About
Project HOPE (legal name: Project HOPE - The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.) is a leading global health and humanitarian organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with more than 65 years of experience transforming the health and well-being of communities around the world. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Project HOPE today operates in more than 25 countries across five continents with over 1,000 employees.
Mission
Project HOPE places power in the hands of local health care workers to save lives across the globe. The organization envisions a world where everyone, everywhere can access quality health care, grounded in the belief that health is a fundamental human right.
What they do
Project HOPE's work spans three program areas:
- Urgent relief — emergency response to disasters, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian crises.
- Integrated solutions — longer-term initiatives on climate and health, mental health, medical supply chains, and health access.
- Lasting impact — programs targeting infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, health worker training and policy, and the health of women, newborns, and children.
Across all of this, the organization works hand-in-hand with local health workers and health systems.
History
Project HOPE was founded by Dr. William B. Walsh, who worked with President Eisenhower to purchase a retired Navy hospital vessel; the organization was incorporated on December 29, 1958. In 1960, the SS HOPE — the world's first peacetime hospital ship — departed San Francisco on its inaugural voyage to Indonesia and South Vietnam. The ship retired in 1974 after 11 voyages, and Project HOPE transitioned to land-based health programs, becoming the only U.S. private voluntary organization to work behind the Iron Curtain during the 1970s. In 1981 it established the Center for Health Affairs, which led to the creation of the policy journal Health Affairs.
Scale and impact
Project HOPE operates in more than 25 countries across five continents and employs more than 1,000 people, working alongside local health workers and health systems. Its accountability is independently reviewed by Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and the Better Business Bureau.
Financials
According to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer (IRS filings), Project HOPE - The People-to-People Health Foundation Inc (EIN 53-0242962) reported total revenue of $157,270,945, total expenses of approximately $151.0 million, and total assets of $85.7 million for fiscal year 2025. Contributions accounted for 96.9% of revenue.
Governance
Rabih Torbay serves as President and CEO, leading a senior executive team, per the organization's most recent IRS filing. Project HOPE publishes financial and accountability information on its website, including audited financials and integrity policies.