Food. Medicine. Shelter. A number of organizations here in Greater Cleveland and around the world are coordinating relief efforts to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding from the war in Ukraine. And generous donors are responding. See our list below for more information and a pathway for direct giving. In this time of dire need, your contribution absolutely matters.

Local — Cleveland 

 

Cleveland Maidan Association

In 2014, members of the Ukrainian community in Cleveland came together in response to the Euromaidan Revolution in Kyiv. The community collected funds to be sent directly to Kyiv to aid with the purchase of food, warm clothing and medical supplies at the Maidan camp. The organization has continued to support humanitarian work in Ukraine through financial contributions and medical supplies ever since.  

Learn more and give to the Cleveland Maidan Association

Medwish

Medwish is responding to the critical needs resulting from the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine. The Cleveland-based organization is working with long-standing Ukrainian recipients to distribute medical supplies and equipment as well as basic emergency supplies to relief organizations in Ukraine and the surrounding counties directly assisting those impacted by the emergency.

Learn more and give to Medwish

United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio 

The United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio brings together more than 50 groups that represent the ethnic, spiritual, economic, political and cultural interests of Ukrainians in Northeast Ohio. Their philanthropic arm, the Fund to Aid Ukraine, has provided direct support and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people since 1990. Dollars from this fund support medical care, shipments of essential goods, access to humanitarian services, and direct financial assistance to individuals in Ukraine.  

Learn more and give to the Fund to Aid Ukraine

National and International 

 

International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps delivers emergency medical and related services to those affected by conflict while also training individuals in these communities to become effective first responders. The organization places significant emphasis on helping conflict-affected regions become self-reliant. Prior to the recent invasion, International Medical Corps was seeing significant success in Ukraine as they worked there to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Now the organization is expanding its relief efforts to provide medical, mental health and protection services (including gender-based violence responsive services) to those affected by the conflict. 

Learn more and give to the International Medical Corps

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee provides resources and basic needs items like sleeping bags, blankets, food and other humanitarian items to those fleeing violence, predominantly women and children, in Ukraine by entering Poland.

Learn more and give to the IRC

NovaUkraine

NovaUkraine focuses on providing humanitarian aid directly to the Ukrainian people through a network of on-the-ground nonprofits. They are currently focusing on aid for families and children affected by the war.

Learn more and give to NovaUkraine

Razom  

Razom (which means “together” in Ukrainian), seeks to “unlock the potential of Ukraine” through projects there and in the United States that help Ukraine stay on the path of fostering democracy and prosperity. In addition to their ongoing projects in workforce development, healthcare, and arts and culture, their current emergency response efforts are focused on equipping volunteers in Ukraine with key medical supplies. 

Learn more and give to Razom

Red Cross 

The Red Cross has already begun providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Volunteers on the ground have been distributing food, hygiene items, medical kits and other critical supplies, as well as providing first aid training and assisting in the evacuation of people with disabilities. In the coming weeks, the organization plans to increase their work with refugees, reuniting separated families and increasing awareness about areas contaminated by unexploded ordinance, while continuing to meet basic needs.  

Learn more and give to the Red Cross

Save the Children  

Save the Children recognizes that children are often the most vulnerable group in crisis situations and situations of armed conflict. For more than 100 years, they have provided health programs, education programs, and emergency response to children around the world. Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund is providing children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance. 

Learn more and give to Save the Children

Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

GoFundMe, the U.S. State Department, and Global Giving are partnering to create the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, which provides grants to vetted on-the-ground nonprofits providing emergency aid. Funds raised support access to basic needs including shelter, food, medical services, education and mental health services.

Learn more and give to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights

The Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights is supporting women, trans and nonbinary individuals on the ground in and around Ukraine by providing flexible funding and security support. Current needs include legal, financial and medical support, increasing shelter capacity, volunteer training and access to communication channels.

Learn more and give to the Urgent Action Fund

USAID from the American People

USAID from the American People leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance.

Learn more and give to USAID

USA for UNHCR  

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is the world’s leading organization aiding and protecting people forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution. UNHCR is currently on the ground in Ukraine providing emergency supplies and lifesaving care to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes. 

Learn more and give to the UNHCR

Cleveland Foundation fundholders may also recommend grants to the organizations above through our Donor Portal.

If you are aware of additional avenues for giving, please post them in the comments below or contact us for consideration on inclusion in the list above.

No Endorsement
Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the presence of information in this post regarding any nonprofit organization does not mean that the Cleveland Foundation endorses that organization. The Cleveland Foundation does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented or make any representations or warranties with regard to any information presented. This information, which is gathered from staff, the internet and nonprofits themselves, is presented solely as a starting point for research.