How a global humanitarian giant uses a fleet of aircraft to deliver aid worldwide
In short: Founded in 1970, Samaritan's Purse has grown from a small ministry into a massive evangelical organization operating in over 100 countries. With a private fleet of aircraft and a massive volunteer network, it coordinates everything from medical missions and disaster relief to the delivery of millions of Christmas shoeboxes.
Samaritan's Purse was established in 1970 by Baptist pastor Robert Pierce, who also founded World Vision International. Following Pierce's death in 1978, Franklin Graham assumed the presidency in 1979 and moved the organization's base to Boone, North Carolina, in 1980. Today, the organization functions as a global humanitarian entity, maintaining field offices in 15 countries and providing assistance across more than 100 nations. Its operations are supported by a sophisticated logistics network, including a fleet of aircraft—such as Boeing 767 and 757 models—that facilitate the rapid transport of relief supplies and personnel to disaster zones.
The organization’s work spans diverse ministries, including the World Medical Mission, which supports overwhelmed hospitals, and Operation Christmas Child, a program that has delivered over 232 million shoeboxes of gifts to children since its inception in 1990. Beyond these, the group is known for its emergency response capabilities. During the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Liberia, it was one of the few medical NGOs on the ground. More recently, it has provided extensive aid in Ukraine following the 2022 invasion, including the deployment of emergency field hospitals and the distribution of millions of pounds of food.
Financially, the organization is substantial, reporting $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024. While it has received $350 million in U.S. federal grants since 2016, this funding represents less than 5% of its total revenue as of 2025. The group maintains high transparency standards, holding a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its operations are deeply rooted in evangelical mission work, often pairing physical aid with follow-up discipleship programs like 'The Greatest Journey.' Whether responding to hurricanes in North America or earthquakes in Myanmar, the organization leverages its specialized infrastructure to maintain a constant, rapid-response presence in global crises.
The organization’s logistical backbone is anchored in North Carolina, where it utilizes extensive warehouse facilities and maintenance hangars at Piedmont Triad International Airport. This infrastructure supports its ability to mobilize quickly, as seen in its 2024 response to Hurricane Helene, where it completed hundreds of flight missions and engaged 35,000 volunteers. By integrating professional aviation logistics with a massive volunteer base, Samaritan's Purse has carved out a unique role in international humanitarian aid, blending large-scale disaster relief with its core religious mission.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Samaritan's Purse
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