Operation Blessing International
Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a faith-based non-profit organization headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1978, OBI operates in more than 90 countries, focusing on disaster relief, medical aid, clean water, hunger relief, community development, and orphan care programs.[2]
Founded
1978
Non-Government Organization
Disaster Relief & Development
- Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
90 countries
Direct Aid / Program Funding
Gordon Robertson (President & Director)
USD $90,081,546 (2023)[1]
History[edit]
Operation Blessing International was founded on November 14, 1978, by businessman and televangelist Pat Robertson.[3] It's stated purpose is to assist people facing challenges by connecting their needs, such as clothing and appliances, with donations from viewers of The 700 Club.
OBI collaborates with local churches and organizations to provide assistance to low-income families, including food and financial aid. In 1990, the organization transitioned its focus from individual assistance to funding outreach centers throughout the United States, focusing on local ministries, food pantries, and shelters. OBI's international activities include medical aid, hunger relief, and disaster response efforts. The organization became officially registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1986, following a partnership with Development Corporation.
Partnerships[edit]
Operation Blessing has partnered with several organizations and nonprofits, including the Mayo Clinic of Minnesota,[11] International Justice Mission, Free Wheelchair Mission,[12] and Tide Loads of Hope.[13] OBI has also conducted annual food distributions with professional sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals.[14]
Affiliation[edit]
Operation Blessing is a member of the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO),[15] and is registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)[16] and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).[17] It is also a national member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Christian Service Charities, Christian Service Organizations of America (CSOA), the Global Compassion Network, the Virginia Trucking Association, and the American Trucking Associations (ATA).[18]
Financial accountability[edit]
Operation Blessing is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA),[19] and is audited annually by KPMG, LLP.
