Lutheran World Relief

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to humanitarian aid and sustainable development projects. Founded in 1945 by Lutherans in the United States, LWR was initially established to provide relief to post-World War II Europe. Today, it operates worldwide, assisting communities living in extreme poverty and responding to emergencies with a focus on long-term recovery.

Mission and Activities

LWR's mission is to help communities overcome the challenges threatening their livelihoods and well-being, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization provides emergency assistance in humanitarian crises and partners with local communities to develop inclusive, climate-resilient rural economies. LWR supports community-driven solutions to development challenges, ensuring that these initiatives are sustainable beyond the duration of specific projects.

Programs

One of LWR's signature programs is its Quilt and Kit Ministry, which involves Lutherans across the U.S. assembling and donating quilts and care kits to aid those in need during emergencies. These items include:

• Mission Quilts: Providing warmth and shelter for people worldwide.
• Kits of Care: Including school kits, baby care kits, fabric kits, and personal care kits, these assemble ordinary items into gifts for individuals coping with war, disaster, and poverty.

History

LWR began by responding to the refugee crisis in post-World War II Europe, sending food, clothing, and quilts. Over the decades, it has expanded its scope to address crises in various regions, including Palestine, Hong Kong, Korea, and Bangladesh. In the 1960s and 1970s, LWR developed methodologies for working in agriculture and with farming cooperatives to enhance rural incomes and food security. It has also responded to significant humanitarian crises, such as famine in Africa, for which it received the Presidential End Hunger award.

Organizational Structure

LWR is led by a President and CEO and is governed by a 15-member board of directors. The organization is divided into departments:

• The President's Office: Oversees strategic leadership and manages relationships with stakeholders.
• International Programs Department: Designs and implements development programs and coordinates emergency responses.
• External Relations & Strategic Partnerships: Handles marketing, communications, and donor relations.
• Finance & Administration: Manages finances for domestic operations and international projects.

Current Operations

As of 2023, Lutheran World Relief operates in 29 countries across Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. It continues to focus on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and disaster response.

Ratings and Evaluations

LWR has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a strong level of transparency and accountability in its operations. Despite not meeting the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance standards as of 2023, it received an overall A rating from CharityWatch when combined with IMA World Health.