Humanitarian & Disaster Relief
American Red Cross
Prevents and alleviates human suffering through emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in health and safety.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is American Red Cross a good charity?
American Red Cross holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 91%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $3.2B in revenue, up 14% from $2.8B in 2019, and $3.0B in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From American Red Cross's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as American National Red Cross).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.2B | $3.0B | $3.0B | $5.9M | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $3.2B | $3.0B | $2.7B | $5.8M | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $3.1B | $2.8B | $2.4B | $5.8M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $2.8B | $2.7B | $1.8B | $6.0M | 990 PDF |
| 2019 | $2.8B | $2.9B | $1.4B | $5.6M | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in humanitarian & disaster relief do
Humanitarian and disaster-relief organizations run two interlocking operations: emergency response within hours or days of a crisis (food, water, medical care, shelter) and longer-term recovery work (rebuilding, livelihoods, mental-health support). The most effective maintain pre-positioned supplies, trained response teams, and partnerships with local NGOs that allow rapid mobilization. Funding sustains both standing capacity and the surges needed when disasters strike.
How to judge charities in this area
In humanitarian work, look at response time, geographic reach, and partnerships with local organizations (which dramatically increase effectiveness). Be wary of charities that spring up around a specific disaster without prior operational track record. The best responders publish after-action reviews and post-disaster spending breakdowns — read them.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Give cash, not goods — in-kind donations of clothing and food often hinder response efforts
- + Donate to the general disaster-response fund, not a specific event — flexibility allows the charity to deploy funds where needs are greatest
- + Set up a recurring monthly gift so the organization has standing capacity before the next crisis hits
- + Use employer matching — disaster-relief gifts are often eligible
- + Avoid newly formed crisis-specific charities; established responders with logistics expertise typically deliver more impact per dollar
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on American Red Cross:
Frequently asked
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