Migrant refugee camp crisis

How to help: Ukraine

Updated April 14, 2022

On February 24, Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian border and invaded multiple cities. Ukrainians fleeing violence are in need of urgent assistance. The crisis has continued to grow, and will likely create long-standing humanitarian needs. Given the escalating emergency, many people are asking: How can I help?

As a result of the violence, millions of Ukrainians have fled to surrounding countries. Capacity is stretched as local governments and organizations in receiving countries try to help. Additionally, millions of people are displaced inside Ukraine and are in danger. Both groups are in need of food, water, shelter, medical care and basic hygiene items.

The situation in Ukraine and the surrounding region is complex and fluid, and knowing where to start can sometimes feel overwhelming. We’ve identified several critical areas of need: emergency humanitarian response, medical response, supply/logistical response and access to reliable information. 

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 worked in partnership 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.

Emergency humanitarian response

As millions of Ukrainians flee the violence, 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, advocacy 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.

Medical response

Both refugees and internally-displaced people in Ukraine will need physical and mental health support. Medicines, medical supplies and medical staff are needed to respond to urgent health needs. Additionally, COVID-19 remains a risk.

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. 

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.