International Rescue Committee
Humanitarian assistance and resettlement services for refugees and displaced people worldwide
Our editorial assessment
The IRC stands out among large humanitarian organisations for its commitment to evidence-based programming. Their Airbel Impact Lab conducts rigorous research on which interventions work best in crisis settings — an unusual investment for an organisation that could simply deploy aid without measuring outcomes. Founded at Albert Einstein's request in 1933 to help refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, the IRC has grown into one of the world's largest and most respected humanitarian agencies, reaching 32 million people annually. Their US resettlement programme is among the most comprehensive, providing everything from housing to job training for newly arrived refugees. With 89% of spending going to programmes and strong Charity Navigator ratings, the IRC delivers both scale and accountability.
The problem they're solving
Over 100 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced — the highest number in recorded history. The IRC operates in the most dangerous and fragile settings on earth, providing healthcare, education, and economic support to people who have lost everything.
About International Rescue Committee
The IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises in over 40 countries.
Where your dollar goes
How this score was produced
The GiveWise score is our own editorial assessment, produced with a weighted rubric covering program spending, transparency and governance, evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and leadership. It draws on publicly available reports from independent evaluators such as GiveWell, Charity Navigator, and CharityWatch, but it is not a rating issued or endorsed by any of those organisations. Read the full methodology →