About Convoy of Hope

Faith-Based Humanitarian Organization

Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian organization established to serve people experiencing hunger, poverty, and crisis. Its purpose is to provide practical assistance while upholding dignity and respect for every individual. From its earliest days, the organization has focused on cooperation, working alongside churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies to extend help in ways that are organized, responsible, and community-centered.

Action During Times of Disaster

When natural or humanitarian disasters occur, the organization is prepared to respond with urgency and care. Disaster response efforts include delivering food, clean drinking water, hygiene supplies, and other essential items during emergencies. These efforts are designed to meet immediate needs during moments of instability and loss. When conditions allow, assistance continues beyond the initial response to support recovery and help communities regain stability.

Meeting Immediate Needs Through Feeding Programs

Addressing hunger, especially among children, is a central focus of the organization’s work. Children’s feeding programs provide reliable meals to students in vulnerable communities, helping support proper nutrition and consistent school attendance. By meeting this basic need, the programs contribute to healthier development and a more stable learning environment for children and their families.

Strengthening Long-Term Food Access

In addition to feeding initiatives, agricultural programs aim to address long-term food insecurity. Training is provided in responsible, sustainable farming practices to help individuals improve food production and manage resources effectively. Participants gain practical skills that can strengthen household income, improve access to nutritious food, and reduce reliance on emergency assistance. These efforts support stronger local food systems and long-term resilience.

Supporting Women as Community Builders

Women play a key role in strengthening families and communities, and empowerment programs are designed with this in mind. Through the Women’s Empowerment initiative, women receive support as they start or expand small businesses to help provide for their households. Training covers nutrition, health, hygiene, literacy, cooking, agriculture, and early childhood development. Expectant mothers also receive guidance that supports healthier families and improved outcomes for children.

Encouraging Growth and Confidence in Girls

The Girls’ Empowerment program focuses on education and personal development for young girls. Lessons address self-esteem, positive decision-making, nutrition, and physical and emotional health. By guiding during the formative years, the program helps girls build confidence, develop healthy habits, and prepare thoughtfully for future opportunities and responsibilities.

Stewardship and Operational Support

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 communities across diverse regions. Transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship guide decision-making and operations. Volunteers play an essential role by donating their time and skills to support outreach efforts and disaster response.

Measured Reach and Ongoing Impact

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 effectiveness and accountability has been recognized with a ranking of number 27 on Forbes’ list of America’s Top 100 Charities.

The Personal Story Behind the Work

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 made a lasting impression. Years later, inspired by a meeting with Mother Teresa and relationships with missionaries Mark and Huldah Buntain, Hal and a small group of family members and friends launched the organization. Early outreach events, known as Care Days, marked the beginning of its work.

Continuing Service Across the World

Over time, expanded infrastructure and trusted partnerships allowed the organization to grow steadily. 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 clear focus on meeting real needs through practical and compassionate service.