About
Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, the organization takes its name and inspiration from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, working to help the world's poor, sick, and suffering while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mission
Following the example of the Good Samaritan, Samaritan's Purse aims to meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine, with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
What they do
- International Crisis Response: emergency relief in disaster and conflict zones worldwide
- Operation Christmas Child: gift-filled shoeboxes delivered to children in more than 100 countries
- U.S. Disaster Relief and Rebuild: response teams and home rebuilding after domestic disasters
- World Medical Mission: placing Christian physicians and medical support in mission hospitals
- The Greatest Journey: a discipleship program for children
- Operation Heal Our Patriots: support for wounded veterans and their spouses
- Children's Heart Project: life-saving heart surgery for children from countries without adequate care
- Community Medical Outreach
History
Samaritan's Purse was founded in 1970 by Bob Pierce, guided by his prayer, "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God." Pierce met Franklin Graham in 1973, and the two toured mission fields together in 1975. After Pierce died of leukemia in 1978, Franklin Graham became President and Chairman of the Board in 1979, a role he has held for more than four decades. The ministry celebrated 50 years in 2020.
Scale and impact
The organization maintains worldwide offices and affiliate organizations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Korea, and the United Kingdom, and its Operation Christmas Child program reaches children in more than 100 countries. Under Franklin Graham's leadership it has responded to earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, and famines around the globe.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Samaritan's Purse reported revenue of $1,839,497,527 and expenses of $1,093,195,701 for fiscal year 2024, with net assets of $2,464,770,813. In fiscal year 2023 it reported revenue of $1,201,910,256 and expenses of $1,037,513,821. Contributions accounted for approximately 96 percent of total revenue in 2024.
Governance
Samaritan's Purse is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity (EIN 58-1437002) governed by a Board of Directors. The organization states that up to 10 percent of designated contributions may be used for administration, and it adheres to financial accountability standards.
