Corus International was launched on January 1, 2020, by international NGOsLutheran World Relief and IMA World Health as a parent organization of a family of for-profit and nonprofit faith-based subsidiaries addressing global health and development. The founding of Corus followed the operational merger of Lutheran World Relief and IMA World Health in January 2019.
Organizational Structure
The Corus International family includes:
Lutheran World Relief, an INGO that collaborates with local partners to grow inclusive and climate resilient rural economies, reduce poverty, and respond to emergencies and humanitarian crises.
IMA World Health, an INGO that works with local partners and governments to strengthen existing health systems, prevent and treat diseases, improve maternal and child health, promote nutrition and WASH, respond to sexual and gender-based violence, and contribute to global health security.
, a U.K.-based company that develops and applies context-suitable technology to meet the needs of the world's poorest communities. CGA was acquired in late 2019.
, an impact investing firm that makes equity investments in small rural enterprises and provides them with technical assistance to grow their business, increase farmers’ incomes, and ultimately strengthen local economies.
, a direct-trade coffee producer that sources its coffee from Lutheran World Relief-supported farmers.
Core program areas
Health
Corus works with local partners and governments to build capacity and provide them with the resources to respond to the health needs of people affected by poverty, conflict and other hardships.
Corus engages with local partners and enterprises to help rural communities develop productive, resilient and stable economies that benefit them.
Market systems analysis
Agriculture value chain strengthening
Livelihood diversification
Climate smart and improved agriculture practices
Water and land management
Enterprise capacity building
Rural financing
Impact investing
Ground Up Investing focuses on investing in enterprises that have the potential to help small-scale farmers capture more value from their crops. Profits beyond what goes to farmers and company growth are reinvested into complementary development programming for local communities.
Corus works closely with local communities when a disaster hits over months and years — whether it's a drought, earthquake or civil war — to help them recover and adjust to new realities, ensuring that they are prepared to withstand the next unexpected challenge.
Technology for Development, or T4D, harnesses the growing accessibility of smartphones and other technologies to improve the speed, effectiveness and cost-efficiency of humanitarian assistance and development programming.
All programs are designed to advance communities’ gender equity, positive youth development and resilience. Assessments identify gender constraints, youth needs, and shocks and stressors that are affecting these communities’ ability to thrive. These assessments are incorporated into program design that enables the full participation of women and young people and addresses their specific needs as well as allows communities to maintain development gains when difficult times arise.
