Note: American-based charity organizations must be licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control to operate in Iran. Currently, a 90-day waiver on sanctions is in effect for all organizations working on earthquake relief under an executive order of the President. Upon expiration of this order in late March, all organizations must be licensed to continue operating in Iran. CHECK WITH THE ORGANIZATION.
American Red Cross
Working within the international umbrella of the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American Red Cross specializes in the procurement, shipment, and distribution of essential relief supplies to survivors of the Bam disaster. The American Red Cross has provided tents, blankets, water containers, plastic tarpaulins, cooking utensils, and hygiene parcels to the population in Bam. Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies play a supporting role within the Federation structure and coordinate their efforts according to the Federation Emergency Appeal in support of the national partner, the Iranian Red Crescent.
Learn more or contribute to the American Red Cross.
Child Foundation
Headquartered in the United States with offices in Switzerland and Iran, Child Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to help children stay in school by providing food, shelter, clothing, educational needs, medical help, and other services. In Bam, the organization is finding sponsors for the neediest children while providing assistance to all children through the distribution of blankets, dolls, toys, milk, biscuits, oranges and other items lacking amongst the victims. Recently the organization conducted a successful "Backpacks for the Children of Bam" drive that delivered over 6,180 new backpacks filled with basic daily essentials, school items, underwear, hats, gloves, toys, sweets, and more.
Learn more or contribute to the Child Foundation.
Children of Persia
Children of Persia is a Maryland-based charitable organization dedicated to providing health care, education, and related facilities that promote the wellbeing of Iran’s neediest children. In response to the Bam earthquake, the organization has collected, sorted, labeled, shipped, and delivered 10 tons of children’s clothing and blankets. Funds raised by Children of Persia go to organizations that address the educational and health needs of the children in Bam, such as its NGO partner in Iran, Noore-Fadak.
Learn more or contribute to Children of Persia.
Earthquake Relief Fund for Orphans (ERFO)
ERFO, a nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts, provides assistance to children who have lost one or both parents as a direct result of an earthquake. In Bam, ERFO is helping orphaned children locate close relatives to become their guardians. The organization establishes certificates of deposit in a child’s name to help with the child’s ongoing financial expenses, and provides additional funds to cover such other expenses as holidays and emergencies. ERFO also gives financial assistance and guidance when a child reaches the legal age of 18 and is interested in starting a business and/or family.
Learn more or contribute to ERFO.
Iranian Medical Relief Foundation
The Iranian Medical Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization registered in Texas, is dedicated to helping under-privileged Iranian patients receive proper medical treatment. Its Iran Earthquake Task Force aims to translate the good will of the Iranian expatriate community and American citizens toward the Bam earthquake survivors. Its mission includes remaining fully financially accountable to the public and retaining full control over the expenditure of the collected funds in Iran, which are utilized based on local assessments of needs. In addition to financial donations, the organization seeks volunteer medical services.
Learn more or contribute to IMRF.
Mercy Corps
With headquarters in the United States and Scotland, Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian agency that reaches more than five million people each year with emergency relief services, strategies for sustainable communities, and civic society initiatives. In collaboration with its international partner Peace Winds Japan, Mercy Corps has established a provisional tent camp that holds more than 1,700 of the most vulnerable people. The organization has provided emergency supplies to over 3,000 people, distributed more than 650 hygiene kits, and is addressing the need for more and better sanitation by acquiring and installing latrines throughout the city. In addition, Mercy Corps is meeting with community representatives to create a communal work center where skilled craftsman and female entrepreneurs can access equipment and be able to work.
Learn more or contribute to Mercy Corps.
Relief International
A US-based organization, Relief International focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable victims of natural disasters and civil conflicts worldwide, with a specific focus on long-term development at the grassroots level. Since January 2004, Relief International is building shelter for 400 families made homeless by the Bam earthquake. The organization is focusing on 11 villages surrounding Bam that have sustained the highest levels of damage. With support, Relief International plans to provide safe school facilities to each of these villages and increase its target to 800 families.
Learn more or contribute to Relief International.
Science and Arts Foundation (SAF)
A registered charity in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Sweden, SAF is building an education center in Bam that will impart important skills to the local population, especially the youth, so they can play a substantive role in rebuilding their community. Working in partnership with the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN), SAF’s rehabilitation program connects students and teachers to SAF’s national programs, providing engaging educational opportunities for children and broad-based training to teachers and service providers. In addition to financial donations, the organization seeks partners interested in rebuilding Bam and its educational facilities.
Learn more or contribute to SAF.
IRANIAN ORGANIZATIONS
Note: Individuals residing in the United States and interested in donating to the following organizations or any other Iranian-based charitable entity must do so in the 90-day window provided by the American government. The waiver on sanctions for financial assistance to Iran’s earthquake relief efforts will expire in late March and is not expected to be extended.
Iranian Red Crescent
The Iranian Red Crescent, the only national rescue and relief organization in Iran, has treated about 63,193 people at established medical centers in Bam and provided medical services to around 23,751 people at the International Federation referral hospital. The Iranian Red Crescent is providing shelter to affected families, distributing ID and ration cards among families, coordinating and distributing relief items, operating water purification units, and continuing to provide medical treatment. Future plans include transitioning from emergency relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction, preventing communicable diseases, and supporting vulnerable groups in the Bam area.
Learn more or contribute to the Iranian Red Crescent.
Society for Protection of and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Individuals (SPASDI)
SPASDI is a nongovernmental and nonprofit organization responding to the alarming rise in the number of socially disadvantaged victims in Iran, such as those affected by poverty, addiction, prostitution, and homelessness. Based in Iran, SPASDI was one of the first organizations to respond with humanitarian relief work for the Bam victims. It focuses on the rural population surrounding Bam, in particular the orphans and young girls who are particularly vulnerable given the region's propensity for human trafficking and drug smuggling. SPASDI is planning to build a multi-purpose Service and Empowerment Complex that offers not only physical and psychological rehabilitation but also economic programs aimed to positively motivate Bam residents and prevent the migration flow out of the affected region.
Learn more or contribute to SPASDI.
