Migrant refugee camp crisis

How to help: Ukraine

Updated April 4, 2023

As a result of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February of 2022, thousands of civilians have been killed and injured. Millions of Ukrainians have evacuated their homes and traveled as refugees to surrounding countries. Capacity has been stretched as local governments and organizations in receiving countries continue to help. Additionally, millions of people have been displaced inside Ukraine and are in danger. Refugees and those displaced within Ukraine are still in need of food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and basic hygiene items. 

Over one year into this crisis, the needs are more complex. In addition to basic food and shelter, children are in dire need of education, people in surrounding countries require help with long-term housing arrangements, and women and girls need more focused support. As you consider your giving, you may wish to support a variety of areas: humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement efforts, health care, logistics and supply distribution, advocacy, rebuilding efforts, information access, and the protection of vulnerable people. 

How can you best support Ukrainian relief efforts with your giving? Save the Children, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Mercy Corps discuss how you can take action.

How to help

Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide the following list of organizations that are offering relief for refugees and internally displaced Ukrainians, or assisting with other needs, such as providing support to journalists, medical workers, and others aiding Ukrainians. These organizations are highlighted because they have knowledge of the region, the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and an established record in disaster relief services. Fidelity Charitable will update its guidance as additional information is received. 

If you would like to recommend a grant to any of these charities, log in.

Please note that Fidelity Charitable is working to ensure grants designated for Ukraine relief comply with current U.S. sanctions in the region. Grant processing times may take longer than usual as we conduct our due diligence. Thank you for your patience.

Humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement

Food, water, shelter, and hygiene essentials are urgently needed for both those entering neighboring countries and those trapped or displaced within Ukraine. Cash assistance, legal assistance, and protection are also needed. Children make up a large portion of Ukrainian refugees and have specific emotional support and protection needs, as well as family reunification needs for those who have been separated from their families during their journey.

Global advocacy in support of refugees and internally displaced people 

People who are fleeing Ukraine or who are displaced within the country need advocacy organizations to explore and understand their unique needs and help find solutions to the grave challenges they face. These organizations work to identify specific challenges and advocate for solutions, programs, and resources that deliver lifesaving assistance, protection of human rights, capacity building, and better coordination among relief groups.

Health care and medical response

Both refugees and internally displaced people in Ukraine need physical and mental health support. Medicines, medical supplies, and medical staff are needed to respond to urgent health needs. 

Supply/logistical response

Both people and supplies are needed to address the crisis in Ukraine. Organizations that focus on logistics work with partners to get necessary teams of people and essential supplies to those most in need, fast. 

Rebuilding  

There is a significant need to rebuild and repair damaged housing and infrastructure within Ukraine. Organizations that focus on rebuilding efforts are working to provide life-saving home repairs and winterization, supporting housing arrangements with host families, refurbishing communal spaces, repairing small-scale community-level infrastructures, and seismically upgrading schools to protect the lives of children.

Protection of vulnerable populations

Vulnerable populations—including women, children, the elderly, and those living with disabilities—increasingly require special protection and care.

Information access

Having access to reliable, accurate information in disaster situations is essential. Trustworthy media outlets and journalists can provide life-saving information to those fleeing violence and seeking shelter. Reporters and media organizations remain at risk.  

Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for relief efforts for Ukraine. Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide these organizations to donors for reference purposes only, and Fidelity Charitable does not endorse these organizations. All grant recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Fidelity Charitable Trustees. Links on this page lead to third-party content. The views and opinions of third-party content providers are solely those of the author and not Fidelity Charitable. Fidelity Charitable does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by such third parties.