About
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe, it has worked for over 80 years across 100 countries. Its stated mission is to "boldly engage the world's greatest crises in partnership with the church," and it is the humanitarian arm associated with the National Association of Evangelicals (its legal name is World Relief Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals).
Mission
World Relief exists to boldly engage the world's greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization emphasizes church-community partnerships, holistic person-centered transformation, and interconnected solutions that link its U.S. and international work.
What they do
- Humanitarian and disaster response
- Refugee resettlement and immigration services in the United States
- Community strengthening and resilience programs
- Advocacy and public policy
History
World Relief began in the 1940s as the War Relief Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals, founded in New York City to address urgent humanitarian needs in war-torn Europe. In the 1950s it changed its name to World Relief and launched operations in Korea. In 1979 it launched its refugee resettlement ministry, helping Vietnamese boat people adjust to life in America. The headquarters relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 2001, and in 2014 the organization celebrated its 70th birthday and 35 years of refugee resettlement in the United States.
Scale and impact
Figures published on World Relief's website:
- In 2025, the organization reports having reduced suffering for over 4.5 million people globally, recruited more than 22,000 volunteers, mobilized more than 4,400 churches, and served over 38,000 immigrants in the U.S.
- In fiscal year 2024, it served nearly 3.3 million people globally and assisted more than 40,000 immigrants in the U.S. while mobilizing more than 4,500 churches.
- Since 1979, World Relief has served more than 460,000 refugees and other immigrants in the United States.
- Its accountability credentials include a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, a Candid Platinum seal, BBB accreditation, and HQAI certification.
Financials
According to IRS filings summarized by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, World Relief reported revenue of 205,941,236 dollars and expenses of 192,640,295 dollars for the fiscal year ending September 2025, with net assets of 49,135,756 dollars. The organization is a 501(c)(3) with an IRS ruling year of 1964.
Governance
World Relief's leadership includes Myal Greene (President and CEO), Dick Oyieko (Chief Financial Officer), and Kevin Sanderson (Chief Administrative Officer).
