The Austrian Red Cross (ARC) is a private organization based on the ideal of selfless charity and motivated by non-profit thinking. Operating independently, it performs humanitarian tasks with the help of volunteers and employees in order to assist all people in need, at home and abroad.

In its operations, the ARC is guided by the following maxims: voluntary and non-remunerated help is encouraged and accepted whenever possible; all services are performed in view of the personal and local situation of the recipients; humane considerations and non-centralized thinking add to the efficiency of actions; cooperation with other organizations under the observance of Red Cross principles is supported; forces are focused on those fields where excellent knowledge and technical know-how are available; new demands are met in due time and with innovative and effective solutions; and services and offers are constantly reviewed and adapted to changing requirements and conditions.