Assistance to Ukraine

Friends Donna Smith and Julie Harlow have done some research to find charities that seem to offer reliable means of sending donations from the U.S. to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees.

From Donna Smith, Redwood Forest Friends Meeting:

Dear Friends: Many are wondering how they might support victims in the midst of the Ukraine crisis. There are many ways to help, but I'd like to share what I have learned about reliable charities that are receiving donations and providing direct services.

1. Doctors Without Borders – Click here for more details.

Direct medical care and supplies inside Ukraine and in neighboring countries. Charity Navigator rating is "Exceptional" (Finances 89.41/100, Transparency 97/100).

2. Mennonite Central Committee – Click here for more details.

Not Rated, Faith based. They are working with partners in the area to enhance services as needed.

3. International Rescue Committee – Click here for more details.

Charity Navigator rating is "Good" (Financial 87.6/100, Transparency 97/100). They are providing comprehensive services to refugees in Poland.

4. World Central Kitchen – Click here for more details.

Charity Navigator rating is "Exceptional" (Finances 100/100, Transparency 100/100). They were first to distribute meals to refugees as they entered Poland. They are supporting local restaurants in Ukraine to provide meals to those in need.

5. Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC)– See below for more details.

The Europe and Middle East Section of Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) is working in partnership with the British Friends for Quaker Council on European Affairs (QCEA) and the Central European Gathering (of Quakers) to help raise funds for relief work in Ukraine.

If you would like to support this work financially here are two ways you can do this:

a) Click here to donate online via the British Friends of QCEA.

This is a Sterling (GBP) account, but payments can be made by credit or debit card in most currencies.

b) Send funds (in Euros) directly to the account of the Central European Gathering (of Quakers):

Financial institution: Fio Bank
Currency: Euro
Account no. 2601223428
IBAN: CZ73 2010 0000 0026 0122 3428
BIC/SWIFT: FIOBCZPPXXX
Please include reference: Support for Ukrainians.

This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope you find it helpful.

From Julie Harlow, Davis Friends Meeting:

Dear Friends: Relief workers in and around Ukraine request that we not send stuff to Ukraine, as it causes logistical problems on the ground. It’s far better to donate money. Donations to the International Red Cross are especially helpful.

Be careful to donate on the “International Red Cross” website and NOT on the site of “Red Cross Ukraine,” which has been hacked.