For nearly 80 years, Direct Relief has stood ready to meet the cascading challenges of global disasters, delivering life-saving medicines, […more…]
Four-Star Rating for 15th Consecutive Year Highlights Operational Excellence and Humanitarian Impact Charity Navigator, America’s top independent nonprofit evaluator, has […more…]
Direct Relief has a new President and CEO, Amy Weaver having taken the reins from retiring Thomas Tighe, who over […more…]
Direct Relief has debuted a new public service announcement featuring Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, and long-time supporter Jane Lynch. In […more…]
Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief has been awarded the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for its longstanding humanitarian work in delivering medical resources to […more…]
At the end of July, Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe announced his decision to step down from his […more…]
Direct Relief navigates the war zones in Ukraine to deliver cystic fibrosis medications, transports Mpox vaccines to clinics in the […more…]
New infusion of funds will ensure dozens of nonprofit facilities serving vulnerable people can fulfill critical role when most needed. […more…]
In November 2022, a tornado tore through Idabel, Oklahoma, demolishing dozens of buildings, including the Kiamichi Family Medical Center. It’s […more…]
In 1945, William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant who had fled fascism to California, dedicated his fortune to sending relief parcels […more…]
The NonProfit Times has named Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe to its 2022 Power & Influence Top 50 […more…]
Hurricane Katrina was a major turning point in the history of Direct Relief. Until then, the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that […more…]
Direct Relief has been so efficient at serving as one of the country’s most effective humanitarian assistance organizations that it’s […more…]
As the COVID crisis has intensified across the globe in recent weeks, Santa Barbara-based humanitarian agency Direct Relief has accelerated […more…]
In 1948, an Estonian immigrant named William Zimdin – who had experienced the ravages of World War II – founded […more…]
Direct Relief
directrelief.org
Vice President, Partnerships and Philanthropy: Dean Axelrod
(805) 879-4932
Mission
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
Direct Relief’s grant enabled AltaMed to respond quickly during the Eaton Fire, providing evacuees with urgent medical care, behavioral health support, and essential supplies. By strengthening our readiness and supporting mobile services at the Pasadena Convention Center, Direct Relief helped us care for displaced patients, community members, and staff. This partnership not only amplified our immediate response but also reinforced long-term recovery and resilience, ensuring compassion translated into action when it mattered most.
Maximizing Impact
Nearly every cent donated to Direct Relief goes directly to delivering aid. None is used for fundraising, which is fully covered by a generous bequest.
By leveraging in-kind donations of medicines and supplies, the organization amplifies each donor dollar’s impact, delivering more aid than cash alone could achieve. Direct Relief’s 100% fundraising efficiency ratings from Forbes and Charity Navigator testify to its accountability.
Direct Relief was also the first U.S.-based organization to ever receive the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize – one of the world’s most prestigious honors for humanitarian achievement – for its unwavering commitment to delivering lifesaving medical aid in disasters, conflict zones, and underserved communities.
Key Supporters
Emma Carrasco
Adam Cooper & Melissa Fleisher
Mary M. Dwyer
Henrietta Holsman Fore & Richard Fore
Heitham Hassoun
Mark & Kim Linehan
Jay McGonigle
Harry & Jacqueline McMahon
Annalisa Pizzarello & Robert Conway
Marla Salmon
Mark & Lynda Schwartz
Perry Siatis
Laurie Siegel & Joseph Nosofsky
Tom Strickland
Thomas & Heather Sturgess
Elizabeth A. Toro & Mark Hauser