How you can help the people of Ukraine

The impact of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has been devastating. And while the situation continues to escalate, so does the need for help—from emergency relief on the ground, to support for those fleeing to neighboring countries.

Many of our Obama leaders in Europe are on the front lines of this war. Devoted to creating lasting change in their communities, and advancing the principles of democracy, equality, and human dignity, they are assisting along the border and adapting their work to bravely support those in Ukraine during this time of crisis.

We reached out to our leaders network to identify the organizations listed below that are doing critical humanitarian work right now. We hope you’ll consider making a donation to amplify these efforts.

As President Obama stated, “People of conscience around the world need to loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people.”

Ukrainian Obama Leader Yuliia Sachuk’s organization, Fight for Right, promotes and protects the human rights of people living with disabilities in her community. 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. Their Go Fund Me (Opens in a new tab) page is the place for direct donations.

Obama Leader András Léderer and his team at the Hungarian Helsinki Committee have been helping provide free-of-charge legal assistance and representation to refugees in Hungary for decades. Right now, they are focused on helping asylum seekers from Ukraine find professional and free legal assistance.

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 support.

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. The goal of their Go Fund Me campaign (Opens in a new tab) is to keep the accurate news coming.

This Polish organization is offering a free crisis hotline to assist people who are being affected by the Ukrainian crisis, including individuals who have fled the country, families worried about the well-being of their children, and those who have relatives in Ukraine and are feeling a sense of hopelessness.

With stockpiles prepositioned in various locations in the region, UNHCR is delivering blankets, sleeping mats and bags, family tents, winter kits, water containers, sanitary items, baby kits, solar lamps and other items—as well as providing critical protection and cash assistance for those forced to flee.

A Hungarian nonprofit that has experience helping severely traumatized asylum seekers, refugees, and their family members. They provide counseling and advanced psychiatric support.

The Urgent Action Fund is helping support women, transgender, and nonbinary activists on the ground in and around Ukraine, by providing flexible funding, access to communication channels, and medical support.

The Ukrainian Women's Fund has set up a new fund that will cover the urgent needs for water, food, medicine, hygiene, communication and other basic needs, with a focus on the most vulnerable groups of women and girls.

Project Hope is actively shipping essential medicines and medical supplies to assist Ukrainians.

IOM is scaling up its humanitarian operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries, providing emergency services in health, shelter, winter supplies, and protection.

This Polish NGO has been providing pro bono legal work for migrants and refugees since 2005. Due to the rapidly changing rules and individual cases of those fleeing Ukraine, the Association for Legal Intervention just launched a dedicated legal portal (Opens in a new tab) to provide prompt legal advice.

Emergency gifts support CARE’s Ukraine Crisis Fund to 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.

UNICEF is reaching vulnerable children and families on the move from Ukraine through their "Blue Dot" centers, which are strategically located along transit routes. They are meeting critical urgent needs for safety, health care, safe water and nutrition, and protection, while also safeguarding children's rights and long term well-being.