Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations comprise the International Red Cross Movement?
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement symbolize the unity of all Red Cross work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; more than 175 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, including the American Red Cross; and the Magen David Adom in Israel.

How often can I give blood? 
Once every 56 days. And please do! Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to donate

How long will my donation take me?
The entire process   from sign in to juice and cookies afterward   takes the average donor one hour.

How much money does the Red Cross get from the federal government?
None of the normal operating funds for Red Cross services come from the government.  However, Red Cross has received government grants for such things as blood research and special projects.

How much money does National send to each chapter?
National does not pay chapters.  Each chapter pays its national assessment annually based on a formula that considers the chapter's budget and fundraising experience.  This is not unlike other national non profits that assess an annual fee to their local affiliates. The National sector of the American Red Cross has responsibilities that go far beyond providing executive and administrative services to the organization. Our national sector provides services directly to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families on U.S. military installations around the world. It also supervises major disaster relief in communities throughout the U.S. and its territories. The national sector develops and designs health and safety course materials that are used in chapters everywhere.  It also maintains a national Disaster Relief Fund.

Does the Red Cross accept in kind donations?
In times of national and international disaster, the American Red Cross takes donations ranging from cash to in kind donations like shipments of medicine, food, and equipment.  The most common response is to help with cash so that the affected communities can rebuild and recover as simply and easily as possible.

Does the Red Cross put donations to good use?
The Red Cross scores high marks for fiscal responsibility from a variety of objective monitoring agencies. Top financial magazines such as Kiplinger's Personal Finance and Money have consistently rated the Red Cross as one of the top five U.S. charities in their annual reviews. The real value of every donated dollar is magnified by the fact that the ratio of American Red Cross volunteers to paid staff, nationwide, is 45 to 1. That ratio in Arlington is 63 to 1!

Red Cross is supposed to help disaster victims. 
So how come you don't rebuild homes after a flood or fire?
Sometimes we do. But normally, the Federal agencies meet the needs of disaster victims for rebuilding their homes.  There could be exceptions, however, where Red Cross would assist on the basis of need.  After any disaster, Red Cross provides emergency assistance, which is most often food, clothing, and shelter. Based upon casework, Red Cross may also replace household furnishings or pay for repairs and rebuilding.

How come the Red Cross charged for doughnuts in World War II?
During the war, all English and Australian men in uniforms had to pay for off base food and lodging because voluntary giving (which is characteristic of the United States) was not the pattern in other countries.  The American Red Cross had been asked to establish club facilities for U.S. service members overseas where troops from all allied forces would be welcome.  The British High Command made an official request that U.S. service members be required to pay for whatever they received, just as their men had to pay. The Red Cross was opposed to this concept and protested vehemently.  But they lost the fight when a “request" came from the Secretary of War, Henry L Stimson. His letter was tantamount to a command.