Lutheran World Relief (LWR)

Envisions a future where all people, in every corner of the world can live full, dignified lives

Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World Relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being.

LWR works work with people based on need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and we do not evangelize.

LWR provides aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. They partner with communities to build and grow rural economies. They break the cycle of poverty, so families and communities can thrive.

LWR’s goal is to help people build self‐sufficiency and create new community‐owned approaches to problem‐solving that will last long after our projects end.

LWR led the Nepal-India Trans-boundary Resilience project under the Water Window Challenge.

Latest news and articles

12 initiatives advancing climate resilience across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

Accelerating climate resilience through locally rooted innovation

Finance in Flux: a new reading of the resilience and adaptation finance landscape

A new joint paper from the Global Resilience Partnership and RAKSHA Intelligence Futures, published as the Global Partnerships Conference opens in London, argues that the binding constraint on resilience and adaptation finance now sits in the gap between knowing and acting.

Call for proposals for innovations across the Global South now open

We are launching an Innovation Challenge call to support bold, locally led solutions that strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems, and create sustainable opportunities for communities.

Protecting shea trees: Securing women’s livelihoods

Learn how protecting shea trees sustains livelihoods, strengthens rights, and empowers women

Advancing women’s rights to strengthen shea enterprises

In northern Ghana, digital mapping and access to finance are helping women shea producers like Adisah Zakaria turn invisible work into recognised assets, unlocking income, efficiency, and opportunity.