Founded in 1962, World Renew provides aid in disaster areas and helps poor communities to develop. The charity is a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church and works in partnership with many Christian aid organizations. In F2017, World Renew helped 600,000 people in 33 countries through its 3 programs: Disaster Response & Rehabilitation, Community Development, and Peace & Justice.  

World Renew’s largest program was Disaster Response and Rehabilitation, receiving 62% of program spending. The charity helped communities in 20 countries harmed by conflict or natural disaster including disease, drought, and flooding. In the short term, World Renew provides emergency supplies and helps to repair damaged homes. In the long run, disaster areas are supported in rebuilding their economy and receive training to lessen the effects of future disasters.  

In F2017, World Renew allocated 34% of program spending to Community Development. Volunteers travel to developing areas, educating local leaders to address illiteracy, malnutrition, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and child mortality.

The remaining 4% of program spending was allocated to Peace & Justice - education and domestic development. World Renew helped 261 people to settle in Canada last year, many being refugees from Syria.

Results and Impact: In Srae Chrov, Cambodia, World Renew staff have educated community members about human rights, proper hygiene, entrepreneurship, and pooling savings to make large purchases. The village families combined their savings to build a 2,400 metre road, improving trade with other villages. The village aims for all families to have access to an outhouse and they are 80% of the way to achieving this goal.

World Renew has reported the results of sustainable agriculture programs in areas with severe drought. In Bangladesh, aid organizations sold papaya and banana trees at reasonable prices, encouraging people to grow fruit and reduce dependency on rice. The consumption of fruit increased, with 805 families expected to eat fruit from their own trees during the next harvest. The program’s success has inspired 200 people outside of the focus community to plant their own fruit trees. In Sierra Leone, 150 women were trained to improve their rice farming techniques. The women are now able to harvest 80% more rice, increasing their income to help pay their children’s school fees.

World Renew is categorized as a large charity, with donations of $17.8m in F2017. The charity received $7.2m in grants from the government, representing 29% of total revenue. Administrative costs are 5% of revenues and fundraising costs are 9% of donations. For every $1 donated 86 cents go to the cause, falling within Ci’s reasonable range. World Renew has $9.7m in funding reserves which could cover program costs for 5 months, indicating a need for funding.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to World Renew for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 13, 2018 by Madison Kerr.