United Methodist Church & Its Affiliated Organizations

UMCOR, with its separate funding for administration and overhead, from Methodist churches through their payments of "apportionments", means 100 cents of any dollar given for a specific "advance" , such as a specific hurricane or disaster is going to be spent on that disaster. Period. UMCOR is truly an unsung hero among disaster relief organizations and it makes me proud to be affiliated with it.

I agree with a few of the other reviewers about how UMCOR operates. The United Methodist Church has an offering called "One Great Hour of Sharing". Money donated through this special offering pays UMCOR's operating expenses. 100% of the money donated to UMCOR for a specific project goes directly to that project. When unrestricted money is donated to UMCOR, it is used to supplement programs UMCOR supports worldwide. UMCOR has people willing and waiting to help in all areas, which makes the organization one of the first responders in emergencies.

I concur with one of the other reviewers about how UMCOR operates. We have an offering in the United Methodist Church called One Great Hour of Sharing. The money collected during that offering goes to pay operating expenses. 100% of all other money donated goes for disaster relief, rebuilding, and all of the other programs that UMCOR supports worldwide. I have been a part of UMCOR as an early responder and have helped with home rebuilds after a disaster. UMCOR is usually one of the first NGO's on the ground and stays until the community is rebuilt whether that be 1 year or ten years. During Katrina while I was in Mississippi, I helped operate a food bank for UMCOR and we also distributed food in the rural communities. I constantly heard from the people in that area that they had recieved no aid from anybody including the Red Cross until we came. I am also a donor to UMCOR.

I like that my gift goes directly to the cause or disaster I designate and that 100% of my donation goes directly to helping people impacted. UMCOR commits to be first on the groud and last to leave. They will stay for years (such as in the case of Katrina) until people's live and homes are rebuilt.

UMCOR partners with local organizations so it is often able to be "first on the ground" in times of disaster.

UMCOR has contacts around the world and is able to get relief to those in crisis or chronic need. 100% of designated donations go to the people or projects. UMCOR works directly with the people in need so that contributions are effective with long-lasting impact. It is our first way to make a difference after a world disaster or crisis.

Charity Navigator's evaluation is incorrect. 100% of your donation goes to the intended recipients. UMCOR's operating expenses are paid for by the United Methodist Church, not from donations to UMCOR for specified causes. In addition, UMCOR is not required to file Form 990 because it is a church.

UMCOR is my #1 favorite place to donate if something happens in the world. You can give to their general relief fund, used around the world, or to a specific cause, like Haiti, or Katrina, or the E.Asian Tsunami - and you can know that 100% of the donation goes to the specified effort. Nothing for administrative, operations or advertising. That's ONE HUNDRED PERCENT! They show the love of God not with words about love, but by loving people enough to help with their most pressing needs - not by talking, but by doing.

UMCOR is one of only 4 agencies that received an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy for its response to Haiti (as of January 23, 2010). UMCOR is one of the largest relief agencies in the world, working in over 100 countries and in the United States. It is currently the only relief agency still working in Louisiana and Mississippi to provide permanent housing for thousands of families who are still in need. Other non-profits are helping, but they rely on UMCOR, as a relief agency, to do the case management, logistics, and provide funding and volunteers. Families work with UMCOR to rebuild their houses at no cost, so they finish the work debt-free. 100% of all donations to UMCOR go directly to relief because all of the administrative costs are covered by United Methodist congregations.

UMCOR is a great organization to donate to. Your money does not go to pay for administrative costs, 100% of your donation goes to the cause. UMCOR also helps with relief AND development. This group stays for years (many) helping to get the community back on its feet. Charity Navigator and American Institute of Philanthropy have given UMCOR highest scores.