About
International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, the organization describes itself as a preeminent first responder that provides emergency relief to those struck by conflict, disaster and disease — no matter where they are, no matter what the conditions — working with communities to recover, rebuild and gain the skills and tools required for self-reliance.
Mission
The organization's stated mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that strengthen underserved communities worldwide. A distinctive emphasis is training: rather than only delivering aid, International Medical Corps works to build local capacity so that communities can become their own best first responders. It reports that the vast majority of its thousands of staff members around the world are hired locally.
What they do
- Emergency response and preparedness for conflicts, natural disasters and disease outbreaks
- Health services support for clinics and hospitals in underserved areas
- Family and community health programs
- Women's and children's health and protection
- Mental health and psychosocial support
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Nutrition and food security
History
International Medical Corps was founded in 1984, initially training Afghan civilians as advanced medics and then supporting and supplying them as they returned to Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. In 1991 it became the first American non-governmental organization operating in Somalia during the country's war and famine. It began working in Europe in 1993 in Bosnia, was among the first international relief organizations to reach Indonesia's Aceh region after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and deployed within the United States for the first time in 2005 with mobile medical units for Hurricane Katrina victims. In 2014 it was among the few international organizations treating Ebola patients in West Africa. In 2021 the World Health Organization classified it as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 provider, Fixed and Mobile — which the organization says makes it the only NGO in the world with this classification.
Scale and impact
The organization reports that it has helped tens of millions of people in more than 85 countries since its founding, delivering emergency relief and training valued at over 5.3 billion dollars. Its current operations span more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, including Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine and Somalia. It also states that every 1 dollar donated unlocks an additional 30 dollars in grants from institutions, donated medicines and supplies.
Financials
According to its IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, in the fiscal year ending June 2025 International Medical Corps reported total revenue of 235,323,065 dollars (98.5 percent from contributions), total expenses of 224,942,687 dollars, and net assets of 85,478,908 dollars. The IRS granted its 501(c)(3) tax exemption in September 1984.
Governance
Nancy A. Aossey serves as President and CEO, per the organization's most recent Form 990 filing (fiscal year 2025).