FAQ

Have a question?

We love hearing from people who want to learn more about ADRA, our work, and so much more. Below are answers to many of the questions we receive regularly.

If your question isn’t covered here, send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

Have a question?

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Founded in 1956 as the Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service and renamed ADRA in 1984, the agency has a long and successful history of providing humanitarian relief and implementing development initiatives.
Learn more about Our Story

Through an international network, ADRA delivers relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 130 countries—regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, or religious association. By partnering with communities, organizations, and governments, ADRA is able to improve the quality of life of millions.

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In 2015 ADRA’s program expenses totaled $190 million—made possible through private contributions from private individuals like you, corporations, foundations, and other entities. We also obtain funding and commodities from governmental and intergovernmental organizations, such as USAID and the United Nations.

ADRA does not proselytize. God’s love in ADRA’s programs is expressed when it reaches out to those in need regardless of race, gender, and political, or religious affiliation. We work in harmony with a broad array of cultures, traditions, and people of non-Christian faith, respecting the human dignity of all. The positive impact of ADRA’s contribution globally validates our heritage and belief in benevolent giving, as well as introduces the Adventist name to communities.

We receive a large number of requests from university students to participate in interviews, surveys, or research projects. While we will assist with these requests when we can, our staff are very busy and cannot accommodate all requests. ADRA has offices in more than 130 countries, so in some cases it might be more appropriate or useful to contact your local ADRA office.

Our Work

We have a worldwide infrastructure in more than 130 countries that enables the agency to pre-position and store aid, such as food, medicine, equipment, emergency supplies, etc. Depending on the type of program and needs, ADRA uses a wide variety of transportation methods to get aid to our beneficiaries— a boat on the Amazon, a truck, a train, a solar-powered refrigerator in a local clinic, mobile units, and even volunteers on foot.

The ADRA office in each country is responsible for coordinating audits for the projects they are funding. Responsibilities of the Internal Audit Office at ADRA International include monitoring and arranging external audits for projects funded by USAID. The General Conference Auditing Service audits ADRA country and administration accounting. All audit reports are submitted to ADRA International Internal Audit Office. These reports are presented to and reviewed by the ADRA Audit Review Committee, which reports directly to ADRA’s International’s Board of Directors. ADRA International is audited yearly by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

As the international headquarters for the ADRA network, ADRA’s office in the US supports projects managed by national offices, but does not operate projects in the United States. We have a close partnership with Adventist Community Services (ACS), local organizations, and other trusted partners that enables us to provide assistance at the request of our partners to those who have been affected when a disaster strikes within our borders.

ADRA cannot provide financial assistance to individuals. ADRA works directly with communities through projects implemented by our national offices. If you are experiencing difficulties and need assistance, we suggest you contact your local ADRA office to enquire if there are any programs that can help you.

ADRA is not a foundation, and as such does not make donations or grants.

ADRA receives a large number of product and service enquiries and unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to respond to or consider every unsolicited enquiry. If you email [email protected], your request will be forwarded to the relevant department but we are not able to follow up if you do not receive a reply.

Your giving

Yes we do. To donate to ADRA through workplace campaigns such as the United Way or Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), please designate ADRA #10654 on your workplace form.

Yes. ADRA International is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations are deductible for income and estate taxes. Tax deductibility only applies to donations given by individuals and entities filing for taxes within the United States. Anyone giving a qualifying donation directly to ADRA will receive a receipt from ADRA after each donation and a year-end tax statement. If you make a donation through United Way, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), or through your local church, you cannot receive receipts from ADRA because donations come to us from these organizations as a lump sum and donor names are kept confidential.

Monetary donations are best, as they allow ADRA to immediately buy items that survivors need. Most essential relief goods are purchased in country to help reach the disaster zone quickly and to help stimulate the local economy. We do not accept material donations.

Make an emergency donation

ADRA has offices in more than 130 countries, so you may be able to donate in your local currency. Donations to ADRA International given in foreign currencies are subject to variable exchange rates and, in some cases, bank processing fees.

In most circumstances, ADRA does not have the capacity to accept material donations. Often, unsolicited goods like used clothes and canned goods clog transportation routes, hindering supplies from receiving clearance at shipping ports. You might want to consider selling the item and donating the proceeds to ADRA.

Your church keeps all donations confidential. We receive donations received through churches in a lump sum with no individual donor information so are not able to issue receipts or provide you with donor stewardship. If you wish to receive receipt from ADRA, you can mail your gift, donate by phone at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372), or give online anytime at ADRA.org/donate.

Children are major beneficiaries of our programs, designed to benefit entire communities rather than focus on individuals. As such, ADRA has chosen not to do child sponsorships.

We are so glad you asked because yes, we do! The gift catalog is powerful way for you to give a gift with meaning that helps to transform a life in the developing world. ADRA’s Really Useful Gift Catalog is filled with many ideas on how your friends, family, or church can be part of ADRA’s mission together.

Browse the gift catalog to see how your donations can help families living in poverty and distress.

Doing more

ADRA Connections is our short-term volunteer program that allows you to get hands-on with ADRA projects around the world.

Learn more about ADRA Connections.

For longer-term support, we rely on the service and skills of local volunteers to implement our programs. Volunteering is coordinated through the national offices where the volunteer would be placed.

To inquire about potential volunteer opportunities in an ADRA office, please contact that office directly.

Please visit our careers page to view current job openings and to apply for open positions. Unfortunately, applications and resumes sent via email will not be considered.

We rely on the support of private individuals, churches, and schools to fulfill our mission. We’re working on new ways for supporters to represent ADRA in their communities. Email [email protected] if you’d like more information.

Working at ADRA is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger. Our work is making a difference in the lives of millions around the world. Through hard work, perseverance, and deep commitment we turn limited resources into life-changing solutions.

Monetary donations are best, as they allow ADRA to immediately buy items that survivors need. Most essential relief goods are purchased in country to help reach the disaster zone quickly and to help stimulate the local economy. We do not accept material donations.

Make an emergency donation

ADRA has offices in more than 130 countries, so you may be able to donate in your local currency. Donations to ADRA International given in foreign currencies are subject to variable exchange rates and, in some cases, bank processing fees.

In most circumstances, ADRA does not have the capacity to accept material donations. Often, unsolicited goods like used clothes and canned goods clog transportation routes, hindering supplies from receiving clearance at shipping ports. You might want to consider selling the item and donating the proceeds to ADRA.

Your church keeps all donations confidential. We receive donations received through churches in a lump sum with no individual donor information so are not able to issue receipts or provide you with donor stewardship. If you wish to receive receipt from ADRA, you can mail your gift, donate by phone at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372), or give online anytime at ADRA.org/donate.

Children are major beneficiaries of our programs, designed to benefit entire communities rather than focus on individuals. As such, ADRA has chosen not to do child sponsorships.

We are so glad you asked because yes, we do! The gift catalog is powerful way for you to give a gift with meaning that helps to transform a life in the developing world. ADRA’s Really Useful Gift Catalog is filled with many ideas on how your friends, family, or church can be part of ADRA’s mission together.

Browse the gift catalog to see how your donations can help families living in poverty and distress.