About
Church World Service (CWS) is a faith-based humanitarian organization working to transform communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. Founded in the aftermath of World War II and headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, CWS today operates programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United States.
Mission
CWS describes itself as a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster.
What they do
- Hunger and poverty programs, including food security, nutrition, child protection, water and sanitation, and climate resilience
- Migration, asylum, and refuge work, including refugee resettlement in the United States, legal services, and assistance at the border
- Disaster response and climate change adaptation
- Community sponsorship and civic engagement programs that connect volunteers and congregations with newcomers
History
CWS began in 1946, following World War II, with a mission to feed the hungry and help those in need. Over the decades it has grown into a global organization with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Egypt, as well as throughout Central America and the United States.
Scale and impact
CWS operates across multiple continents with an experienced and diverse staff from around the world. The organization is a member of ACT Alliance, InterAction, and ICVA, and reports a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Financials
According to its IRS Form 990 available via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 13-4080201), for the fiscal year ending June 2023 Church World Service reported total revenue of 218,577,912 dollars, including 216,675,022 dollars in contributions and grants, and total functional expenses of 218,369,959 dollars. The IRS Business Master File lists more recent annual revenue of 279,865,803 dollars (tax period beginning June 2025 data extract).
Governance
Richard L. Santos serves as President and CEO. CWS is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
