Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian organization created to support people affected by hunger, poverty, and crisis. From the beginning, its purpose has been to provide practical help while respecting the dignity of those it serves. The organization works through disaster response, children’s feeding programs, community outreach, and partnerships with churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies. These partnerships help extend support into communities in a coordinated and responsible way.
When natural or humanitarian disasters occur, the organization is prepared to respond with timely assistance. Disaster response efforts focus on delivering food, clean drinking water, hygiene items, and other necessities to families facing urgent needs. These responses are intended to bring relief during moments of disruption and uncertainty. When possible, the organization remains involved after the initial response to help communities move toward recovery and stability.
Reducing hunger is a central focus of the organization’s work. Children’s feeding programs provide daily meals to students in vulnerable areas, helping support proper nutrition and consistent school attendance. By meeting this basic need, the programs help create a more stable environment where children can focus on learning and development.
In addition to feeding initiatives, agricultural programs aim to strengthen long-term food security. Training is provided in responsible and sustainable farming practices that help individuals improve crop yields and manage resources more effectively. These efforts are designed to strengthen local food systems, support household income, and reduce long-term dependence on outside aid.
Supporting women is an integral part of building healthy communities. Through the Women’s Empowerment program, women receive support as they start or expand small businesses to help provide for their families. Training includes nutrition, health, hygiene, literacy, cooking, agriculture, and early childhood development. Expectant mothers also receive guidance that supports healthy families and positive child outcomes.
The Girls’ Empowerment program focuses on education and personal development for young girls. Lessons include self-esteem, positive decision-making, nutrition, and physical and emotional health. By addressing these areas early, the program helps girls gain confidence and prepare thoughtfully for future responsibilities and opportunities.
Convoy of Hope operates through a combination of donated goods, financial contributions, and volunteer service. This model allows resources to be managed carefully while reaching people across diverse regions. Transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship guide operations to ensure support is delivered with care and integrity.
Today, Convoy of Hope feeds more than 639,000 children worldwide every school day. It has supported over 252,000 women and girls and provided agricultural training to more than 140,000 individuals. Since its founding, the organization has responded to more than 850 disasters across the United States and internationally. Its commitment to effective service and accountability has been recognized through a ranking of number 27 on Forbes’ list of America’s Top 100 Charities.
The organization was founded by Hal Donaldson, whose understanding of service was shaped early in life. After his father died in a car accident in 1969, the support his family received from neighbors left a lasting impression. Years later, inspired by a meeting with Mother Teresa and relationships with missionaries Mark and Huldah Buntain, Hal joined with a small group of family members and friends to launch the organization. Early outreach events, known as Care Days, marked the beginning of its work.
Over time, expanded infrastructure and strong partnerships allowed the organization to grow into a global presence. Today, Convoy of Hope serves communities in more than 130 countries and has reached over 350 million people. Its work continues with a focus on humility, consistency, and meeting real needs through practical service.