Financial Statements

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "Our times call for a new readiness to assist our neighbors in need." Often, the best way to respond to such human need is with creativity and innovation. In the last fiscal year, Catholic Relief Services has been humbled by the resiliency of the people we serve, energized by the dedication of our staff, and overwhelmed by the generosity of the U.S. Catholic community, which makes our work possible.

Catholic Relief Services has been the international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community for 65 years. We save lives and serve the poor in over 100 countries around the world. We also serve American Catholics by inviting them to live out the teachings of their faith as part of one human family. In 2006, 94 percent of the money we spent went to programs that benefit the poor overseas.

In fiscal year 2006, CRS:

• Reached 160,000 people in a large-scale emergency relief effort and helped 130,000 people rebuild their homes after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Pakistan killed 73,000 and left 3 million homeless.
• Received a groundbreaking, $3.9-million grant from the Gerald and Henrietta Rauenhorst Foundation that will help us increase our capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
• Worked swiftly to deliver basic supplies, including clothing, blankets and hygiene kits to nearly 7,500 families after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, rendering 1.5 million people homeless and killing nearly 6,000.
• Helped countless farmers combat hunger and poverty through agricultural innovation and participated in unique partnerships in the United States that help bring food security to families overseas.
• Worked to plant the seeds of peace in troubled areas, including Sudan, the Middle East, Latin America and Kosovo.
• With our partners, brought hope and healing with more than 200 HIV-focused programs in 50 countries throughout Africa and the hardest-hit regions of Asia and Latin America.
• Strengthened the means for children to lead safe, prosperous lives through programs that address issues of education, child labor, land mines and trafficking.
• Supported creative ways to help hardworking people earn fair wages through microfinance, cash-for-work and fair trade programming.