The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. The remaining 10 cents helps keep the entire Red Cross running by supporting routine, but indispensable, day-to-day business operations. These operations include the enterprise-wide computer, telecommunications, volunteer management, HR, and payroll systems for nearly 18,000 employees and more than 265,000 volunteers, as well as fundraising, communications, and other support services.
While the ratio varies slightly from year to year, over time, an average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. We calculate this average by comparing our spending on mission-related programs to our total expenses.
For example, in fiscal year 2023, the Red Cross devoted 90.7% of its total spending to programs that delivered help and support to people in need. This was calculated by comparing program spending of $2.73 billion to total expenses of $3.01 billion.
Collects nearly 4.5 million blood donations and more than 1 million platelet donations to help people who face serious injuries, surgeries, childbirth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments and more.
Responds to an average of 65,000 disasters every year to help families recover by providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance.
Delivers training and information in first aid, CPR, water safety and other skills that help save lives to over 5 million people each year.
Helps nearly 120 million people outside of the U.S. each year with disaster services or disease prevention programs.
Provides more than 511,000 services a year to support members of the armed forces, veterans and their families cope with the challenges of military service.
Supports local service programs specific to individual communities.
At the Red Cross, we strive to be cost-conscious in everything we do, so that we can spend more on people who urgently need our services. In terms of mission-related spending and administrative expenses, the Red Cross compares favorably to other nonprofits and exceeds industry expectations.
One of the leading watchdog organizations, Charity Navigator, gives the Red Cross its highest overall rating — four stars. The Red Cross also meets all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance standards of accountability, and has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency — the highest available seal — from Candid/GuideStar.
Overall, Charity Navigator reports that seven out of 10 charities they evaluate spend at least 75% of their budget on programs and services — leaving about 25% for administrative expenses. In addition, a 2018 study by Grey Matter Research found that the average donor considers 19% as a reasonable ceiling for overhead spending.
The Red Cross is proud to have earned the highest ratings from independent nonprofit watchdogs like Charity Navigator, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Candid/Guidestar. Both our audited financial statement and our full IRS Form 990, which discloses our revenues, expenses and all other important financial information, are accessible on our website at redcross.org/publications or other public sites such as Candid/GuideStar.
SOURCES: Charity Watch, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Candid/Guidestar, Grey Matter Research.
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