Direct Relief

At the end of July, Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe announced his decision to step down from his […more…]

Delivering Life-Saving Medical Aid During the World’s Toughest Crises

Direct Relief navigates the war zones in Ukraine to deliver cystic fibrosis medications, transports Mpox vaccines to clinics in the […more…]

Direct Relief Commits Additional $10 Million to Expand Resilient Power at U.S. Health Safety-Net Clinics and Health Centers

New infusion of funds will ensure dozens of nonprofit facilities serving vulnerable people can fulfill critical role when most needed. […more…]

Providing Much Needed Help. Anytime. Anywhere. To Anyone in Need.

In November 2022, a tornado tore through Idabel, Oklahoma, demolishing dozens of buildings, including the Kiamichi Family Medical Center. It’s […more…]

Global Aid in Time of Global Crisis

In 1945, William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant who had fled fascism to California, dedicated his fortune to sending relief parcels […more…]

Direct Relief’s Thomas Tighe Named to The NonProfit Times’ 2022 Power & Influence Top 50

The NonProfit Times has named Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe to its 2022 Power & Influence Top 50 […more…]

Confronting Crises When They Hit Home

Hurricane Katrina was a major turning point in the history of Direct Relief. Until then, the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that […more…]

Santa Barbara: The Epicenter of (Direct) Relief

Direct Relief has been so efficient at serving as one of the country’s most effective humanitarian assistance organizations that it’s […more…]

Direct Relief Steps Up Response in Face of COVID-19 Surge

As the COVID crisis has intensified across the globe in recent weeks, Santa Barbara-based humanitarian agency Direct Relief has accelerated […more…]

An Expression of Santa Barbara’s Global Philanthropic Reach

In 1948, an Estonian immigrant named William Zimdin – who had experienced the ravages of World War II – founded […more…]

Direct Relief

Donate now!

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.

When Cholera hit Somaliland, many patients were unable to access early interventions and rehydration treatments due to lack of resources and transportation. Without Direct Relief’s Cholera Kit, particularly IV fluids and oral rehydration salts, 50% of our patients could have died. Direct Relief’s timely response gave us the tools and encouragement we needed to fight the outbreak.
Dr. Mustafe Mohamoud Hoori,
Hospital Director, Daryeel Maternity Hospital

Maximizing Your Impact: How Direct Relief Stretches Every Dollar

Direct Relief ensures 100% of every donation goes directly to delivering aid, honoring donor intent with full transparency. By leveraging billions in in-kind medical donations, the organization amplifies each dollar’s impact, delivering more aid than cash alone could achieve. 

“Donors appreciate that their money is used efficiently to deliver aid where it’s needed most,” says Dean Axelrod, VP of Partnerships in Philanthropy. 

Direct Relief’s commitment to accountability and transparency builds trust, giving donors confidence that their contributions directly support critical programs and those in need.

Adds Dean Axelrod, VP of Partnerships in Philanthropy: “The dream is to never have to say no.”

Key Supporters

Emma Carrasco
Adam Cooper and Melissa Fleisher
Mary M. Dwyer
Henrietta Holsman Fore and Richard Fore
Heitham Hassoun
Mark and Kim Linehan
Jay McGonigle
Harry and Jacqueline McMahon
Annalisa Pizzarello
and Robert Conway
Marla Salmon
Mark and Lynda Schwartz
Perry Siatis
Laurie Siegel and Joseph Nosofsky
Tom Strickland
Thomas and Heather Sturgess
Elizabeth A. Toro and Mark Hauser