On Saturday, April 16, 2016, the largest earthquake to hit Ecuador in decades rocked its central coast, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured. Many people remain missing. Due to the remoteness of some of the villages impacted, the full scale of the disaster’s destruction may not be known for days or weeks.
What is known is that the widespread damage caused by the earthquake has left tens of thousands homeless, businesses and schools destroyed and many coastal villages reduced to rubble. Aid organizations in the United States are working alongside local groups in Ecuador and with the Ecuadorian government—which has mobilized its own emergency response efforts—to help assess the needs of impacted areas and to provide immediate assistance to earthquake victims.
While Ecuador has extensive emergency response capacity, international assistance will be necessary to support a full recovery for all affected communities. Fidelity Charitable is highlighting the following list of organizations providing relief services for the earthquake. These organizations have existing operations in the region, the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and a strong, established record of excellence in disaster relief services.
Fidelity Charitable donors: to make a grant recommendation, log in to your Giving Account.
Following a natural disaster, there can be an increased risk of fraud committed by individuals preying upon the good intentions of people wanting to help; donors should take care that the organizations they are supporting are legitimate. Fidelity Charitable makes grants only to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, such as the organizations above.
Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for relief efforts for the earthquake in Ecuador. Fidelity Charitable does not endorse these organizations, and provides this list for reference purposes only. All grant recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Fidelity Charitable Trustees. For approved grants, Fidelity Charitable will communicate all grant designation recommendations for Ecuador earthquake relief to grantees.
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