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So How Does Islamic Relief Distribute Aid?

In times of crisis, people’s situations and livelihoods can change in the blink of an eye. With so many constantly updating reports and news broadcasts, it can be difficult to keep up with what happens on the ground and even more difficult to keep track of whether or not your donation made it to those in need.

Islamic Relief wants to assure you, our generous supporters and donors, that when you donate to us, we are committed to using every penny of your gift in the most efficient and responsible way possible. This is proven by our recent 4-star charity rating for the fifth consecutive year.  

Many donors write, email, and call to ask how exactly Islamic Relief gets aid to people during times of crisis. In an effort to address these concerns, the article that follows answers some of your most frequently asked questions during our three most recent emergency campaigns.  

China Earthquake Emergency:

Question: Does Islamic Relief have staff working on the ground to distribute aid in earthquake-affected areas?  

Answer: Yes! Islamic Relief staff is on the ground providing immediate relief to those worst affected in the Sichuan province with food, water, shelter, and medical care.

To distribute the aid, Islamic Relief is working in conjunction with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) and the Gansu Association for NGO International Economic and Technical Co-operation (GANGO), two of the largest operational NGOs in the country.

In addition, Islamic Relief has also provided emergency aid in the Gansu Province where over 200,000 people have been displaced and close to another 5,000 were injured during the quake. Donate now to help those in need.  

Myanmar Cyclone Emergency:  

Question: Is Islamic Relief able to get inside Myanmar?  

Answer: Yes! After weeks of controversy, the government of Myanmar has agreed to open its doors to foreign aid workers and Islamic Relief is among those who have been granted entry. An Islamic Relief disaster response team has been dispatched to Myanmar.

Please donate now to Islamic Relief’s $6 million emergency appeal to aid those worst-affected by Cyclone Nargis. Urgent needs include food, water purification tablets, water filters, hygiene kits, medicines, and mosquito nets. 

Palestine Humanitarian Crisis:  

Question: How does Islamic Relief get aid to Palestinians in Gaza despite border closures and travel restrictions? 

Answer: Islamic Relief utilizes three methods of delivering aid to Gaza. First, our staff in Palestine purchases any and all items needed on the local market in Gaza. The local market has at least some of the food and non-food items needed to sustain Palestinian families.Unfortunately, due to a downward spiraling economy, many families cannot afford these items. When Islamic Relief buys at the local market, it not only provides for a quicker response to Palestinian’s needs, but also helps local businesses that would otherwise be unable to export their goods.  

The second method is to deliver aid through open, Israel-approved border crossings designated for humanitarian use.

The third and final method is by accepting in-kind donations from local groups sent through border crossings in Egypt.

Question: Is Islamic Relief,in any way, affiliated with political or armed-based groups in the region?

Answer: Islamic Relief USA is an apolitical, humanitarian aid agency solely working to provide speedy, efficient humanitarian assistance for the people who need it most. It is because of our commitment to humanitarian work that Islamic Relief abstains from supporting any type of political party or organization in the countries we work in.

Also, as a non-profit organization registered to operate from within the United States, Islamic Relief does not participate in any type of projects or associate with any entities that engage in activities which breach United States law or the laws of the countries we work in.