How many NGO and nonprofit organizations are in Haiti?

Haiti is a country that has faced many serious challenges, including earthquakes, hurricanes, poverty, and health crises. Because of this, many people and organizations from around the world have stepped in to help. One of the main ways they do this is through nonprofit organizations and NGOs.

These organizations do not exist to make money. Instead, their main goal is to support people in need, improve lives, and help communities grow stronger. In Haiti, these groups provide food, medical care, education, housing, and much more, especially during and after disasters.

In this article, we will explore what NGOs and nonprofit organizations are, how many exist in Haiti, and what kind of impact they have had, especially following major events like the 2010 earthquake. We will also look at which organizations continue to serve Haiti today.

What is an NGO?

An NGO, or Non-Governmental Organization, is a group that works independently from the government. These organizations are usually created by individuals or private groups who want to make a positive difference in the world.

NGOs can focus on a variety of issues such as fighting poverty, providing education, responding to disasters, promoting human rights, or protecting the environment.

What makes NGOs unique is that they are not trying to earn a profit. They rely on donations, grants, and volunteer support to carry out their missions. NGOs often work in countries outside their own, including places like Haiti.

When disasters strike such as earthquakes, floods, or disease outbreaks, NGOs are often some of the first to respond. They bring supplies, offer medical aid, help rebuild homes, and support recovery efforts.

What is a nonprofit organization?

A nonprofit organization is a group that uses its money to achieve a mission or help others, rather than making a profit for owners or investors. Like NGOs, nonprofits exist to serve the public good.

Nonprofits can work on many different goals. Some might run schools, clinics, or food banks. Others may focus on housing, clean water, or protecting the rights of children and families.

The main difference between a nonprofit and an NGO is that nonprofits often focus on local issues within their own country, while NGOs typically work on international projects. However, the two terms are often used together because their missions are very similar.

In Haiti, many nonprofits work alongside NGOs to support communities in need. They play a major role in providing essential services, especially in areas where government support is limited.

How many non profit organizations are there in Haiti?

Haiti is home to thousands of nonprofit organizations and NGOs. At one point, the country was even called “The Republic of NGOs” because so many groups were working there.

It is difficult to know the exact number, but some estimates suggest that over 10,000 nonprofit organizations have operated in Haiti. Some are small, community-based groups. Others are large international organizations with offices and teams across the country.

These organizations help in many ways such as delivering food and clean drinking water, offering medical care and vaccines, building and repairing homes and schools, providing education and job training, and supporting women, children, and vulnerable families.

Some organizations are only active during emergencies. Others have been working in Haiti for decades, creating long-term programs to support development and recovery.

Nonprofits are a crucial part of life in Haiti, especially in rural or poor areas where government services are limited or unavailable.

What organizations helped Haiti after the earthquake in 2010?

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was one of the most devastating disasters in modern history. It struck near the capital, Port-au-Prince, and caused massive destruction. Over 200,000 people were killed, and more than a million lost their homes.

After the earthquake, many organizations rushed to help. Some of the major ones included:

• The American Red Cross – Provided emergency aid, medical care, clean water, and temporary shelter
• Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) – Sent doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to treat the injured
• UNICEF – Focused on helping children with food, education, and protection
• World Food Programme (WFP) – Supplied food to millions of people affected by the disaster
• Partners In Health – Helped treat patients and rebuild health care systems
• Habitat for Humanity – Worked on rebuilding homes for families who lost everything
• CARE International – Delivered food, water, and support for women and children
• J/P Haitian Relief Organization – Founded by actor Sean Penn, helped with recovery, housing, and medical services
• Samaritan’s Purse – Deployed disaster response teams and mobile field hospitals to provide emergency medical care, food, clean water, and shelter
  
  

While a lot of aid came into Haiti after the quake, not all of it was managed well. Some donations did not reach the people who needed it most. This led to important discussions about how aid is organized and delivered during emergencies.

You can find out more about how to donate to Haiti on this page.

What international organizations are in Haiti?

Haiti continues to receive support from many international organizations that focus on long-term development and emergency response. These groups often partner with local communities to provide lasting help.

Some of the most active international organizations in Haiti include:

• United Nations (UN) – Offers peacekeeping, disaster relief, and support for human rights and government stability
• UNICEF – Works to improve the lives of children through health care, education, and emergency aid
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Focuses on preventing and treating diseases
• USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) – Provides funding and programs for health, food, education, and disaster recovery
• World Bank – Helps fund large-scale projects like roads, schools, and energy systems
• European Union (EU) – Supports humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent – Offers emergency aid, health care, and family support during crises
• Doctors Without Borders – Continues to provide health care during disasters, cholera outbreaks, and more
  
  

These organizations play a key role in helping Haiti grow stronger by improving infrastructure, boosting public health, and creating safer, more resilient communities.

You can learn more about how to help Haiti in this article.

What are the organizations that help Haiti?

Many different organizations work every day to help the people of Haiti. Some focus on health care. Others focus on education, food, or rebuilding homes. Together, they form a strong network of support across the country.

Health Organizations:

• Partners In Health (Zanmi Lasante) – Offers free, high-quality health care and builds hospitals
• Doctors Without Borders – Responds quickly in emergencies and provides medical treatment to those in need
• GHESKIO – A Haitian-run organization fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS and cholera
• Samaritan’s Purse – Provides emergency medical care through mobile clinics and field hospitals, especially after natural disasters
  
  

Food and Nutrition:

• World Food Programme (WFP) – Delivers food during emergencies and runs school meal programs
• Food For The Poor – Provides food, clean water, and basic supplies for families
• Hearts and Hands for Haiti – Supports schools and offers daily meals for students
  
  

Education and Youth Support:

• UNICEF – Provides school supplies, helps rebuild schools, and supports learning for all children
• Hope for Haiti – Works to improve education, health, and clean water access in rural communities
• Haiti Partners – Focuses on building strong schools and training teachers
  
  

Housing and Infrastructure:

• Habitat for Humanity – Builds and repairs homes for families in need
• Mission of Hope Haiti – Helps with housing, water projects, and job training
• J/P Haitian Relief Organization – Provided homes, medical care, and job programs after the earthquake
  
  

Each of these organizations plays an important role in helping Haiti move forward. They rely on partnerships, donations, and community support to continue their work.

The Haitian Development Network Foundation is a nonprofit organization helping alleviate poverty in Haiti through food security and economic development projects.

Final Thoughts

Haiti faces many challenges, but there is also a lot of hope. Thousands of nonprofit organizations and NGOs have stepped in to support the country’s most vulnerable communities. From disaster response to education, health care, and housing, these groups are working every day to create a better future.

While challenges remain, the combined effort of these organizations shows that change is possible. With continued support, Haiti can keep moving toward a stronger and brighter future.