Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and disadvantaged outside the country. It is administered by a Board of Bishops selected by the Episcopal Conference of the United States, and is staffed by men and women committed to the Catholic Church's apostolate of helping those in need. It maintains strict standards of efficiency and accountability.



The fundamental motivating force in all activities of CRS is the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to the alleviation of human suffering, the development of people and the fostering of charity and justice in the world. The policies and programs of the agency reflect and express the teaching of the Catholic Church. At the same time, Catholic Relief Services assists persons on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality



Catholic Relief Services gives active witness to the mandate of Jesus Christ to respond to human needs in the following ways:

• by responding to victims of natural and man-made disasters;
• by providing assistance to the poor and to alleviate their immediate needs;
• by supporting self-help programs which involve people and communities in their own development;
• by helping those it serves to restore and preserve their dignity and to realize their potential;
• by collaborating with religious and non-sectarian persons and groups of good will in programs and projects which contribute to a more equitable society;
• by helping to educate the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities in alleviating human suffering, removing its causes, and promoting social justice