AHA and FBB disaster relief charities merge

The American Humanist Association’s Humanist Charities and Foundation Beyond Belief’s Humanist Crisis Response are merging into a jointly branded project of both organizations in order to further promote humanist philanthropy and more efficiently channel aid and funding to charitable causes.

Since 2005, AHA’s Humanist Charities has applied uniquely humanist approaches to aiding those in need and directing the generosity of American humanists to worthy disaster relief and development projects around the world. Foundation Beyond Belief’s Humanist Crisis Response brings resources to those in desperate need and raises awareness of that need in the humanist community and beyond. The success of both programs upholds findings that atheists are just as generous as believers, contrary to frequent misconceptions.

“This merger is a positive move that will grow the relief efforts of the humanist community,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “The end result will be more money directed to charitable activities, dispelling the false claim that nonbelievers don’t give to charity.”

“This merger is a great way to enhance the ability of the freethought community to respond quickly and well to major humanitarian crises,” said Dale McGowan, executive director of Foundation Beyond Belief. “We are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.”

The Humanist Crisis Response program will continue to serve as a major focal point for humanist aid during major disasters, and the American Humanist Association will direct all former Humanist Charities donors to Humanist Crisis Response.