera outbreaks across the globe in Lebanon, Syria, and Malawi.
- Donated 273,312 doses of the lifesaving drug naloxone, which counteracts opioid overdoses, to public and private healthcare providers in 45 US states
- Distributed medicines to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to 536 healthcare facilities in 438 US cities in 2022
- Responded to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian with more than $4.5 million in medical aid to 127 healthcare providers throughout the US and Caribbean
2022 Charity Ratings
In addition to its top ranking from Forbes, Direct Relief earned a four-star rating for the 12th consecutive year from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
Direct Relief received aâ¯100% ratingâ¯in Charity Navigator’s Accountability & Finance category, which “provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies,” Charity Navigator says.
Direct Relief also received an A+ rating from Charity Watch, the highest score given by the independent charity watchdog.
Direct Relief is supported only by private, charitable contributions, accepting no government funding. The vast majority of the value of donations received and aid distributed is in the form of medicine and medical supplies donated by their manufacturers (in-kind contributions). Direct Relief values donated medicine and supplies at wholesale value; seeâ¯https://www.directrelief.org/about/finance/cash-and-in-kind-contributions/â¯for more information.
To learn more, please read theâ¯Direct Relief 2022 Impact Report.
I've spent extensive time studying and working in the non-profit and humanitarian aid sector, particularly focusing on charitable organizations like Direct Relief. I'm well-versed in the methodologies used by reputable evaluators such as Forbes, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch to assess the efficacy and impact of such organizations.
Direct Relief's standing as the fifth largest charity in the United States in 2022, based on Forbes' list, is a testament to its remarkable achievements. Forbes' rigorous assessment, evaluating both charitable commitment and fundraising efficiency at 100%, indicates Direct Relief's exceptional dedication to its cause and its adept management of resources.
The organization's impressive $2.2 billion in private contributions in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year, showcases its ability to mobilize support for humanitarian medical aid. Notably, Direct Relief's provision of over $2 billion in medical aid to 98 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories underscores its widespread global impact.
Their initiatives in Ukraine after the Russian invasion highlight the substantial assistance provided, including medicine and medical supplies valued at $640 million, addressing critical healthcare needs amid conflict. Moreover, their responses to various crises like the cholera outbreak in Haiti, efforts in combating opioid overdoses, and support during natural disasters like Hurricanes Fiona and Ian in the US and Caribbean, demonstrate their versatility and readiness to aid in diverse situations.
Accolades from Charity Navigator, consistently receiving a four-star rating for 12 years in a row and securing a 100% score in the Accountability & Finance category, speak volumes about Direct Relief's financial health, sustainability, and governance.
Their refusal of government funding, relying solely on private donations, adds to their credibility and independence, while their meticulous valuation of in-kind contributions reflects transparency in their financial reporting.
For more comprehensive details about Direct Relief's impact in 2022, including their activities and financial insights, delving into their 2022 Impact Report would provide a deeper understanding of their operations and the scope of their humanitarian efforts.
