Denton Program for Private Donations

The Denton Program allows private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to countries in need, including:

  • Agricultural equipment
  • Clothing
  • Educational supplies
  • Food
  • Medical supplies
  • Vehicles

The program is jointly administered by USAID, the Department of State (DOS), the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the Department of Defense (DoD); although DSCA is the primary agency responsible for administering the program.

The Denton Program provides transportation for approved humanitarian assistance commodities destined for approved countries. Approved countries include those that are supported by DoD transportation services, and where civil systems, local infrastructure and the supply chain will support immediate onward distribution of the commodities.

Generally, the program is not designed or intended for the transport of private sector commodity donations to disaster areas -- where civil systems, local infrastructure or logistics resources may be compromised due to a natural or civil disaster. In such cases, USAID, DOS and DOD will review the circumstances in the destination country, and the application, to determine whether or not a commodity donation should be transported by the Denton Program to the area of the disaster.

USAID reviews applications to ensure they meet foreign policy objectives and that the donation meets a legitimate humanitarian need in line with country specific requirements. In FY 2010, nearly 2 million pounds of humanitarian goods were sent to eligible countries through the Denton Program.

Denton is a space available program; no guarantees can be made regarding availability of transportation or completion of a shipment. The program is active in most areas of the world but it is more difficult to obtain transportation to more distant countries. Please note that:

  • Transportation is most frequently available to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Djibouti.
  • Transportation to some Asian countries can be provided on a case-by-case basis.
  • Denton does NOT provide transportation to Africa except Djibouti.

Online applications and additional information about the DOD Humanitarian Assistance Programs, Denton and Funded Transportation's Programs, are available at http://hatransportation.ohasis.org

You can also contact Ms. Phyllis Marshall, Program Manager for the Denton Program and Funded Transportation, by phone (703) 601-3854 or email Phylliss.Marshall@dsca.mil

Countries that are not served by the Denton Program are generally served by the Funded Transportation Program, which provides door-to-port surface transportation of humanitarian aid to worldwide destinations at little or no cost to the donor. Potential shipments are reviewed for appropriateness and feasibility on a case-by-case basis.

All Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), non-governmental organizations and individuals interested in shipping to worldwide destinations are encouraged to contact the Program Manager for the Funded Transportation Program at (703) 601-3854.