What We Do

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

Democracy & Governance

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 Growth

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.

Emergency Response

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.

Food and Agriculture

IRD supports market-oriented food and agricultural development that aims to increase the competitiveness and income of individual smallholder farmers as well as small and medium-sized agribusinesses. Our programs in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe seek to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity and enable stronger farm-to-market linkages for improved delivery of value-added products to local populations. Through U.S. government assistance, including food aid, IRD has been able to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among vulnerable populations, provide training and equipment to farmers and businesses, and generate employment and income for local communities.

Health & Hygiene

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.

Rebuilding 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.