Fact Sheet
 

About CIDI
The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), based in Arlington, Virginia, operates under a contract with the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and received initial support from IBM. CIDI serves as a community resource for citizens looking to contribute to global relief efforts. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has handled hundreds of thousands of public inquiries related to international emergencies.

CIDI's Mission
CIDI strives to educate the public on how to best respond to international disasters in a useful and productive manner. CIDI is committed to serving disaster victims by communicating and underscoring the value of cash donations, which are the fastest and best way to provide effective relief.

Recent Emergencies
In the past decade, CIDI has provided tremendous support by promoting cash donations to victims of more than 200 INTERNATIONAL disasters worldwide, including the crisis in Rwanda, Hurricane Mitch, the Kosovo crisis, the Southeast Asia tsunami, and the earthquakes in Indonesia and Iran.

CIDI's Tools
Guidelines for Appropriate International Disaster Donations CIDI's Guidelines is an educational tool for those seeking guidance on how to make the most effective contributions to disaster victims. The guidelines have been adopted in some form by nearly every key player in the international donations management arena, including USAID, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), individual U.S. states and various coalitions of relief and development agencies. The Guidelines are available in English, Spanish, French, Kreyol, Arabic and Farsi.

100 Ways to Help
Another beneficial tool CIDI has developed is called 100 Ways to Help, providing innovative ideas for making effective monetary contributions to disaster victims through activities that include individual- and community-based fundraising initiatives.


Situation Reports
CIDI also offers disaster situation reports with up-to-date information about charitable giving for major international disasters.

Teacher Resources
Educators looking for helpful information about teaching today's youth how to deal with disaster and provide assistance to victims will find beneficial resources available on CIDI's website.

All materials are provided free of charge at www.cidi.org

Partner Relief Organizations
CIDI maintains close working relationships with several organizations and agencies working to facilitate response management, including InterAction, GlobalGiving, Sphere Project, and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).

CIDI Spokespersons
CIDI spokespersons are available to comment on immediate and ongoing global relief efforts and can provide valuable information to community members who would like to make contributions.


CIDI Management
Suzanne H. Brooks, Director
director @ cidi.org

Armed with a deep understanding of the humanitarian community, including nearly 20 years of experience with multi-lateral donors, non-governmental organizations and international corporations, Suzanne Brooks is a recognized expert in disaster relief management.

Contact Information:
CIDI Website: www.cidi.org
CIDI Email: cidi @ cidi.org
CIDI Hotline: 703-276-1914
Media Hotline: 703-276-2942
 


Center for International Disaster Information
cidi @ cidi.org
hotline: 703-276-1914