Organization: Operation USA

Focus Areas:	Children, Disaster Relief, Economic Development, Education, Health, Poverty, Microfinance
Countries Served:	All 19 countries: China Cuba Haiti Indonesia India Cambodia Sri Lanka Morocco Myanmar Malawi Mexico Nicaragua Peru Pakistan El Salvador Thailand United States Viet Nam South Africa   Summary by region: Asia Latin America & Caribbean Africa Northern America

Description of Services:
Working with grass-roots partners on the ground, Operation USA provides material and financial assistance necessary in the face of a disaster, as well as to combat the effects of systemic poverty. Dedicated to rebuilding with commitment and listening to communities? voices to determine the best way to assist them, Operation USA stays in the field long after many others leave. Long-term projects are supported that promote education and health services, sustainable development, leadership building, income generating activities and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people worldwide.
History:
Founded in 1979, Operation USA accepts no U.S. government funds for its programs, preferring instead to remain exclusively privately funded by individuals, foundations and companies. Relief and development assistance has been sent to 99 countries since our founding. A typical year sees 100 shipments sent to an average of 30 countries of which 7-10 involve more than just material aid shipments. Operation USA was the first U.S. NGO allowed into Vietnam and Cambodia after the Vietnam War (1979) and flew major airlifts to eastern Europe, the ex-USSR, East Africa, Central America, South Asia and the Middle East after disasters struck those areas.
Accomplishments & Progress:
Operation USA is a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize as part of ?The International Campaign to Ban Landmines?; was named as one of Worth Magazine?s ?100 Best Charities in America?; and, in addition to their Four Star rating, was recently named the ?#1 Exclusively Privately Funded Charity? by watchdog group Charity Navigator. Operation USA is a additionally a founding member of InterAction.