Tag: 3BL

James Crowley, manager, transparency and traceability (supply chain) at Cascale, recently participated in the SmartCollab 2024 event, coordinated by Smartex.AI in Porto, Portugal. The manufacturer-focused sustainability event brought together key players from across the textile supply chain to learn, collaborate, and forge stronger connections, harnessing collective momentum to build a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable industry.

Crowley presented as part of “The Textile Data Highway: Insights from The Modern Textile Factory Report 2.0” panel, which also included Tercio Pinto, managing director, Impetus; and Gilberto Loureiro, CEO, Smartex; hosted by Max Easton, global innovation director, Smartex. All panelists had contributed to the report, and the discussion centered around related subjects including the critical need for a robust data highway that connects all tiers of the supply chain.

Crowley highlighted how EU legislation serves to catalyze two scopes of data collection for manufacturer ESG data management; at the facility level and the product level. He shared how the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence Directives (CSRD & CSDDD) are driving ESG data requests at a facility level, focusing on data quality and validation, and aligning cross-functional teams on standard operating procedures for reporting. Crowley also noted how the Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passport (DPP), Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and Green Claims Directive are driving data requests at a product and process level.

The industry needs a constant pulse of operational traceability guidance to support policy compliance. MTF data highway is a blueprint exactly for this manufacturer-focused operational guidance. It supports the industry in streamlining ESG data collection processes and information management to allow more time, focus, and capacity on their own business growth, and to support impactful environmental and social projects. Manufacturers are busy and don’t need an overhaul of data requests. MTF data highway supports this narrative of making data collection processes more efficient and streamlined.

Emphasizing the importance of understanding manufacturer challenges, Crowley highlighted the need for operational traceability guidance to support compliance in the consumer products industry. He noted that the Modern Textile Factory Report could serve as a blueprint to provide manufacturer-focused traceability support and called for collaborative industry support in streamlining ESG data collection processes and information management. Crowley reiterated that the industry needs to harmonize and streamline traceability processes to allow more time, focus, and capacity for impactful environmental and social projects. Overall, traceability needs to be prioritized now in order to be de-prioritized in the future.

Originally published on TaxCreditAdvisor
By Joel Laubenstein

The $7 billion Solar for All (SFA) program under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) offers housing authorities and other owners of affordable housing portfolios a significant opportunity to reduce energy costs for residents, create local jobs and introduce the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency to disadvantaged communities.

Given SFA funding has now been obligated to prime recipients, it’s unlikely that the pending change in the presidential administration will retroactively cancel the program or claw back funding. However, housing authorities and owners of affordable housing who have “shovel-ready” projects that meet program requirements will be best positioned to secure funding and should remain diligent about preparing for the project start date.

Continue reading here.

Interested in learning more? Check out Baker Tilly’s insight on Navigating the future of clean energy 
 

by Patricia Lizarraga, Hypatia Capital and WCEO ETF

When Hypatia Capital started investing in women in leadership, in 2007, there were only 10 women CEOs in the S&P 500. Today there are 50. Why is investing in companies with women who are Chief Executive Officers, considered impact and sustainable investing? Because they bring increased economic output, inclusivity, and performance. Before we look at what we gain by investing in women in leadership, lets measure what we lose by not including women fully in the economy. Women represent close to 50% of the population but only 47% of the workforce. Every year, McKinsey and Lean In publish the Women in the Workforce report. This research shows that, if women were full participants in the economy, global GDP could increase by $12 trillion by 2025. To reach that higher sustainable growth rate, it is imperative that we develop more inclusive organizations and institutions. How? By having more inclusive leadership.

Are Women More Inclusive Leaders? Inclusive leadership values and includes people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The data tells us women are more inclusive leaders. Women CEOs have senior leadership teams that are 80% more diverse than men CEOs. Women CEOs have senior leadership teams that are 36% women, versus 20% women in men’s senior leadership teams. While women CEOs have senior leadership teams are two-thirds men, it is clear they are making greater strides in bringing more points of view into the leadership suite. Hypatia Capital believes this gender-balanced vision at the top trickles down throughout organizations benefiting your sister, your daughter, your mother, your friend. We believe having more women CEOs is the fastest and most certain way to get women more equal opportunity in their workplaces.

Read Patricia’s full article including why she launched the WCEO ETF, the first exchange-traded fund focused solely on public companies led by women CEOs, which invests in small caps, medium caps and large caps, all here – https://greenmoney.com/investing-in-women-in-leadership-results-driven-sustainable-impact-investing

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Water Roundtable creates new opportunities for Veolia to support American communities facing health and environmental threats from substandard water and wastewater infrastructure Veolia commits financial, technical and operational support to water technology improvements and creates pathway for employees to volunteer to help small and disadvantaged communities 

PARAMUS, NJ, December 11, 2024 /3BL/ – America’s water and wastewater systems need an estimated $1 trillion in investment to make up for decades of deferred maintenance and upgrades, but many communities lack the funding, organization or technical ability to begin tackling their challenges. That’s why Veolia North America, the largest private operator of water services in the United States, is joining with Water Finance Exchange (WFX), the trusted nonprofit improving America’s water infrastructure, to help small and disadvantaged communities improve their water and wastewater systems.

As a founding member of the WFX Water Roundtable, Veolia will use its experience, knowledge and energy to help communities find solutions to complex water problems, especially in rural, disadvantaged areas that often have the fewest tools but most need. WFX has helped communities in Texas, Idaho, Illinois and other states develop creative strategies to deliver water improvements, establish innovative governance systems, tap into new funding sources, create rigorous capital programs and manage construction programs – the vital behind-the-scenes work necessary to rebuild water systems.

With Veolia’s support, the WFX Water Roundtable will help communities identify and prioritize water projects, evaluate their technical and financial resources, explore creative funding strategies, and then get to work building the physical infrastructure their residents deserve. At a recent WFX workshop in western Tennessee, Veolia joined regional water sector leaders as well as local, state and federal government officials to share strategies and stories of how communities acquired the technical assistance, funding tools and workforce development necessary to improve water services for their residents. 

Karine Rougé, Chief Executive Officer of Municipal Water at Veolia North America, said: “Everyone deserves access to high-quality water and sanitation services, no matter where they live or what their community’s resources are. Veolia North America’s thousands of employees bring an unmatched depth of experience and know-how to the task of upgrading water infrastructure, and we’re excited to work together to confront the funding, implementation and operational challenges that are holding America back from fulfilling the promise of water equity for everyone.”

Brent Fewell, WFX Co-Founder, said: “We are very excited to partner with Veolia as we expand our work with rural, disadvantaged communities across the country. Their depth of experience in utility operations and knowledge of innovative technologies will help WFX better serve communities in pursuit of sustainable infrastructure and affordable solutions. Forward-thinking partners like Veolia recognize that we only achieve safe, affordable, and sustainable water and wastewater systems by working together. We look forward to growing the Water Roundtable to do just that.”

Since its founding in 2020, WFX has helped communities across America explore innovative strategies to address their infrastructure deficiencies, including funding workshops and regional efforts for small communities to engage the same level of resources that larger systems take for granted. WFX has helped more than 30 communities across the country access more than $100 million in funding for water infrastructure, and has engaged federal, state and philanthropic partners to provide them financial as well as technical assistance.

Through the Water Roundtable, WFX and Veolia will develop programs and partnerships that focus on specific community improvements as well as larger regional initiatives – boosting water quality and public health as well as economic opportunity. Veolia will devote its resources to helping communities create the paths to rebuild their water and wastewater infrastructure, and will encourage its employees to volunteer to help vulnerable communities improve their environmental compliance, support public health and spur economic development. 

Veolia North America provides sustainable, reliable and high-quality water, wastewater and biosolids management services to more than 20 million people across the United States. It is the largest combined water and wastewater operator in America, operating regional water utilities in six states as well as providing operation and maintenance services for more than 200 water, wastewater and biosolids management systems in 36 states. With thousands of employees operating across the country, Veolia North America can draw on a wealth of technical experience to help the Water Roundtable find practical solutions for communities and improve water equity for their residents.

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ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA

A subsidiary of Veolia Group, Veolia North America (VNA) offers a full spectrum of water, waste and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. www.veolianorthamerica.com

ABOUT VEOLIA GROUP

Veolia’s ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of €45.3 billion in 2023. www.veolia.com

ABOUT WFX

Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization composed of experienced water and finance professionals who work closely with communities to address head-on their water infrastructure funding needs and opportunities. Our mission is to help communities build sustainable and resilient utilities that are the foundation of economic growth and prosperity. www.waterfx.org

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CONTACTS 

VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA
Adam Lisberg
Senior Vice President of Communications, Municipal Water
+1 917-734-5874
adam.lisberg@veolia.com

WFX
Jackson Parr
Communications and Programs Manager
jparr@waterfx.com

KeyBank donated $5,000 to the 2024 Food 2 Families campaign in Buffalo, NY. The annual campaign, which KeyBank has proudly supported, helps FeedMore WNY provide nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need.

Watch KeyBank’s live donation to Food 2 Families here: https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/local/as-seen-on-tv/f2f-keybank-live-donation/71-36755b33-7600-438f-b5f7-f08d425dc08c

“Providing families with healthy food and fresh produce is important, especially during the holidays,” said Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer in Buffalo. “Food insecurity continues to be an issue in Buffalo and Western New York. That is why KeyBank feels it is so important to support the Food 2 Families campaign and help make a difference in our community.”

Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivery meal program and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

2024 marks the 20th year of the Food 2 Families campaign, a partnership between FeedMore WNY, WGRZ-TV and Tops Markets .

Learn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

Griffith Foods is on a mission to develop more sustainable and nutritious products for our global customers. We are committed to optimizing the nutritional value of our own finished goods, in an effort to deliver the most optimal product. We developed new Global Nutrition Criteria to help guide the evolution of our portfolio by establishing upper limits for sodium, sugar and saturated fat along with positive nutrient targets where relevant according to the Griffith Foods’ finished goods product category.

Developing the Global Nutritional Criteria

The Global Nutrition Criteria are standards comprised of average nutrient targets from 11 government and authoritative sources globally such as the World Health Organization, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and other federal health agencies. These standards set upper limits for sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, and minimum thresholds for positive nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, where relevant.

By 2030, we are committed to aligning the nutritional profile of at least 50% our finished goods to the Global Nutrition Criteria. Additionally, by 2025, we will incorporate these standards into 100% of our product development processes for all innovation projects. We track this goal based on the percentage of products that meet the criteria.

Nutritional Standards & Achievements

In 2023, we have exceeded our goal of 50% of all finished goods meeting at least one of our five key attributes for positive Health and Nutrition. We define these five areas as follows:

Organic: Includes certified organic ingredientsReduction: Reducing fat, sugar, and sodiumFortification: Adding ingredients with specific nutrition benefits, such as vitamins, minerals or fiberClean Label: Without any artificial ingredients, preservatives, or synthetic componentsElimination: Removing ingredients that have been shown to negatively impact health

Commitment to Health & Nutrition 

We strive to be the premier partner in creating sustainable, nutritious products. Our dedication to developing the Global Nutrition Criteria and achieving our Health and Nutrition goals drives innovation and the transition to planet-friendly, delicious offerings that support human health.

We have also increased our nutrition-oriented investment through participation in external associations such as the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences. This ensures we stay at the forefront of scientific advancements and best practices in the nutrition field.

At Griffith Foods, we are dedicated to driving positive change in the food industry, ensuring our products not only meet, but exceed nutritional standards for the benefit of consumers worldwide.

Our Sustainability Journey 
At Griffith Foods, we are committed to driving positive impact through a regenerative mindset. Sustainability is connected to everything we do as a business, and by 2030, we are dedicated to significantly improving the future with a singular sustainable business strategy that we call our 2030 Aspirations. To learn more about Griffith Foods and its current sustainability efforts, visit them online and download the 2023 Sustainability Report.

About Griffith Foods 
At Griffith Foods, our purpose defines who we are, what we do, and why we exist, highlighting what makes us distinct and authentic in the marketplace. We help our partners meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers in ways that respect and sustain the planet. Our care and creativity mean we’ll find the right mix of global reach and local impact to serve the earth and nourish all of us who call it home.

View original content here.

SWORDS, Ireland, December 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator providing energy-efficient solutions and services for heating and cooling across the built environment and transport sectors, proudly announces its one of the first companies in Ireland to commit to the UN Global Compact’s Forward Faster initiative.

The UN Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary, corporate sustainability initiative officially launched its Country Network for Ireland on November 28. The event, which gathered some 150 senior leaders from Ireland’s business community, also served as the local launch of the Forward Faster initiative. The initiative provides businesses with guidance to make a significant impact towards the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With only 17% of SDGs on track, the initiative calls for urgent action from both public and private sectors.

A signatory of the UN Global Compact since December 2023, Trane Technologies has made a Forward Faster-aligned commitment with the company’s May 2022 milestone of being among the first 11 companies globally, and first in its industry, to receive external validation of its near and long-term emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Trane Technologies aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050. As an early participant in the Forward Faster initiative in Ireland, Trane Technologies is poised to play a pivotal role in driving significant change and setting new standards for corporate sustainability.

Jose La Loggia, Group President EMEA at Trane Technologies, emphasized the importance of the Forward Faster initiative during the launch event in a distinguished panel entitled: “Unlocking the Value of Sustainability: Business Leadership Across Sectors.” Discussions brought together spokespeople from Irish enterprises to explore how companies are embedding sustainability into their operations, addressing challenges, and maximizing the benefits of sustainable practices aligned with the SDGs.

Jose La Loggia shared: “We are proud to join the Forward Faster initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to decarbonize our cities through sustainable heating and cooling solutions for buildings.

We started our sustainability journey long before green was a trend, setting our 2020 Climate Commitments with our first science-based targets back in 2014, and met them early by accelerating innovation. Recognizing there was no time to waste for climate action, we put a stake in the ground and set even bolder goals in 2019 – our 2030 Sustainability Commitments – including our Gigaton Challenge. Our progress on our near-term 2030 goals puts us on a glidepath toward net-zero by 2050.

The Forward Faster Initiative brings long-term value to our business and the communities we serve. We invite more companies to join us in collaborating and innovating to drive meaningful progress and to continue boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.

Nessa Whelan, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ireland , emphasized the importance of the launch and Trane Technologies’ participation: “We are delighted to have Trane Technologies join us as a speaker at the launch of the UN Global Compact Network Ireland to share insights on the business case for sustainability. Their commitment to ambitious targets aligned with the Forward Faster initiative serves as a strong example of the kind of action we hope to see more companies take, driving meaningful progress and inspiring lasting impact.”

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About Trane Technologies: 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

About the UN Global Compact Network Ireland: The UN Global Compact Network Ireland is a local network of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. It aims to mobilize a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want. For more information, visit UN Global Compact Network Ireland See also: Forward Faster initiative

Direct Relief has been ranked as the fifth largest charity in the United States and one of the most effective stewards of private donations, according to Forbes’ 2024 annual list of the 100 Top U.S. Charities, which ranks organizations by private donations.

“Direct Relief, No. 5 on this 26th edition of our list, is one of the most respected and older organizations in the disaster relief business,” Forbes stated.

Forbes awarded Direct Relief a perfect score of 100% for charitable commitment, reflecting the proportion of expenses allocated directly to its charitable mission, and 100% for fundraising efficiency, highlighting the organization’s minimal fundraising costs relative to private donations.

In fiscal year 2024, which ended on June 30, Direct Relief delivered more than $2.4 billion in humanitarian aid, including $770 million in medical aid for victims of natural disasters, war, and civil conflicts in locations such as North Carolina, Maui, Ukraine, the Middle East, Haiti, and Sudan.

Direct Relief’s impact also included providing targeted financial support for projects such as funding mobile medical clinics, prosthetics clinics in Ukraine, and search and rescue teams in California.

Forbes highlighted Direct Relief’s leader role in disaster response, noting that it “may pump more aid into disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad than any other charity on the new Forbes list.”

Top Ten Charities in the US – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)1Feeding AmericaDomestic Needs$4.91 B$5.16 B99982Good 360International Needs$3.04 B$3.06 B1001003St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMedical$2.57 B$3.79 B84704United Way WorldwideDomestic Needs$2.49 B$3.56 B87855Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B1001006Salvation ArmyDomestic Needs$2.3 B$4.78 B89837Habitat for Humanity InternationalInternational Needs$2.02 B$3.08 B91848AmericaresInternational Needs$1.54 B$1.56 B99989Goodwill Industries InternationalDomestic Needs$1.48 B$8.24 B997710Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaYouth$1.36 B$2.83 B8979

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.

Leading Position Among California and International Charities

Among the 100 largest U.S. charities recognized by Forbes in 2024, Direct Relief stands out as the largest among the six headquartered in California, emphasizing its leadership in a state renowned for philanthropy.

Top California Charities by Size – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)Based in California1Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B100100x2Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenInternational Needs$547 M$1.98 B7175x3Cedars-Sinai Health SystemDomestic Needs$426 M$8.78 B9589x4Entertainment Industry FoundationHealth$321 M$325 M9190x5City of HopeMedical$280 M$4.73 B8582x6Second Harvest of Silicon ValleyDomestic Needs$262 M$294 M9795x

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/

Globally, Direct Relief is ranked as the second-largest charity in the “International Needs” category, underscoring its ability to address complex global challenges and deliver impactful humanitarian aid across diverse regions.

Top International Charities by Size – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)1Good 360International Needs$3.04 B$3.06 B1001002Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B1001003Habitat for Humanity InternationalInternational Needs$2.02 B$3.08 B91844AmericaresInternational Needs$1.54 B$1.56 B99985Compassion InternationalInternational Needs$1.28 B$1.34 B87806MAP InternationalInternational Needs$1.01 B$1.02 B99997United States Fund for UNICEFInternational Needs$0.84 B$0.85 B90898World VisionInternational Needs$0.84 B$1.51 B86899Doctors Without Borders USAInternational Needs$0.75 B$0.78 B868710Convoy of HopeInternational Needs$0.63 B$0.64 B9693

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/

2024 Charity Ratings

Beyond its Forbes ranking, Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator, awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2024, marking its 14th consecutive Four-Star rating. This distinction underscores the organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable impact.

Charity Navigator also recognized Direct Relief as one of the Best Humanitarian Relief Charities of 2024, highlighting its responses to Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine. These lists identify organizations that are “extraordinarily effective at what they do, giving you the chance to support a cause where you’ll have an impact.”

Direct Relief has also earned an A+ rating from CharityWatch, the highest grade awarded by the independent watchdog.

Humanitarian Impact in 2024

In 2024, Direct Relief advanced its global humanitarian mission with the following accomplishments:

Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: Distributed over 380 million defined daily doses of medicine to more than 2,300 healthcare facilities across 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states.Hurricane Responses: Responded to Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton, providing financial support and essential medicines to over 90 healthcare providers across impacted states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.Middle East Humanitarian Aid: Provided $299 million in medical aid to regions including Gaza, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This included nearly 150 tons of medical supplies, valued at more than $32 million, addressing critical health needs such as cancer treatment, diabetes care, cardiac conditions, and water purification.Support for Ukraine: Delivered $322 million in medical aid to Ukraine in 2024, bringing the total since 2022 to 2,600 tons, valued at $1.4 billion. Current initiatives focus on rehabilitation, mental health, mobile care, and energy resilience for healthcare facilities.

Policies on Donor Funds and Valuation of In-Kind Donations

Direct Relief ensures that no donor funds are used for fundraising expenses. Such costs—averaging just 2% of cash revenue—are covered entirely by earnings from a generous bequest, ensuring that 100% of donor contributions directly support humanitarian programs.

As an organization funded exclusively by private charitable contributions, Direct Relief does not accept government support. Its operational efficiency is bolstered through strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The majority of donations received and distributed by Direct Relief are in-kind contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at wholesale cost. These contributions form the largest share of the organization’s annual revenue.

Direct Relief’s long-standing support for locally run facilities providing essential health services to underserved communities has enabled it to expand its reach and strengthen fragile health systems globally, marking an unparalleled level of impact in its 76-year history.

Direct Relief has been ranked as the fifth largest charity in the United States and one of the most effective stewards of private donations, according to Forbes’ 2024 annual list of the 100 Top U.S. Charities, which ranks organizations by private donations.

“Direct Relief, No. 5 on this 26th edition of our list, is one of the most respected and older organizations in the disaster relief business,” Forbes stated.

Forbes awarded Direct Relief a perfect score of 100% for charitable commitment, reflecting the proportion of expenses allocated directly to its charitable mission, and 100% for fundraising efficiency, highlighting the organization’s minimal fundraising costs relative to private donations.

In fiscal year 2024, which ended on June 30, Direct Relief delivered more than $2.4 billion in humanitarian aid, including $770 million in medical aid for victims of natural disasters, war, and civil conflicts in locations such as North Carolina, Maui, Ukraine, the Middle East, Haiti, and Sudan.

Direct Relief’s impact also included providing targeted financial support for projects such as funding mobile medical clinics, prosthetics clinics in Ukraine, and search and rescue teams in California.

Forbes highlighted Direct Relief’s leader role in disaster response, noting that it “may pump more aid into disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad than any other charity on the new Forbes list.”

Top Ten Charities in the US – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)1Feeding AmericaDomestic Needs$4.91 B$5.16 B99982Good 360International Needs$3.04 B$3.06 B1001003St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMedical$2.57 B$3.79 B84704United Way WorldwideDomestic Needs$2.49 B$3.56 B87855Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B1001006Salvation ArmyDomestic Needs$2.3 B$4.78 B89837Habitat for Humanity InternationalInternational Needs$2.02 B$3.08 B91848AmericaresInternational Needs$1.54 B$1.56 B99989Goodwill Industries InternationalDomestic Needs$1.48 B$8.24 B997710Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaYouth$1.36 B$2.83 B8979

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.

Leading Position Among California and International Charities

Among the 100 largest U.S. charities recognized by Forbes in 2024, Direct Relief stands out as the largest among the six headquartered in California, emphasizing its leadership in a state renowned for philanthropy.

Top California Charities by Size – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)Based in California1Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B100100x2Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenInternational Needs$547 M$1.98 B7175x3Cedars-Sinai Health SystemDomestic Needs$426 M$8.78 B9589x4Entertainment Industry FoundationHealth$321 M$325 M9190x5City of HopeMedical$280 M$4.73 B8582x6Second Harvest of Silicon ValleyDomestic Needs$262 M$294 M9795x

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/

Globally, Direct Relief is ranked as the second-largest charity in the “International Needs” category, underscoring its ability to address complex global challenges and deliver impactful humanitarian aid across diverse regions.

Top International Charities by Size – 2024

RankOrganization NameIndustryPrivate Donations ($)Total Revenue ($)Fundraising Efficiency (%)Charitable Commitment (%)1Good 360International Needs$3.04 B$3.06 B1001002Direct ReliefInternational Needs$2.37 B$2.38 B1001003Habitat for Humanity InternationalInternational Needs$2.02 B$3.08 B91844AmericaresInternational Needs$1.54 B$1.56 B99985Compassion InternationalInternational Needs$1.28 B$1.34 B87806MAP InternationalInternational Needs$1.01 B$1.02 B99997United States Fund for UNICEFInternational Needs$0.84 B$0.85 B90898World VisionInternational Needs$0.84 B$1.51 B86899Doctors Without Borders USAInternational Needs$0.75 B$0.78 B868710Convoy of HopeInternational Needs$0.63 B$0.64 B9693

Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2024, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/

2024 Charity Ratings

Beyond its Forbes ranking, Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator, awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2024, marking its 14th consecutive Four-Star rating. This distinction underscores the organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable impact.

Charity Navigator also recognized Direct Relief as one of the Best Humanitarian Relief Charities of 2024, highlighting its responses to Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine. These lists identify organizations that are “extraordinarily effective at what they do, giving you the chance to support a cause where you’ll have an impact.”

Direct Relief has also earned an A+ rating from CharityWatch, the highest grade awarded by the independent watchdog.

Humanitarian Impact in 2024

In 2024, Direct Relief advanced its global humanitarian mission with the following accomplishments:

Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: Distributed over 380 million defined daily doses of medicine to more than 2,300 healthcare facilities across 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states.Hurricane Responses: Responded to Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton, providing financial support and essential medicines to over 90 healthcare providers across impacted states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.Middle East Humanitarian Aid: Provided $299 million in medical aid to regions including Gaza, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This included nearly 150 tons of medical supplies, valued at more than $32 million, addressing critical health needs such as cancer treatment, diabetes care, cardiac conditions, and water purification.Support for Ukraine: Delivered $322 million in medical aid to Ukraine in 2024, bringing the total since 2022 to 2,600 tons, valued at $1.4 billion. Current initiatives focus on rehabilitation, mental health, mobile care, and energy resilience for healthcare facilities.

Policies on Donor Funds and Valuation of In-Kind Donations

Direct Relief ensures that no donor funds are used for fundraising expenses. Such costs—averaging just 2% of cash revenue—are covered entirely by earnings from a generous bequest, ensuring that 100% of donor contributions directly support humanitarian programs.

As an organization funded exclusively by private charitable contributions, Direct Relief does not accept government support. Its operational efficiency is bolstered through strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The majority of donations received and distributed by Direct Relief are in-kind contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at wholesale cost. These contributions form the largest share of the organization’s annual revenue.

Direct Relief’s long-standing support for locally run facilities providing essential health services to underserved communities has enabled it to expand its reach and strengthen fragile health systems globally, marking an unparalleled level of impact in its 76-year history.

Machinery from Case IH, a brand of CNH, is being used to develop new methods of water storage, management and application. With water being a precious resource for Australian agriculture, greater efficiency is being sought by farmers across the sector.

Just outside St George, in south-west Queensland, on the mixed farming property, ‘Wagaby’, Ian Todd is investing in a different water application system, which will lead to savings in terms of labour and machinery outputs, and even in the amount of water required for his 1200ha of irrigated paddocks.

Ian is in the process of converting these paddocks from a syphon to bankless, or surface, irrigation system, a practice being used by more farmers across Queensland and NSW properties.

‘Wagaby’ staff member Chris Strickfuss is the man charged with converting the paddocks, laser-levelling these areas, and creating banks that divide the paddocks into bays of about 20ha each.

Chris gets the job done with a Case IH Steiger® tractor and a Horwood Bagshaw Grader Scraper, and in the past month, a new Case IH Steiger 555 and 14ft Horwood Bagshaw Grader Scraper have joined the ‘Wagaby’ machinery fleet.

Ian has always relied on Case IH tractors and sprayers, and Horwood Bagshaw implements, which he also used to sell when he had the Horwood Bagshaw (previously Alfarm) and Case IH machinery dealership in St George for 32 years.

“Irrigation labour is reduced significantly, and the new layouts are much more friendly for large farming equipment. It’s probably 20 to 30 per cent more efficient on the number of hectares you get through each day. Depending on the design, there’s also water savings of up to 15 per cent, and no yield penalty,” said Glenn Lyons, who runs GL Water Services in St George.

The team at ‘Wagaby’ has planted cotton into their irrigated paddocks in the past month, and the harvesting of the wheat has begun, using the property’s own Case IH Axial-Flow 7240 and another 7240 belonging to a local contractor.