A Call to Action: How to Help Ukrainians in Crisis

Nearly three million Ukrainians have been driven from their homes and communities, as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine escalates. In times of crisis, Tides donors play a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid for emergency relief and long-term recovery through grants from their Tides donor advised funds. We are humbled and uplifted by the outpouring of support by our donor partners. 

To help provide critical aid to those in need, Tides will work with our curated list of organizations below to provide support. U.S.-based groups on this list have been pre-approved for expedited grantmaking. Grants to foreign-based organizations may take longer, but Tides will prioritize these grants, as well. 

These organizations, which possess the local knowledge and relationships necessary to be effective, offer relief for refugees, internally displaced people, and assist with providing support to journalists and medical workers. We will update our recommendations as additional information becomes available. Reach out to the Tides Philanthropy team at [email protected] to learn more, or donate directly through the organizations’ sites below. 

Rapid Response Humanitarian Assistance & Direct Services

Association for Legal Intervention. Due to the rapidly changing rules and individual cases of those fleeing Ukraine, this Polish NGO is providing pro bono legal work for migrants and refugees and has launched a dedicated legal portal to provide prompt legal advice.

CARE. CARE’s Ukraine Crisis Fund will reach 4 million with immediate aid and recovery, food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance — prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.

Direct Relief. This U.S.-based organization distributes donated medicine and medical supplies. It recently sent a large shipment of medical supplies and is offering its Ukrainian partners IV fluids, antibiotics, medications for anesthesia, sutures, and cardiovascular medication, among other supplies.

Global Empowerment Mission. The Miami-based organization is located in the tiny village of Medyka, Poland, using donations to buy refugees train and plane tickets to help them reach any family or friends they may have in Europe.

Internews. Internews supports journalists and independent media news outlets in Ukraine by providing them with resources to ensure their safety and ability to continue working during this conflict. This includes resources for emergency relocation and/or hibernation; safety supplies for armed conflict (e.g., flak jackets, helmets, first aid kits and satellite phones); equipment; and training whenever possible for emergency first aid and safely covering during armed conflict.

Kyiv Independent. The Kyiv Independent, an English-language media outlet, was launched three months ago and was created on the principles of independent journalism and free press. Its goal is to provide accurate news. Donate to their GoFundMe campaign via the link at the top of the page.

Revived Soldiers Ukraine. This organization funds medication and medical supplies for field and army hospitals at the frontlines of eastern Ukraine.

Project Hope. Project Hope is delivering medical supplies and other urgent assistance in Ukraine and surrounding countries.

Operation USA. Operation USA is providing emergency cash grants to community-based partners in Poland and is working to coordinate the delivery of in-kind material aid in the months ahead.

World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen is located at the Ukraine-Poland border feeding refugees.

Long-Term Support & Service Coordination 

These organizations continue to offer sustained financial support, focusing on long-term recovery and service coordination. 

International Medical Corps. This U.S.-based organization provides emergency relief to those subjected to conflict, disaster and disease. After the emergency subsides, the organization shifts its response to long-term medical support and training.

International Rescue Committee. IRC is in Poland assessing humanitarian needs and coordinating long-term support to help restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster.

Ukrainian Women’s Fund. The Ukrainian Women’s Fund supports WROs not only in the implementation of targeted responses, but also in capacity building, advocacy initiatives, and the creation and development of networks for women, peace, security and collaboration.

Organizations Supporting Marginalized Groups

Cordelia Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims. A Hungarian nonprofit that helps severely traumatized asylum seekers, refugees, and their family members, this foundation provides counseling and advanced psychiatric support.

Fight for Right. Fight for Right promotes and protects the human rights of people living with disabilities. In response to the crisis, Fight for Right is coordinating accessible shelter, evacuations, and emergency services, ensuring those living with disabilities aren’t left out of the humanitarian efforts.

Fundacja Ocalenie. Following reports that a number of African and Indian students have faced discrimination and racism at the border of Poland while trying to escape to safety, Fundacja Ocalenie has stepped in to provide humanitarian and legal aid to this group of refugees.

Urgent Action Fund. UAF is supporting women, transgender, and nonbinary activists in and around Ukraine, by providing flexible funding, access to communication channels, and medical support.