My Nonprofit Reviews

I.D.E.S. is a small organization with huge impact. In a given disaster, they work with people already on the scene, often local churches in the U.S. or missionary organization in other countries. They do have a few on staff who may go to the affected area to set things up.

Years ago, we visited their offices in Kempton, IN, a very small town. I.D.E.S. was operating out of an old building and was very overcrowded. Rather than put money into their comfort, they operate on a barebones budget. Only money given for operations or basically undesignated go for their expenses. If you designate funds for a disaster, 100% goes to that help.

When they partner with an entity, they demand full accountability. If the partner does not measure up, they will not be a partner again.

Now they have a nice facility in Noblesville, IN where they can do so much more. Here, they can build prefabricated storage sheds, a real blessing in the North American disasters.

After the tsunami that hit Aceh, Indonesia, they partnered with other organizations to sent a team of people who knew the language and culture. At first, they made blocks for homes. The quality was better than those made by the big organizations. When this strongly Muslim people asked groups to withdraw, they asked the I.D.E.S. group to stay. Even a Muslim leader and family became friends with the I.D.E.S. team, knowing that team were Christians. After homes were rebuilt, the team turned to helping the area redevelop an economy.

Over time, I have gotten to know the family that started it all and their love for all people. Their hearts are in the right place and I have utter confidence in this organization.

As a donor, I have personally visited the offices and met most of the staff. I also have met many of the founder's family, some of whom continue in the operations. I have had contact with those who have used I.D.E.S. funds in various disaster situations since at least 1998's Hurricane Mitch relief, probably before that as well.

International Disaster Emergency Services (I.D.E.S.) is a lean and efficient organization. There offices are spartan and the staff serves far more because of the compassion in their hearts than any monetary compensation. All overhead is paid from donations not designated for a particular need. If you donat funds for a specific disaster or emergency, 100% of the funds to toward that need.

I.D.E.S. tries to work through organizations and people already in the area of the need. This process means that problems with language, culture and governments are minimized and that utilization of local resources is maximized.. It also means that those on the scene already have their overhead expenses covered.

Those on the scene plan to continue to be in the region after the disaster so they have reason to do the best job. When housing is a big need, I.D.E.S. homes are often the best ones built. When rebuilding lost food production or economic activity, I.D.E.S. often has the most successful programs.

I.D.E.S. methods are so successful that when other agencies leave the area (sometimes asked to leave), I.D.E.S. is often asked to stay longer.

I.D.E.S. demands accountability of these local partners. If a partner does not do a thorough accounting fo the funds and resources provided by I.D.E.S., they are unlikely to get I.D.E.S. help in the future.

Not every need is a major disaster. At times, an organization requests help in dealing with its own disaster or emergency. I.D.E.S. has the necessary protocols to ensure that the project is worthy as is the requesting organization. Again, accountability is part of the process.

Board approval is necessary for any funds to be disbursed, regardless of the level of disaster. Decisions are made at the highest level by an informed board.

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