CARE (relief agency)

CARE (relief agency)
Name	CARE
Founded	27 November 1945
Founder	Arthur Ringland, Lincoln Clark
Type	International NGO
Focus	Humanitarian aid, Poverty reduction, Women's empowerment
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Michelle Nunn (President & CEO)
Website	https://www.care.org

CARE (relief agency). CARE is a major international humanitarian aid and development organization dedicated to fighting global poverty and achieving social justice. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, it initially delivered CARE Packages of food and supplies to war-torn Europe. Today, CARE operates in over 100 countries, focusing on women's empowerment, emergency response, and long-term community development programs.

History

CARE was founded on November 27, 1945, in New York City by Arthur Ringland and Lincoln Clark, with initial funding from 22 American organizations. Its first mission was to send life-saving CARE Packages to survivors of World War II in cities like Le Havre and Bremen. The iconic packages, often sent by individuals in the United States to specific recipients, became a symbol of American post-war generosity. During the Korean War, CARE shifted operations to support refugees and expanded into long-term development. The organization played a significant role during the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Biafran War, and later responded to major crises like the Ethiopian famine and the Rwandan genocide. In 1993, CARE International was formed as a confederation to coordinate global efforts, moving its secretariat to Geneva.

Mission and operations

CARE's mission centers on ending poverty through a holistic approach that prioritizes women and girls as agents of change. Its operations are guided by principles of humanitarian principles, sustainable development, and social inclusion. The organization implements both emergency relief during disasters like the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the Syrian civil war, and long-term programs in areas such as food security, public health, and economic development. CARE works directly with local communities and partners, emphasizing participatory approaches and capacity building to create lasting change. Its advocacy efforts target global policies at forums like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum.

Organizational structure

CARE International is a confederation of 14 member organizations, including CARE USA, CARE Canada, and CARE Deutschland, which are based in donor countries like the United States, Germany, and Australia. The confederation is overseen by a Secretary General and a board with representation from each member. Country offices, led by directors in nations such as Nepal and Zambia, implement programs on the ground. Leadership has included figures like Peter Bell and current CEO Michelle Nunn. This decentralized structure allows for both global coordination and local adaptation, with regional hubs managing operations across areas like Southeast Asia and the Horn of Africa.

Major programs and initiatives

CARE's portfolio includes flagship initiatives like the CARE Package program, which evolved from food aid to tools for sustainable livelihoods. The SHOUHARDO program in Bangladesh, funded by USAID, focuses on reducing stunting and improving nutrition. The Women's Economic Empowerment framework guides efforts to increase access to resources and markets. In emergency contexts, CARE provides critical support through initiatives like the Rapid Response Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARE Food and Nutrition Security program in the Sahel. Other significant efforts include the Tipping Point project addressing child marriage and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in communities affected by the Lake Chad crisis.

Funding and partnerships

CARE is funded through a mix of public institutional grants, private donations, and corporate partnerships. Major public donors include USAID, the European Commission, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Australian Government. Private fundraising occurs through campaigns in member countries and partnerships with corporations like Cargill and Procter & Gamble. CARE collaborates extensively with other NGOs, including World Vision International and Oxfam, as well as with multilateral agencies like the World Food Programme and UNICEF. These partnerships are crucial for coordinating large-scale responses in complex emergencies such as the Yemeni civil war.

Impact and recognition

CARE has impacted millions of lives, reporting in 2020 that its programs reached over 90 million people in 100 countries. Its work in promoting girls' education and maternal health has been widely recognized. The organization has received high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and has been honored with awards such as the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Notable reports like "Suffering in Silence" have highlighted under-reported crises. Alumni of CARE, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, have praised its model. The organization continues to be a leading voice in advocating for policies to address climate change and gender equality on global platforms.

Category:Humanitarian aid organizations Category:Organizations established in 1945 Category:International nongovernmental organizations