Michael Brooks
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a large international humanitarian agency that provides assistance to millions of people in need across more than 100 countries. Founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States, CRS is rooted in Catholic values and social teachings, aiming to promote the sacredness and dignity of human life by serving the poor and vulnerable. With a global reach spanning five continents, CRS offers a diverse range of programmes and initiatives, including emergency response, healthcare, education, microfinance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The organisation's impact is felt through its extensive network of local partners, field offices, and approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, all dedicated to easing suffering and creating a more equitable world.
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Relief Services' global reach
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. It was founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States to aid the refugees of war-torn Europe following World War II. CRS has since expanded its operations to reach more than 100 countries worldwide, including regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. The organization has approximately 5,000 employees globally and a $1.5 billion budget, with about half of its funding coming from USAID.
CRS's mission is to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, promoting the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. The organization provides assistance based solely on need, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. It works with local, national, and international Catholic institutions and other organizations to carry out its mission. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised by CRS support development programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing essential needs such as food, clean water, and shelter. The remaining 25% is used for local poverty and hunger alleviation projects within the diocese.
CRS has a strong global reach, with numerous field offices on five continents. The organization has supported hundreds of transformative projects and has a multi-sectoral approach to its relief and development work. This includes programs in emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, water, education, microfinance, peacebuilding, and partnerships. CRS also emphasizes the importance of local partners in building strong, resilient communities.
In addition to its international work, CRS engages with U.S. Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering worldwide. It is a leading member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, advocating for increased funding for American diplomatic and development efforts abroad. CRS also collaborates with U.S.-based organizations such as Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) to assist with domestic relief efforts, such as monitoring Hurricane Harvey and aiding migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border.
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The organisation's budget and funding
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States. CRS was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, it has expanded its reach to more than 100 countries, serving over 200 million people.
CRS is committed to financial transparency and accountability to its donors. It publishes annual reports and financial statements to provide stakeholders with information about its financial position and how it utilizes its resources. As of February 11, 2025, CRS had a budget of $1.5 billion, approximately half of which was funded by USAID. The organization also receives donations from individuals and groups, including parishioners, students, and teachers who participate in their Lenten program. Seventy-five per cent of the funds raised through this program support development programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with the remaining twenty-five per cent allocated for local poverty and hunger alleviation projects within the diocese.
CRS has been recognized for its efficient use of resources, with 94% of its revenue in fiscal year 2023 spent on programs directly supporting those in need. The organization has also met all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability set by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, received an "A+" rating from CharityWatch, and been listed as one of Forbes Top 100 charities in the United States.
In addition to individual donations and government funding, CRS also receives support from various partners, including local communities, universities, public and private donors, U.S. Diocesan partners, and national partners. These partnerships allow CRS to expand its reach and collaborate with diverse groups to achieve its mission of assisting the impoverished and disadvantaged worldwide.
CRS's budget and funding are essential to its ability to carry out its mission and serve those in need. The organization's commitment to financial transparency and accountability helps to ensure that its resources are utilized effectively and efficiently, maximizing its impact on the communities it serves.
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The history of Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international humanitarian agency representing the Catholic community in the United States. It was founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States to aid migrants, refugees, and survivors of World War II in Europe. The agency's original name was War Relief Services, and it initially focused on providing relief to refugees in war-torn Europe.
In the mid-1950s, several factors, including the end of colonial rule in many countries, the support of the American Catholic community, and the availability of resources from the U.S. Government, enabled CRS to expand its operations globally. By the late 1950s, the organization had officially changed its name to Catholic Relief Services and had established 25 country programs across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. During this period, CRS supplied food rations to the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces and had key relief workers like Father Fabian Flynn, CP, who directed relief efforts in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
CRS continued to evolve and adapt its programming to meet the changing needs of the post-World War II era. In the 1970s and 1980s, the organization's programs expanded beyond basic distributions of food, clothing, and medicine to include a greater focus on socio-economic development. Health care, nutrition education, micro-enterprise, and agriculture became significant components of CRS's work.
CRS underwent a significant institutional transformation in the mid-1990s, with a strategic planning effort initiated in 1993 to clarify its mission and identity. The tragic 1994 Rwandan massacre, which claimed over 800,000 lives, deeply influenced how CRS implemented its relief and development programs, especially in regions experiencing or vulnerable to ethnic conflict.
Today, Catholic Relief Services has a global presence in over 100 countries, providing assistance to more than 130 million people. The organization's mission remains rooted in Catholic values and teachings, serving the impoverished and disadvantaged regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, CRS is committed to financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that donations are utilized effectively to meet the needs of those they serve.
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The organisation's values and principles
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a faith-based organisation with a global reach and a commitment to serving those in need. With a presence in over 100 countries, the organisation's values and principles are rooted in Catholic social teaching and Scripture, promoting the sacredness and dignity of human life.
CRS upholds the belief that all human life is sacred and possesses an inherent dignity, regardless of factors like race, religion, or nationality. This core principle guides their work in serving the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged worldwide. CRS's commitment to human dignity is further reflected in their dedication to preserving the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
The organisation's values are also manifested in their commitment to efficiency, accountability, and transparency. CRS prioritises financial transparency and careful stewardship of resources, ensuring that donations are utilised effectively and reach those who need them most. They publish financial reports and maintain open lines of communication with donors to honour the intent of each contribution.
Additionally, CRS values the protection of data for all involved, including beneficiaries, donors, and employees. They recognise the importance of safeguarding personal information and maintaining confidentiality. CRS also emphasises the well-being of its employees, offering comprehensive benefits and support to meet their team's needs.
Guided by their faith, CRS embraces the example of Jesus Christ, striving to ease suffering, foster charity and justice, and provide development assistance globally. Their work extends beyond geographical boundaries, serving people solely based on need, in the spirit of Catholic social teaching. CRS collaborates with various partners, including local communities, universities, and the private sector, to promote sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives.
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Catholic Relief Services' partnerships
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a member of Caritas Internationalis, the worldwide network of Catholic humanitarian agencies. As part of this network, CRS works closely with local Caritas members in various countries.
CRS has approximately 5,000 employees worldwide and is governed by a board of directors consisting of clergy and laypeople. The organisation has a $1.5 billion budget, about half of which is funded by USAID.
CRS has partnerships with private, public, and civil sector organisations, including peer organisations, governments, government agencies, universities, foundations, and corporations. The organisation also has U.S. Diocesan Partners and U.S. National Partners. These partnerships are essential to delivering the most cost-efficient, highest quality responses to emergency and development challenges.
CRS also has local partners who are crucial to building strong, resilient communities. The organisation works with local churches and partners to create a world in which people live as one human family.
In addition, CRS has a Lenten program in which millions of parishioners, students, and teachers participate. This program emphasises prayer, fasting, learning, and giving, with seventy-five per cent of funds raised supporting development programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) operates in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
CRS provides assistance to 130 million people.
CRS has approximately 5,000 employees worldwide.
As of February 11, 2025, the organisation had a $1.5 billion budget, with about half of it funded by USAID.
CRS operates based on need, not creed, race or nationality.
