Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian organization established to serve people affected by hunger, poverty, and crisis. Its work is guided by a commitment to practical service that respects the dignity of individuals and communities. From the beginning, the organization has focused on meeting real needs while building relationships that support long-term stability and growth.
The organization carries out its mission through disaster response, children’s feeding programs, community outreach, and partnerships with churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies. These partnerships play an essential role in ensuring that assistance is delivered efficiently and in coordination with local efforts. By working alongside trusted community partners, services are better aligned with local needs and conditions.
When natural or humanitarian disasters occur, the organization is prepared to provide timely, organized assistance. Disaster response efforts focus on delivering essential supplies such as food, clean drinking water, hygiene items, and other necessities. These efforts are intended to bring relief during moments of uncertainty and loss. When possible, support continues beyond the initial response to help families and communities move toward recovery and stability.
Addressing child hunger is a central focus of the organization’s work. Children’s feeding programs provide daily meals to students in vulnerable communities, helping improve nutrition and support consistent school attendance. By meeting this basic need, the programs help create a more stable environment where children can focus on learning, growth, and daily routines without the burden of hunger.
In addition to feeding programs, agricultural initiatives aim to address long-term food insecurity. Training is provided in responsible and sustainable farming practices that help individuals improve food production and manage resources more effectively. Participants gain practical knowledge that can strengthen household income, increase access to nutritious food, and support local food systems. These efforts are designed to reduce long-term dependence on outside assistance.
Empowering women is essential to strengthening families and communities. Through the Women’s Empowerment program, women are supported as they start or expand small businesses to help provide for their households. Training includes nutrition, health, hygiene, literacy, cooking, agriculture, and early childhood development. Expectant mothers also receive guidance that supports healthier families and positive child outcomes.
Alongside programs for women, the Girls’ Empowerment initiative focuses on education and personal development for young girls. Lessons address self-esteem, positive decision-making, nutrition, and physical and emotional health. By offering guidance during formative years, the program helps girls build confidence and develop skills that prepare them for future responsibilities and opportunities.
The organization operates through a combination of donated goods, financial contributions, and volunteer service. This model allows resources to be stewarded carefully while reaching people across diverse regions. Transparency and accountability guide decision-making, helping ensure that support is delivered responsibly and with care. Volunteers contribute time and skills that strengthen outreach efforts and disaster responses.
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 responsible service has been recognized with 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 friends and family members to launch the organization. Early outreach events, known as Care Days, marked the beginning of its work.
Over the years, expanded infrastructure and strong partnerships have 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 humility, consistency, and a focus on meeting real needs through practical and compassionate action.
Website: https://convoyofhope.org
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