The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) is a government organization that is focused on effective public donations in support of disaster relief. Created by USAID in 1988, CIDI works with USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which leads and coordinates the United States (U.S.) government's humanitarian assistance efforts overseas.
Every disaster response is unique and carefully tailored to meet ever-changing humanitarian needs. Immediately after a disaster strikes, relief organizations coordinate with the host government, affected communities, and other aid groups to conduct needs assessments in order to save as many lives as possible. During this stage, unsolicited material goods are seldom required as they compete for time, attention, and logistical support with priority relief items identified by the disaster experts.
