Aid workers and volunteers serving communities across the world
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From a Bosnian convoy
to a global charity

Founded in 1995 to serve mankind, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. Three decades on, we work in more than 60 countries, with British roots and global reach.

Aid convoy arriving in Bosnia in 1995
Bosnia, 1995
Our Origins

It started with a convoy

Humanity First was founded in 1995, in direct response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Balkan conflicts. A small group of volunteers began delivering life-saving aid to displaced families in Bosnia and the surrounding region.

From those first aid convoys, a truly global humanitarian organisation grew, one that today operates across more than sixty countries, on every inhabited continent.

Our Evolution

Restructured to do more

For over two decades, Humanity First operated as a single UK-registered charity. In 2018 we restructured to make the organisation more efficient and better equipped for global growth, giving rise to two closely linked sister charities that now work seamlessly together.

Humanity First International
Charity No. 1149693
Global governance, strategic oversight, and coordination of rapid disaster response around the world.
Humanity First UK
Charity No. 1188494
The operational arm: UK fundraising, UK-based projects, and direct management of long-term programmes in our supported countries.
Our Vision
"Sustainable provision, access to healthcare and opportunity for every man, woman and child."
Our Mission

To selflessly serve mankind without exception

We alleviate suffering and provide comfort to those in need, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. Engineers, doctors, nurses, disaster responders and community workers, all working to ensure every pound reaches the right hands.

Transparent
95% of Humanity First UK funds reached humanitarian programmes in 2024.
Rapid
Emergency teams deployed rapidly when crisis strikes.
Long-term
Wells, schools and clinics that outlast the news cycle.
What we do

Our four pillars

From emergency response to long-term development, everything we do fits into one of four areas.

Sustainable Provision

Lasting infrastructure that lets communities feed, clothe and care for themselves long after we leave.

Clean Water
Orphan Care
Food Security
Foodbanks
Warm Meals

Opportunity

Education, skills and empowerment for women, men and children, so every person can write their own story.

Building Schools
Scholarships
Industry Skills
School Equipment
Women's Empowerment
Sisters Around the Globe

Access to Healthcare

From village medical camps to teaching hospitals, closing the gap between need and care.

Building Hospitals
Gift of Sight
Medical Training
Medical Supplies
Medical Camps

Disaster Relief

First on the ground after major disasters, working with the UN to evaluate need and respond fast.

Emergency Response
Preparedness Planning
Training Courses
Transparency

Where every pound goes

We publish audited accounts every year. Our operational model, built on a global volunteer base, keeps overhead unusually low.

95%
Of donations reach
the field
30+
Years serving
mankind
1800+
Trained volunteers
worldwide
67
Countries supported
globally