Tearfund USA was founded in 2018 and is one of the newest members of the global Tearfund family that comprises 11 agencies with nearly 300 partner organizations and 20,000+ churches active in programs across more than 40 countries.
We have seen the incredible power of churches and communities when they partner to lift themselves out of poverty.
Our vision is to see all people experience restored relationships that free them from poverty and injustice, enabling them to live transformed lives in healthy communities, and reach their God-given potential.
Our mission is to follow Jesus where the need is greatest as we work alongside churches and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
The Evangelical Alliance Relief (TEAR) fund committee began in the UK in 1968. Its aim was to unite Christian compassion with practical action around the world. Tearfund USA remains a part of the global Tearfund family.
We are different from many other relief and development organizations because:
In simplest terms, we follow Jesus. Our corporate statement of faith aligns well to the Apostles' Creed.
We are nondenominational and unaffiliated with national church networks. Our organization comes from Protestant tradition. Our board, staff and partners include Catholics. And our program work engages interfaith groups.
We are nonpartisan. Our hope is in biblical truth, not politics, as we address issues of poverty and injustice.
For us, advocacy is influencing policy and systems change. It is not advocating for our organization or to gain followership.
We use the term justice to refer to biblical justice. That is to make relationships right or whole. Advancing justice makes it possible for all of God’s creation to flourish.
We focus on the Church - the global community of believers, not limited to buildings or certain doctrine - because we follow Jesus. He left a clear mission for his followers and sent the Holy Spirit to help. His mission is to teach others everything he taught directly. To proclaim the good news of his work to redeem and restore all of creation, with actions as much as words.
Churches also play a strategic and practical role in community development. In many places around the world, churches remain key cultural and social institutions, strategically poised to influence change. They are proximate to the needs and often more permanent than government. They are in place before, during and after crises, and are one of the first support networks people of all faiths seek when in need.
We educate on and address issues that compound the impacts of poverty. Environmental degradation, gender inequality and racial disparities are injustices that disproportionately impact those experiencing poverty. Mitigating or solving them enables sustainable and holistic change.
Our funding presently comes from individuals, churches, foundations and strategic partnerships.
While we partner mainly with churches and Christian organizations, those who participate and benefit from programs are interfaith. We seek to serve those who have the most needs in their context, without discrimination.
