About
USA for UNHCR (legally the United States Association for UNHCR) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., established by concerned American citizens to support the work of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Its vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future.
Mission
USA for UNHCR protects and supports refugees by mobilizing resources, elevating awareness, and driving action through a network of engaged supporters. Donations made to USA for UNHCR assist UNHCR programs and long-term solutions in some of the world's most vulnerable conflict areas.
What they do
Working through UNHCR, supporter donations help fund:
- Emergency relief efforts: rushing humanitarian aid — nutrition, clean drinking water, safe shelter and other critical relief — when violence erupts or war breaks out
- Cash assistance: meeting the needs of vulnerable refugee families living outside camps in an effective, sustainable and dignified way
- Education: more than half of the world's refugees are under 18, and access to education protects their futures
- Building livelihoods: opportunities for refugees to become self-sufficient, learn new skills and pursue economic opportunities
- Innovation: adapting new systems and technologies to better help displaced people
- Resettlement advocacy: USA for UNHCR does not resettle refugees itself but advocates for resettled refugees in the U.S. and works to promote acceptance and understanding of refugees' rights
Scale and impact
UNHCR, formed by the UN General Assembly in 1950, operates in more than 130 countries, has helped an estimated 50 million refugees restart their lives, and has twice received the Nobel Peace Prize; 87 percent of its more than 20,500 staff are based in the field. USA for UNHCR's website notes that 120 million children, women and men have been displaced by spiraling crises around the world — about 1.5 percent of humanity — and that 75 percent of refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. In one recent year the agency delivered 57,000 tents, 2.5 million blankets, 1.3 million sleeping mats and 638,000 mosquito nets.
Financials
According to its IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the United States Association for UNHCR reported total revenue of $95.7 million and total expenses of $95.5 million for fiscal year 2025, with total assets of $45.1 million and net assets of $23.5 million. Contributions made up 99.4 percent of revenue. The organization publishes its audited financial statements and Form 990s (2014 through 2023) on its website.
Governance
USA for UNHCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 52-1662800) whose IRS tax exemption was issued in January 1991. It is led by Executive Director and CEO Suzanne Ehlers, and its board of directors serves without compensation.
