Where Donors Can Provide Disaster Relief to Those Impacted by the Earthquake in Morocco

On Friday, September 8, a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, with nearly 2,500 people losing their lives and over 1,400 individuals suffering critical injuries. Homes, buildings and historic landmarks have been damaged or reduced to rubble in the popular region of Marrakesh.

According to CNN, the rare quake is reportedly the “strongest to hit the nation’s center in more than a century” with the worst destruction in isolated mountain villages that are difficult for rescue workers to access. NPR has reported that these remote locations near the quake’s epicenter in the Atlas Mountains, “struggle to access food, water and electricity.”

The Government of Morocco is coordinating in-bound aid and responses from international organizations. International organizations with expertise in humanitarian and disaster response coordinate with local, community-based organizations that are already on the ground and providing immediate assistance to survivors, including basic supplies of food, water and diapers. Local organizations that know the communities are best positioned to respond in both the short- and long-term. International teams will amplify local support by increasing access to medical equipment, large-scale food and water supplies and emergency shelter.

As donors around the world wonder how they can support those directly affected by the earthquake in the North African country, National Philanthropic Trust has created a non-exhaustive list of organizations actively engaged in aid efforts.

The organizations below were selected as a representative sample of organizations that can accept contributions from US-based donors and donor-advised funds, yet have extensive experience in the country or region as well as close partnerships with local NGOs. We will update this list as additional information is provided as aid reaches the communities most affected.

CARE (EIN 13-1685039)

CARE has been working in Morocco since 2008. Their emergency response efforts prioritize delivering food, water, shelter and medical treatment to women, children and the elderly.

Doctors Without Borders USA (EIN 13-3433452)

Medical teams have been sent to the areas of Morocco that were severely damaged. Doctors Without Borders is working with local officials to provide essential supplies and medical treatment and restore healthcare services.

Islamic Relief USA (EIN )

Islamic Relief staff in Morocco are working with local officials and other NGOs to provide aid—food, shelter, clean water, medical care—in the areas where it is most needed.

Project HOPE (EIN 53-0242962)

Working with local community partners, Project HOPE is supporting search and rescue operations, including emergency responders, ambulances and medical aid.

UNICEF USA (EIN 13-1760110)

UNICEF recognizes that children are always among the most vulnerable populations in the aftermath of a disaster. The organization is providing emergency shelter, water, medical care and psychosocial support to children who survived the earthquake.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132)

WCK’s Relief Team is using helicopters and 4×4 vehicles to reach communities affected by the earthquake, providing food and water. Additional teams from Europe are bringing equipment to establish kitchens as soon as possible, to offer fresh, hot meals.

When recommending a grant, please indicate “Morocco earthquake” 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.

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