Center for International Disaster Information

The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) guides and informs the public, diaspora and community groups, embassies, nonprofits, corporations, and government officials about the most effective ways to support international disaster relief.

History

Since 1988, CIDI has responded to public inquires about international emergencies and has become a trusted thought leader on effective donations in support of international disaster relief. CIDI partners with the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, the US Government's first responder to disasters overseas.

Decades of experience have confirmed that the public's good intentions in sending household items to disaster sites rarely have the desired impacts.  Instead, piles of unsolicited donations - notably canned food, bottled water and used clothing - clog stressed supply lines, compete with life-saving relief supplies, divert relief workers' time and may put local merchants out of business, creating a second (economic) disaster.  They are also exponentially more expensive to send, incur more costs every time they change hands and leave a big carbon footprint.  In start contrast, cash donations can enable relief agencies to purchase supplies in-country, which ensures that provisions are fresh and familiar to survivors, and are environmentally and culturally appropriate.

Mission and Goals

Our mission is to inform and guide the public about appropriate international disaster relief by highlighting the benefits of cash donations for donors and for relief efforts.  At CIDI, we know that international relief efforts work best when the right tools are employed. We strive to educate the public on how to participate in a useful and productive way.  Cash donations are best for all involved - donors, survivors, and relief initiatives.

CIDI provides resources and conducts public awareness activities to address the complications that inappropriate donations and inexperienced volunteers can bring to relief organizations, host country governments and disaster survivors. Through ongoing outreach, partnerships, and the PSAid competition, CIDI plays an important role in America's international disaster relief efforts.

CIDI's Guidelines for Appropriate International Disaster Donations have been adopted in some form by nearly every key player in the international donations management arena, including federal and local government agencies and coalitions of relief and development organizations.

Learn more about how you can make an impact. Our situation reports, donations advice, Guidelines, volunteer guidance, and articles provide details about international disaster relief and how the public can support it.