All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing community-inspired, volunteer-powered disaster relief globally. The organization was formed in late 2017 through the merger of All Hands Volunteers and the Happy Hearts Fund.

History

All Hands Volunteers was founded in 2005 by David Campbell, with the mission of delivering relief services to communities affected by natural disasters worldwide. The Happy Hearts Fund, founded by Petra Němcová, aimed to assist in rebuilding schools and supporting education post-disaster. The merger created a more robust organization, enhancing its capacity to address both immediate and long-term needs in disaster-affected areas.

Programs and Services

All Hands and Hearts employs a unique volunteer model to support disaster relief efforts. When a disaster strikes, the organization works closely with local communities to assess needs and implement effective response strategies. Their approach includes:

• Response: Immediate action following a disaster to identify community needs and develop long-term plans.
• Recovery: Building disaster-resilient infrastructure such as homes, schools, and community centers.
• Resilience: Ensuring that structures are built to withstand future disasters, enhancing community preparedness.
• Renewal: Integrating into communities to foster innovative solutions and lasting impact.

Volunteers are integral to these efforts, with over 58,000 volunteers from more than 144 nationalities having contributed to date. Unlike many volunteer organizations, All Hands and Hearts does not charge program fees; instead, volunteers cover their travel expenses while the organization covers other costs through donations.

Awards and Recognition

All Hands and Hearts has received numerous awards for its innovative and efficient approach to disaster relief. Notably, the organization was ranked #1 on the Classy 100 list of fastest-growing NGOs in 2018. It has consistently earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its financial and operational efficiency, placing it in the top 10% of evaluated nonprofits. In 2023, it maintained high ratings for spending over 95% of donations directly on programs.

Impact

Since its inception, All Hands and Hearts has provided disaster relief to over 1.2 million people, emphasizing a thoughtful and sustainable approach to community recovery. The organization's commitment to empowering communities through volunteer-driven initiatives has become a hallmark of its mission.