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On Monday, April 25^th, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the need for $2.25 billion in assistance to help Ukraine. The UN estimates that the war has left some 15.7 million in need and “…has caused the world’s fastest growing displacement crisis since the Second World War, uprooting nearly 13 million people. More than seven million are internally displaced while 5.2 million have crossed into neighboring countries….”  These numbers paint an overwhelming state of affairs that far exceeds any initial estimate for a war that is now entering its third month. UN’s OCHA released its latest Flash Appeal report that provides a detailed  update on humanitarian needs. Among other things, it notes that the destruction of major urban areas and infrastructure have disrupted critical services, particularly healthcare, and have also left many without access to safe water or sanitation. However, the report also notes that more than 3.4 million people have been reached with assistance since March 24^th. In delivering this help, OCHA reports that it works with 207 humanitarian partners, about half of them are Ukrainian nonprofit organizations that are located across the country.

U.S. based international relief organizations also continue to raise funds to help Ukrainians suffering during this war. See our list of 30 BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are either currently raising funds for assistance efforts in Ukraine and/or the needs of those who have fled to neighboring countries. These groups report a variety of relief activities ranging from delivering needed medicines, health supplies, food and other urgent items. Some are working with local Ukraine charities and houses of worship to distribute assistance, while others already had a relief presence in Ukraine when the war began. See the descriptions on the organizations’ websites for additional details.

In turn, as reported in the New York Times in mid-March, the United State Congress approved an aid package for Ukraine that included over $4 billion for food assistance, health care, migration and refugee assistance as well as economic support. This is a huge sum that will make a significant difference.

Unlike government responses that can take time, however, charitable organizations have the advantage of being able to respond immediately to situations and have demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and harsh conditions. In Ukraine, this advantage is another reason that donors should support experienced relief groups that are best equipped to provide help.

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Video of the Week

As part of our Ukraine Relief Charity Interview series, BBB Wise Giving Alliance speaks to Nancy Dent, Senior Global Communications Officer of the International Rescue Committee. She talks about the organization's relief efforts in and around Ukraine.
 

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Heart of Giving Podcast

In this week's Heart of Giving Podcast, our guest is Victoria Vrana, Deputy Director, Philanthropic Partnerships, Gates Foundation. Victoria leads the Giving Ecosystems and Giving By All work for the Philanthropic Partnership team which includes initiatives that focus on policy, data, and infrastructure and efforts to encourage everyday giving in the U.S., China, India, and the Middle East. 

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• American Friends Service Committee
• Earth Island Institute
• Paws With A Cause

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.