Frequently asked questions
About ShelterBox
How do you decide where to send aid?
How do you source your aid items?
Do you work with other aid organisations?
About your donation
How can I make a donation to ShelterBox?
Can I give donations to a specific location or disaster?
How much of my money will directly help to provide shelter?
General questions
About ShelterBox
What is ShelterBox?
ShelterBox is a charity that hand-delivers aid to families devastated by conflict or natural disaster, to give them safe shelter and the tools to rebuild communities.
Our global network of supporters, staff and volunteers make it possible to deliver aid to some of the most remote communities in the world.
What aid does ShelterBox provide?
We provide aid that is tailored to meets the needs of a community after a specific disaster.
The aid we supply comes in the form of ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits.
Our sturdy green ShelterBoxes contain family-sized tents specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they are able to start the process of rebuilding a home.
Our ShelterKits contain all of the essential tools people need to start repairing and rebuilding homes straight away.
Our kits and boxes also contain the items that help transform shelter into a home – like cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children.
We also provide extra aid items, such as SchoolBoxes that contain everything needed to get lessons up and running after a disaster, depending on the situation. Explore our ShelterBox aid in depth.
Who funds ShelterBox?
ShelterBox is funded by public donations.
We rely on your support to help us hasten the day where no family goes without shelter when disaster strikes.
Who supports ShelterBox?
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is ShelterBox’s President and Royal Patron.
ShelterBox also supported by our global network of ShelterBox affiliates and a range of partners, including Rotary International.
Find out more about our partnerships.
How do you decide where to send aid?
When natural disasters and conflicts occur, our ShelterBox operations team make careful assessments to ensure that ShelterBox aid is right for the situation.
We will consider the type of disaster and the level of damage, as well as the needs of the community and their ability to recover, before selecting the right type of support. We are then able to quickly transport items from our positioned hubs around the world to exactly where it is needed.
How do you deliver aid?
We deliver aid to wherever it is needed, by any means possible. Our teams travel by foot, boat, helicopter or even tuk-tuk to get there. Whatever it takes.
Find out more about how our aid is delivered.
How do you source your aid items?
Our items are specially sourced and designed to ensure that the families we support have exactly the aid they need. The aid is designed to withstand extreme conditions, from torrential rain to hurricane winds, and to last for a long time – until families are able to rebuild their homes.
For this reason, we are unable to accept donations of items.
Do you work with other aid organisations?
We often collaborate with other aid organisations, as well as with organisations within communities, to make sure that we are reaching all of the families in need of shelter.
About your donation
How can I donate to ShelterBox?
You can donate to ShelterBox on our donate page. Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to The ShelterBox Trust and sent to Falcon House, Charles Street, Truro, TR12PH. Or telephone: +44 (0) 300 0300 500.
Can I give donations for a specific location or disaster?
In order for us to prepare for future disasters by positioning aid around the world and to react quickly when disasters do take place, we are not usually able to accept time or location-specific donations.
By giving ShelterBox a general donation, you are helping us use your money to make the most difference to families in desperate need of shelter.
How much of my donation will directly help to provide shelter?
On average, 80% of every donation will go directly to providing shelter for families left without shelter in the aftermath of disaster. 20% is spent on governance costs and creating awareness of ShelterBox.
Can I Gift Aid my donation?
Gift Aid is a government initiative that enables us to increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you. If you are a UK income and/or a Capital Gains tax payer, then you can Gift Aid your donation. This means 25% more safe and secure shelters and 25% more essential building tools just by opting to Gift Aid your donation.
General questions
How can I contact ShelterBox?
Visit our Contact details page for more information.
How can I raise money for ShelterBox?
There are lots of ways in which you can raise money for ShelterBox, from creating your own event to taking part in a challenge event.
Participating in an event for ShelterBox makes you part of the ShelterBox team – a team that is determined to see the day that no family is without shelter after disaster strikes.
How can I get involved with ShelterBox?
Volunteers are an integral part of the ShelterBox Team.
They not only help to pack and hand-deliver our aid to communities, but also help to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox too.