Why give to the IRC

When you make a tax-deductible gift to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), you are contributing to one of the best-rated charities in the world. For nearly 90 years, the IRC has been providing effective — and efficient — humanitarian aid to millions of families caught in crisis worldwide. We help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their futures in more than 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities.

Learn about our ratings, efficiency and results.

See more reasons to give.

How to make a tax-deductible donation

If you would like to make a tax-deductible charitable donation, you may do so in a number of ways.

How can I give online?

Make a donation to the IRC via our secure website. Donate now.

How can I give by mail?

Please make your check payable to the International Rescue Committee and send it to the International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847.

How can I give by phone?

To make a credit card donation by phone, please call 1-855-973-7283.

Can I make a gift by wire transfer?

Yes. Please reach out to Kharga Gurung at DonorServices@rescue.org or by phone +1 212 551 2982 for wire transfer instructions.

How can I make a gift of stock?

To make a gift of stock, please contact us at Stock.Gifts@Rescue.org or +1 212 551 2982 to obtain transfer instructions.

Please be sure to notify the IRC of your gift of stock so we can identify your gift and rapidly send you a receipt for tax purposes. Please note that gifts of stock which cannot be directly attributed to an individual will be returned. Prior to sending an order through, please confirm with us what our current transfer instructions are.

How can I make a gift of mutual funds?

To transfer shares of a mutual fund, please contact us at Stock.Gifts@Rescue.org or +1 212 551 2982.

How can I make an IRA gift?

Learn how to make a tax-free gift to the IRC with an IRA.

Can I donate to the IRC in my local currency?

We can accept donations in the following currencies via our website: 
US dollar, Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Swedish krona, South Korean won, Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso, Danish krone, Hungarian forint, Mexican peso, Norwegian krone, Polish zloty, Romania leu. 
To make a donation, please visit help.rescue.org/donate.
Depending on your country and device, you may also be able to make a donation using PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?

IRC is a not-for-profit charity formed in New York, United States. Donations to IRC are not tax deductible outside of the USA. 
The IRC is also a registered charity in the UK, Germany, South Korea and Sweden. To make a donation, you can visit their websites directly:

Other frequently asked questions

Will my employer match my gift to the IRC?

To find out if your company matches employee contributions to charitable organizations, please visit our workplace giving page. Your generosity could be doubled—even tripled—with a matching gift from your company.

Please have your company email us at Development.Operations@rescue.org.

Can I make a tribute gift?

Yes. You can honor a family member, friend or colleague by making a tribute gift online or calling +1 855 9RESCUE.

How can I give monthly?

When you become a monthly donor, your gift charged to your credit card on or about 15th of each month, ensures reliable support for the IRC and is a convenient way to give. Become a monthly donor today. Just go to our donation page and sign up. 

For questions or to update your monthly gift, please contact our team anytime at the toll-free number we’ve created exclusively for committed supporters like you: 800 650 6221.

Does the IRC accept contributions of Donor Advised Funds?

A donor is permitted to direct gifts to a charitable organization through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).

Where can I learn about planned giving options?

Our planned giving website shows ways you can use your estate to help the IRC build a more secure future for refugee families.

Does the IRC share donors' information?

Read our privacy policy.

Can I donate clothing or other goods to refugees?

Many of the IRC’s offices in the U.S. accept certain in-kind donations of clothing, children’s items and household goods to benefit refugees rebuilding their lives in the U.S. Reach out to the IRC office closest to you for information on the items that are most needed.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept in-kind donations of emergency relief items from the general public for refugees outside of the U.S. These items often include offers of air travel, clothing, tents, food items, etc. Additional information on why the IRC and other aid organizations adhere to these policies can be found on the Center for International Disaster Information website.

Why do aid organizations like the IRC prefer cash donations?

Cash donations are the most efficient way for humanitarian organizations like the IRC to provide assistance to those in need. Read more on the Center for International Disaster Information website.

How can I get my gift refunded?

For donations made to the IRC in error, please contact us at 212-551-2982.

Please note that all refunds are returned using the original method of payment. We will review and process refund requests for donations made within 90 days of your initial gift to the IRC.

More ways to get involved

How can I get updates from the IRC?

Join the IRC's global family. Sign up for email updates. You can also get the latest and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

How can I volunteer with the IRC?

Look for current volunteer opportunities at an IRC U.S. program office near you. Due to security reasons the IRC does not send volunteers to programs outside the United States, even in emergencies.

How can I fundraise for the IRC?

First, set up a fundraising page. Then, rally the help of your friends and family to raise money for refugees and other families living in crisis zones.

Corporate and foundation support

How can my company support the IRC?

Please visit our corporate partners page to learn more about how companies and their employees can get involved.

How can my foundation support the IRC?

Visit our foundation partners page to learn more about how foundations can support the IRC's work.