Which organization is a nongovernmental agency chartered by Congress to provide disaster relief?

• A. American Red Cross
• B. Salvation Army
• C. International Red Cross
• D. World Vision

Answer: (A)

Disaster relief in the United States often involves nongovernmental organizations that have official recognition from Congress. The American Red Cross is the one chartered by Congress to provide disaster relief. This federal charter, granted in 1900, designates it as a private, nonprofit organization that serves as an auxiliary to the U.S. government in humanitarian work, coordinating with government agencies during emergencies and mobilizing volunteers and resources for civilian relief. The other groups—Salvation Army, World Vision, and the International Red Cross—either aren’t chartered by Congress in the same way or are part of the international Red Cross Movement rather than a U.S. congressional chartered national society.