How is the Red Cross funded?
The American Red Cross provides assistance to people in need free of charge every single day! Your contribution means a great deal to the organization but even more to the families who rely on the Red Cross to help them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. The American Red Cross is not a government agency, we must rely on the generosity of the American public. With your ongoing support, we will continue to be there providing people in crisis relief for today and hope for tomorrow. Back to Top Who founded the American Red Cross? Clara Barton (1821-1912) dominates the early history of the American Red Cross, which was modeled after the International Red Cross. She did not originate the Red Cross idea, but she was the first person to establish a lasting Red Cross Society in America. She successfully organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1881. Created to serve America in peace and in war, during times of disaster and nationa
