-
Breaking the cycle of
poverty for lasting change
Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is a faith-based global relief and development organization working to end poverty, strengthen resilience and respond to humanitarian crises in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Founded in 1945 by Lutherans in the United States, LWR began as a post–World War II effort to deliver aid to families across a devastated Europe.
Today, Lutheran World Relief works alongside local partners, governments, and public and private sector actors to design and implement programs that strengthen rural economies and improve household resilience. LWR is widely recognized for its work in regenerative agriculture, market systems development and emergency response.
Operating across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, LWR focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains and supporting families and communities facing chronic poverty and humanitarian crisis.
LWR’s faith identity remains central to its work and is expressed through service to people in need, regardless of religious affiliation.