How Donors Can Help Provide Relief to Turkey-Syria Earthquake Victims

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake originated near the city of Gaziantep, Turkey, causing mass destruction and a staggering loss of life. More than 20,000 people in Turkey and neighboring Syria have died and the final toll of this disaster is likely to be higher. Thousands of buildings in both countries have been destroyed. Tens of thousands of rescue personnel are searching the area, but poor weather conditions are creating additional difficulties for rescue efforts. There have been several aftershocks since the initial earthquake, the most significant of which was a magnitude 7.5 quake. This is the largest earthquake to have affected the region in decades.

The region surrounding the earthquake’s epicenter in Gaziantep is densely populated and home to a large number of Syrian refugees who fled a decade-long civil war, and the ongoing civil war across the border in northern Syria presents further difficulties for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

For donors who are motivated to help those affected by the earthquake, we have created a non-exhaustive list of organizations actively engaged in aid efforts in Turkey and Syria. When recommending a grant, please indicate “Turkey/Syria earthquake relief” as the purpose of your grant to ensure that the organization correctly designates your gift. We encourage donors to research all organizations prior to entering a grant recommendation.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937)
A leader in disaster relief, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy has established the Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund. The fund will focus on medium- and long-term recovery efforts in the area, with a particular focus on intersectional racial equity.

Doctors Without Borders USA (EIN 13-3433452)
Doctors Without Borders deployed local teams in both Syria and Turkey to respond to immediate medical needs. In addition to providing care to injured patients at their hospitals, Doctors Without Borders has dispatched ambulances and support staff to areas most in need of assistance, and provided blankets, food and medical supplies.

International Fund for Animal Welfare (EIN 31-1594197)
IFAW is working with local organizations in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency support for animal shelters and essential veterinary needs.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132)
World Central Kitchen has established operations in the area to support local authorities and provide fresh, warm meals to those affected by the earthquake.

Norwegian Refugee Council USA (EIN 47-5342860)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been working in Syria since 2013. NRC is providing direct support for those affected by the earthquake through its ongoing programs, providing shelter, food and sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Save the Children (EIN 06-0726487)

Through their Children’s Emergency Fund, Save the Children is providing food, shelter and warm clothing to children in Turkey and Syria.

Syrian American Medical Society (EIN 16-1717058)

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is providing emergency medical treatment in Syria for victims of the earthquake. SAMS is working closely with its partner organizations to coordinate their response, while treating as many patients as possible at their own hospitals.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds (EIN 20-8392006)

Turkish Philanthropy Funds established the TPF’s Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund to support relief and rebuilding efforts through its network of local partner organizations in Turkey.

Learn more about how you can expand your disaster giving strategy by supporting organizations addressing long-term resiliency, and consider these other factors in your relief-based giving.

This blog post has been updated as of February 9, 2023.