How to Support the People of Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russia deployed its military into Ukraine. This unprovoked attack came after eight years of steady armed conflict between the two countries.
In an aggressive attempt to overthrow Ukraine’s democratically elected government, Russia’s full-scale invasion has the potential to be the largest military action in Europe since World War II.
What Does the Russian Invasion Mean for Ukraine?
In 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula and began supporting pro-Russian separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine that want to disassociate from the country.
Since 2014, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken the lives of 3,000 Ukrainian civilians and displaced 850,000 people from their homes. Prior to the February attack, nearly 3 million Ukrainian civilians were already in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Now, U.S. Intelligence warns that this conflict could claim the lives of up to 50,000 civilians.
In response to this attack, we’ve identified a list of top organizations currently taking action to mobilize critical resources, provide aid, and offer life-saving assistance to the civilians forced to flee their homes, collectively raising over $243 million on Classy to date.
Learn more about the refugee crisis from a recent World News Tonight ABC News segment below, as well as how you can support Ukraine during this unprecedented time.
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, serves as a beacon of hope for Jews and others worldwide in more than 70 countries.
In response to the Ukraine crisis, JDC is on the front lines, delivering urgent, life-saving care to Jewish seniors and families. With donor support, JDC is activating hotlines, providing emergency homecare plans, and securing safe facilities for Jews fleeing their homes.
Get real-time updates from JDC on social media:
Manna Worldwide
Manna Worldwide is on a mission to rescue children from the grip of poverty. To show their support for friends and family living in Ukraine, the nonprofit is accepting direct donations to help aid in a safe evacuation and recovery from the Russian invasion.
Get real-time updates from Manna Worldwide on social media:
Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief saves and improves lives in the poorest parts of the world. In an attempt to extend love to every neighbor, their team launched the World of Good Fund to provide families in Ukraine with emergency food, clean water, safe shelter, medical supplies, and more.
Get real-time updates from Lutheran World Relief on social media:
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
In response to the February 24 attacks on Ukraine, the WCK team is serving hot, nourishing meals at a 24-hour pedestrian border crossing in Southern Poland.
Get real-time updates from WCK on social media:
Feed Israel
Feed Israel is striving to enable individuals to break out of the cycle of poverty by giving them the tools they need to become self-sufficient and live more dignified lives.
In support of Ukrainian Jews at this time of war, the nonprofit is working to provide food, water, medicine, and accommodations for the upcoming days to Jewish and Israeli refugees fleeing the country.
Get real-time updates from Feed Israel on social media:
Spirit of America
Spirit of America works alongside America’s troops and diplomats to help save and improve lives.
The nonprofit is currently working with U.S. military and State Department personnel to defend Ukraine’s freedom, meet the urgent needs of Ukraine’s Armed Forces on the front lines, and provide emergency assistance to Ukrainians who have escaped to safety.
Get real-time updates from Spirit of America on social media:
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army exists to meet human needs wherever, whenever, and however they can. In direct alignment with their greater mission, the nonprofit’s “Love Beyond Conflict” campaign is asking donors to support families fleeing crisis in Ukraine to help provide peace and safety.
In addition, The Salvation Army California South Division is supporting Ukraine through a secondary campaign to offer resources to families impacted by the Russian invasion. Discover how each gift can impact the life of a refugee in need.
Get real-time updates from The Salvation Army on social media:
Concern Worldwide
Concern Worldwide is a global humanitarian organization focused on the world’s most vulnerable. With over 1 million people having fled Ukraine, the nonprofit is asking donors to support their rapid response through contributions to their Emergency Fund.
Get real-time updates from Concern Worldwide on social media:
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston (CJP)
CJP is on a mission to inspire and mobilize the diverse Boston Jewish community to engage in learning and take action that strengthens Jewish life and improves the world.
The nonprofit is raising money to provide direct support to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and other partners on the ground in Ukraine.
Each donation will support CJP’s effort to provide food, shelter, medicine, and other basic needs to Ukrainian civilians and refugees during this vulnerable time.
Get real-time updates from CJP on social media:
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
For 90 years, Minneapolis Jewish Federation has empowered, engaged, and inspired Jewish communities around the world. The nonprofit’s Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund is an extension of their work to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Jewish populations everywhere.
To provide critical welfare where it’s needed most, Minneapolis Jewish Federation has joined the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) $20 million emergency campaign. Funds will be allocated through Jewish Federations’ core partners who are on the ground in Ukraine, protecting and safeguarding Ukraine’s Jewish community.
Get real-time updates from Minneapolis Jewish Federation on social media:
Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)
Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) is a crisis response organization that brings immediate aid and recovery to underserved communities across the globe.
In immediate response to the crisis in Ukraine, the CORE team is on the ground in Poland supporting the immediate needs of refugees.
CORE’s initial efforts are focused on distributing hygiene kits and supplying refugees with cash assistance to help families get access to life-saving items such as food, water, and safe transit to shelter.
Get real-time updates from CORE on social media:
The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM)
The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) has been working since 1980 to plant churches around the world where the most need exists.
Their mission to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed is lived out through community development, healthcare, social justice, and more. Serving more than 35 countries worldwide, TEAM is dedicated to mobilizing disciples from anywhere to serve everywhere.
In support of Ukrainian refugees, TEAM is garnering support from generous supporters to help provide transportation, lodging, food, clothing, medical supplies, and hygiene materials during this time of crisis. Discover how each donation can make a difference.
Get real-time updates from TEAM on social media:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T)
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001, as well as our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice for our country.
On March 10, the nonprofit committed $1 million to the children of Ukraine in an effort to help them find safety amid the conflict in their country. Additionally, T2T is asking their loyal network of supporters to contribute to the cause to amplify their impact and provide relief.
Get real-time updates from T2T on social media:
Save Our Allies (SOA)
Save Our Allies (SOA) rescues American citizens, permanent residents, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, and other special populations from conflict zones and contested areas. With team members already on the ground, SOA is offering immediate assistance to Ukrainian refugees in need of aid and comfort.
With donors’ support, SOA is sending additional highly-trained specialists to the Polish-Ukrainian border to assist with medical treatment and supply distribution. Every dollar raised through their Ukraine Mission campaign will go directly towards the provision of evacuation and medical assistance.
Get real-time updates from SOA on social media:
Direct Relief
Direct Relief works to equip health professionals in resource-poor communities to meet the challenges of diagnosing and caring for people in need. In an effort to support those affected by the war in Ukraine, their team is providing critical medical aid, including wound care and ICU medications, to refugees within Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries. 
In addition to medical aid, Direct Relief has provided more than $30.8 million in financial assistance, including direct cash aid to support local healthcare organizations to help Ukrainian refugees obtain needed medications at no cost. You can explore the impact of their efforts in more detail in Direct Relief’s comprehensive Ukraine One-Year Report.
Get real-time updates from Direct Relief on social media:
As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, Classy’s mission is to mobilize and empower the world for good. We are proud to support a community of nonprofits that work tirelessly to serve those in need whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
This post was updated on February 27, 2023.
Posted in News & Research
Classy's 2021 Impact Report
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