Our Partners
UMCOR seeks to ensure that all projects are performed with integrity by working with local partners in every area of service. Our partners range from international consortiums like ACT International and Church World Service to local organizations that serve primarily the community in which UMCOR is working.
Why does UMCOR work with partner agencies?
- Partners extend UMCOR’s reach. UMCOR is able to provide relief and development in more than 80 countries because of our large network of partners. Partners provide additional venues through which we can reach the world’s most vulnerable people.
- Local partners know their community. Organizations that are already established in a community have a deeper understanding of the needs that exist and why. By listening to our partners and working with and through them UMCOR can work more effectively.
- Partners share knowledge. Partnering with organizations that have differing specialties helps UMCOR to reach out in new ways. By working with International Blue Crescent, for example, UMCOR can participate in programs that are sensitive to the needs of disaster survivors who are Muslim.
How does UMCOR select partner agencies?
In areas where one of UMCOR’s 12 field offices are established, UMCOR staff work with local agencies to accomplish the work and to build the capacity of the local organization. Where UMCOR does not have staff in an area that is in need of humanitarian assistance, UMCOR looks to partner organizations. Primarily, UMCOR funds a partner in the ACT (Action by Churches Together) International alliance. ACT International maintains a system of oversight and accountability for all its member agencies. This gives UMCOR an assurance that these agencies are reputable and trustworthy in their work, and also committed to working with local partners.
Does UMCOR support the work of Methodists and United Methodists too?
UMCOR also directly supports United Methodist and Methodist-connected church programs. For example, in US domestic disaster response, UMCOR always works with and through the United Methodist Annual Conferences in the affected area. Internationally, UMCOR will partner with Central Conferences in their efforts to provide aid: Cholera medicine in North Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo; typhoon relief in the Philippines; food security in Bolivia, etc. UMCOR also works with autonomous Methodist Churches through their conference leaders in Haiti, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, etc.
UMCOR Partner Agencies
The agencies listed below are partners UMCOR works with in a variety of responses. In addition to this list, there are countless local partners that UMCOR works with in particular communities or individual responses.
International, Ecumenical Consortiums
Agencies
Domestic Partners
- United Methodist Annual Conferences
