With the exception of large-scale emergencies, we usually ask for donations to our general funds because it gives us the greatest flexibility in allocating funds where and when they are most needed. Although it is sometimes possible to restrict your donation to a particular country, this can limit the effectiveness of our planning and crucially our ability to respond. 

Like any other organisation, charities have administration and income-raising costs, which ensure their development and effectiveness. To ensure as much money as possible goes to the cause, all charities have to be able to manage themselves effectively. Administration costs include IT, human resources, finance, planning and project management. In 2006, 10 per cent of our expenditure was spent on support costs.

The British Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world. With 97 million members the Red Cross has a global reach with a presence in communities across the world. The volunteer base of the organisation ensures both local knowledge and maximum benefit to those we help. Our neutrality provides us with unparalleled access in situations where other agencies may not be able to operate.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has a National Society in 186 countries. Each country that is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions has a National Society.

By offering new possibilities for protection and identification to National Societies and states that wish to use the Red Crystal, this underlines our commitment to neutral and independent humanitarian action. Ultimately, the goal is to improve protection for all those who need it, whether they are benefiting from humanitarian aid or delivering it.

The Movement operates under the guidance of two organisations based in Geneva:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an organisation whose mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of conflict and to provide them with assistance. It co-ordinates our international relief activities in situations of conflict. It also prevents suffering by promoting humanitarian law.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which co-ordinates our international assistance to victims of natural and man-made disasters, to refugees and in health emergencies. It promotes co-operation between National Societies, and works to strengthen their capacity to carry out effective disaster preparedness, health and social programmes.

There are three core activities that all National Societies are responsible for: emergency response, first aid and tracing people separated by conflict. Beyond this each National Society provides specific services to meet the needs within their own countries. These activities range from the provision of blood services to running the ambulance service.

When the British Red Cross transfers funds to overseas projects, the money sent remains within the Red Cross Movement. We do not fund partner organisations. This ensures that we can maintain rigorous control over our finances and are transparent and accountable.

Where supporters have made a significant commitment to fund an overseas project we are able to arrange for an overseas visit. Not all projects are appropriate to visit, such as conflict situations. We must also ensure that the dignity of the people we help is protected.

At British Red Cross we are committed to protecting your privacy. This statement is made in light of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 in order to alert you to British Red Cross’ data processing practices that will govern the processing of your data. We take appropriate measures to ensure that the information disclosed to us is kept secure, accurate and up to date and kept only for so long as is necessary for the purposes for which it is used.