IRD provides cost-effective relief and development programs in six core sectors and Special Projects, as well as facilitating in-kind contributions as needed:

Civil Society

IRD works at the ground level with local partners to promote planning, education and training to rebuild community life when it has been disabled by tragedy and conflict. IRD programs encourage citizen participation, guide the distribution of humanitarian aid, and help identify community goals and priorities.

Economic Development

When relief efforts end, communities must be equipped to continue their recovery. Through economic development programs, IRD works to help generate business, train workers and create jobs that will sustain families and fuel growth through social loans, business loans, vocational training and employment.

Food Security

IRD distributes thousands of metric tons of grain and soybeans to vulnerable regions across the globe and produces nutritional snacks, noodles and biscuits for school meal programs and low-income families. Proceeds from selling U.S. agricultural surpluses fund de-worming programs in southeast Asia and provide equipment and training for farmers in the Newly Independent States, while other initiatives assist in the development of agricultural cooperatives and expand markets across borders.

Health

IRD programs are designed to rebuild local healthcare infrastructure and equip communities to meet the basic health, nutrition and reproductive needs of their people. Designed to emphasize preventive as well as primary healthcare, IRD programs include training, education and outreach to raise public awareness on topics ranging from family planning and HIV/AIDS education to nutritional information and health management.

Infrastructure

Communities must provide people with the basic services and resources necessary to support family life and make commerce possible. IRD programs help communities develop effective social services through collaborative efforts to improve roads, renovate schools, rebuild utility, water and sewage systems, and establish health facilities.

Relief

IRD programs help vulnerable households. Displaced persons and refugees become self-sufficient by providing the necessary immediate and transitional assistance needed to start anew following war, natural disaster or political conflict. Beyond distributing food and critical supplies, IRD works with local and international humanitarian organizations to equip victims with the shelter and tools they need to gain independence.

Special Projects

The Special Projects sector provides business management, project staffing, quick startup of offices and field operations, telecommunications, and logistics support and expertise in developing countries, including conflict/post-conflict countries.

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