Who we are
The Secular Rescue Fund is a paid-membership emergency-support initiative. It gives practical assistance, coordination and support to individuals and families facing serious or unexpected emergencies, with a particular focus on Ugandan and other East African immigrants living and working across the world.
Why it exists
Many East Africans travel abroad for work and better opportunities, and contribute to the economies of the countries they live in, including by paying taxes. Yet when a medical emergency, an accident, a family crisis or a travel problem hits, they can find themselves stranded, without support, unable to find their way through unfamiliar systems or to afford the help they urgently need.
The Fund was started to answer that need with reliable, organized and compassionate emergency support.
How membership works
The Fund runs on paid memberships and subscriptions. Its benefits and assistance programs are open to members whose memberships are active and whose subscriptions and other requirements are up to date. You can join on your own, or through an eligible family membership, under the Fund’s membership rules. Each benefit depends on its eligibility criteria, the program’s conditions and the resources available.
What it aims to do
Build a trusted international support community where eligible members can get emergency assistance, medical treatment coordination, travel and evacuation support, family assistance, disaster relief and other protection programs where available, and get through hard times with dignity, transparency and practical support.
How it’s organized
The Secular Rescue Fund is intended to operate through an independently registered organization in the United States, with a formal program relationship with Secular Financial Services SFS Ltd, a company registered in Uganda.
Our principles
At its heart, the Fund is built on one belief: nobody should have to face life’s most difficult emergencies alone, especially far from home.
- People firstEvery decision starts with the member who needs help.
- Political neutralityThe Fund takes no side in politics, at home or abroad.
- Non-discriminationHelp is open to every eligible member, whatever their background or beliefs.
- AccountabilityThe Fund answers to its members for how it is run and how money is used.
- PrivacyWhat members share with the Fund stays private.
- Responsible assistanceHelp is given with care, within the program rules and the funds available.
Support the Fund
Gifts help the Fund reach more members when an emergency hits. You don’t have to be a member to give.
Give once, or every month. The Fund is being registered as an independent organization in the United States, so check with us before counting a gift as tax deductible.
Secure checkout. Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or bank account.
Get in touch
Questions about membership or the Fund’s programs? Send a note.