GOAL is an International Humanitarian Agency dedicated to the alleviation of suffering amongst the poorest of the poor. It was founded in Dublin, Ireland by former sports journalist and current Chief Executive, John O’Shea, in 1977. GOAL works towards ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world, or those affected by humanitarian crises, have access to the fundamental needs and rights of life including, but not limited to, food, water, shelter, medical attention and education. It is non-denominational, non-governmental and non-political.

GOAL has responded to almost every major natural and man-made disaster and catastrophe in the past 34 years and is currently operational in 12 countries in the developing world. GOAL’s priority is to bring life-saving assistance to people affected by emergencies by providing food, healthcare and other basic requirements. Once emergency situations have been resolved, GOAL implements rehabilitation programmes which include the repair of homes, clinics, schools and the provision of water and sanitation facilities. Long-term development programmes are also implemented in the areas of health, nutrition, education and the capacity building of indigenous humanitarian organisations.

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GOAL’s advocacy work is based on convincing the global community to honour its obligations to the poor. They endeavour to exert as much pressure as possible on governments and other institutions that have the capacity to bring about real change. Topics that GOAL has campaigned on include institutionalised corruption in the developing world and the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of overseas aid. Since its inception, GOAL has sent in excess of 2,300 volunteers (GOALies) to work in the developing world, alongside many thousands of local staff. It has spent €700/£620 Million on the delivery of aid to the poor in more than 50 countries and it has managed this on a low administration budget.

GOAL receives institutional funding from a variety of sources including the Governments of Ireland, The UK, The USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Holland, Italy, Spain and Sweden, as well as from the European Union and The United Nations. GOAL is also supported by a variety of charitable trusts and foundations in Ireland, The UK and The USA, and by the general public through donations, wills, legacies and various fundraising events. GOAL receives substantial support from sports stars, many of whom are patrons of the organisation. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash is President of GOAL UK, while former world number one tennis player, Mats Wilander, is President of GOAL USA.