How Donors Can Continue to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, images from the country are devastating. Attacks on hospitals and shelters have killed nearly 1,000 civilians. Cities in eastern Ukraine are besieged, and citizens have lost access to food, clean water and electricity. Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes, seeking safety in neighboring regions.

In a humanitarian crisis—as in the aftermath of natural disasters— philanthropists can make a difference by providing flexible, rapid financial support to organizations working on the ground. Cash contributions allow aid workers to focus on addressing the most immediate—and constantly shifting—needs. In many cases, this approach can also help to support local economies and avoid delivery and supply chain challenges, by ensuring the most-needed supplies are purchased as near as possible to where they are needed.

Donors around the world have been responding with an outpouring of support. We have seen a surge of support here at National Philanthropic Trust. So far, NPT’s donors have committed nearly $47 million in humanitarian and refugee relief for Ukraine. While the situation continues to evolve in Ukraine and the region, philanthropists can continue to help. In addition to the organizations NPT highlighted previously, the list below offers donors additional ways to lend support.

• Hospitals and medical facilities are struggling with an influx of injured patients and supply shortages. The Afya Foundation and Project C.U.R.E. are partnering with several U.S.-based groups to secure and deliver medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine.
• Women and children are often the most vulnerable groups in conflict zones. The Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights has launched the UAF Urgent Response Fund for Ukraine, assisting women with evacuation and relocation, legal and financial support, and access to internet, phones and other communications needs. UNICEF and the Global Fund for Children are both working with their local partners to ensure children have access to food and water, education and psychosocial support.
• An estimated 100,000 children live in orphanages in Ukraine. Lumos has been working in Ukraine since 2013. The organization is focused on providing food, medical supplies and psychological support to children in orphanages, and preventing the separation of families.
• Refugees are in desperate need of assistance, both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries. In Ukraine, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing emergency aid to those fleeing. Across the border in Poland, IRC is working with local partners to assist refugees by providing financial assistance, translation services, medical attention, warm clothing and bedding. HIAS is working with a long-time local partner organization to provide emergency aid and legal assistance for internally-displaced Ukrainians and refugees arriving in Poland. Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is working along the border with Polish partners to deliver food, water, medicine and other basic supplies. GEM is also helping to find temporary housing for refugees in Poland and expanding their work to Hungary and Romania.
• Reliable information and independent media are critical to ensure people are kept informed of the latest developments in and around Ukraine. Journalists and other media sources are also lifelines for residents to find shelter or food, or receive the latest information on conflict zones and traveling safely. Internews has been working in Ukraine for over 30 years. The organization is committed to journalists in the area, providing them with safety equipment, communications access, and relocation assistance, and even offering films and other entertainment for refugee children.
• Many civilians are fleeing to safety with their beloved pets, animals in zoos are at risk, and fighting is disrupting the natural habitat of wildlife. IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is providing financial assistance to shelters and zoos in Ukraine, to purchase much-needed food and supplies. The organization is also working to support veterinarians at border crossings that are processing pets and providing them with any necessary medical treatment.

NPT is here to help. Contact us at (888) 878-7900 or npt@nptrust.org with any questions.

NPT is not affiliated with any of the organizations described herein, and the inclusion of any organization in this material should not be considered an endorsement by NPT of such organization, or its services or products.

NPT does not provide legal or tax advice. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and shall not be relied upon as, legal or tax advice. The applicability of information contained here may vary depending on individual circumstances.