It is one of the few public foundations significantly influencing the tradition of American philanthropy. The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance is under the control of the Pacific Command and has been led at various times by military officers.

The primary purpose of the organization, which combines specific humanitarian missions and philanthropic work, is to organize international cooperation, promote education, train professionals, and research that will enable effective disaster response.

The Center was created to develop possibilities for rendering accessible humanitarian aid and efficient liquidation of consequences of emergency situations: terrorist acts, nuclear and chemical weapons impact, etc. In other words, a paramilitary-type charity teaches and trains people who specialize in working in disaster zones, dealing with the consequences and helping the population. But, of course, not all U.S. charities work in such global directions.