Disaster Relief & Refugees
Most Recent
43.4 Million and Rising: Five U.S.-Based Funders Supporting Refugees
The global refugee population reached 43.4 million at the end of 2023, and is only set to rise. Here are some key grantmakers based in the U.S. funding efforts to help them.
When Vulnerabilities and Disparities Turn Weather into Disasters, What’s Philanthropy’s Role?
Guest author Tiffany Benjamin argues that disasters aren’t just “natural,” and that funders must proactively address underlying disparities to limit the damage weather hazards can do.
The WHO Foundation: Applying a “Start-up Mentality” to the Challenges of Global Health
Founded amid the pandemic, the World Health Organization’s foundation channels philanthropic cash to rapid responses, several medium-term priorities, and bigger bets. We connected with CEO Anil Soni to learn more.
A Global Relief Organization Keeps the Spigot Open for Community Healthcare Providers Closer to Home
Direct Relief is known for its global work, but it’s also backing safety net health providers in the U.S. through its Fund for Health Equity, channeling donations from MacKenzie Scott and several pharma philanthropies.
How Grassroots International Is Funding in Gaza and Haiti Amid Devastating Violence
Grassroots International backs global movements for justice, with two of its longest-running programs in Palestine and Haiti. Organization leaders discuss the situations on the ground in both places and how funders can respond.
Post-Disaster Legal Aid Funding Fills a Growing Need — And Could Help Shore Up Democracy
Increasing demand for legal aid in the wake of disasters casts light on a system that’s failing large numbers of Americans. Funders looking to restore trust in government institutions and democracy may want to take note.
With $500 Million Committed So Far, Howard Buffett Stays the Course in Ukraine
When we last spoke with the mega-donor, his foundation had moved nearly $150 million to the Ukraine recovery effort. He’s now committed more than a half-billion, demonstrating a unique level of commitment and flexibility.
Cities Don’t Get Much Support for Migrant and Refugee Aid. This Global Fund Aims to Change That
Most migrants and refugees end up in cities, which seldom have the resources to support them. The Global Cities Fund is helping municipalities respond with the aim of opening up larger funding avenues.
Five Things to Know About Unbound Philanthropy’s Funding for Immigrants and Refugees
Dedicated to building welcoming societies and just systems for people on the move, Unbound Philanthropy funds in both the U.S. and the U.K. These days, it’s seeking to shine a light on solutions around climate-driven migration.
This Year at the UNGA, Philanthropies Unite Behind Democracy and Locally Led Development
Reflecting sector-wide trends, philanthropies threw their weight behind two collaborative global development efforts, seeking to bolster citizen engagement and shift power to those close to the ground.
K-Giving: How South Korea Went from Aid Recipient to Philanthropic Force
South Korea has experienced a remarkable surge in wealth, and with it, a surge in giving. Reporting from Seoul, Wendy Paris unpacks the country’s growing philanthropy, driven by tech wealth, pop stars and a history of generosity.
With a Big Grant in Uganda, the Hilton Foundation’s Commitment to Refugees Is Growing
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has grown significantly in the past few years, including an expanding program dedicated to helping global refugees. Here’s a closer look at a key grant in Africa.
Can Philanthropy Curb the Growing Threat of Wildfire? West Coast Funders Are Giving It a Shot
For a century, communities in the Western U.S. have worked hard to prevent and extinguish wildfires. But residents may have to learn to get along with a certain amount of fire. A few funders are navigating this tricky territory.
A Top Science Funder Wants to Keep Ukraine’s Scientists at the Blackboard
The war in Ukraine offers scope for funders to draw on their strengths to assist the embattled nation. For the Simons Foundation, that means helping Ukraine’s physicists, biologists and other scientists continue their work.
MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?
Another update from America’s most exciting mega-donor shows an ever-evolving set of focus areas, which now include charter schools and lots of global giving. One question we still have: How does it all fit together?
How Funders Can Better Support Puerto Rico After Hurricanes
Puerto Rico is reeling from Hurricane Fiona, and too often ignored by U.S. foundations until there’s a disaster. Guest authors from the Puerto Rico Women’s Foundation and the Women’s Funding Network offer a better way.
Responding to Displacement from Ukraine: Reflections on Funding in an Emergency
In this guest piece, Milica Petrovic of the European Programme for Integration and Migration discusses what philanthropy should keep in mind about emergency funding, drawing on lessons learned since Russia’s invasion.
A Fund’s Unique Mission Helps Refugees and Immigrants Chart a Better Path to the Future
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports efforts in the U.S. and Canada to give immigrants and refugees a leg up — and a decent paycheck.
Charities Aiding Immigrants and Refugees Fare Better When They Raise Money from Private Sources
Ongoing crises and political developments have challenged nonprofits serving immigrants and refugees, but sometimes also pose fundraising opportunities. Unsurprisingly, well-established operations tend to have a leg up.
This U.N.-Created Fund Is Moving $1 Billion and Counting for Education During Times of Crisis
Education Cannot Wait is a U.N.-created fund with a mission to support children’s learning during times of crisis. Director Yasmin Sharif details how the organization works, and its plans for future philanthropic fundraising.
The Refugees Needed Toilets “More Than One Can Imagine.” A Donor Stepped Up
To mark World Refugee Day, we look at how a nimble philanthropist swung into action to meet the sanitation needs of a group of severely disabled refugees who heroically escaped from war-torn Ukraine and found shelter in Poland.
With Millions Displaced, Who’s Helping Ukraine’s Refugees?
An initial wave of support for Ukraine focused largely on humanitarian aid. With the war entering its third month, organizations are channeling funds to help more than 5 million who have fled the country.
Success Is Bittersweet as Global Humanitarian Relief Charities Rake in Record Fundraising
A raft of national and global crises have led to surges in giving to humanitarian relief organizations. We spoke to fundraisers at four charities about how they’re navigating an evolving landscape.
MacKenzie Scott’s Green Giving Expands, Sending Millions to the Front Lines of Climate Change
MacKenzie Scott’s latest round of grants gave unprecedented, unrestricted resources to regranters working with marginalized communities confronting climate change globally. “It’s seismic,” said one grantee.
Round Four: Here’s What You Need to Know About MacKenzie Scott’s Latest List of Gifts
At long last, our two-time winner for Philanthropist of the Year has dropped another Medium post—this time with the names of grantees included. Here are some key takeaways.
Funding for Ukraine: An Incomplete Response
The crisis in Ukraine has prompted hundreds of millions in philanthropic commitments. In this guest post, Rachel Thomas of the Human Rights Funders Network calls for a more explicit focus on funding for human rights.
Ukraine Donations Go Further and Faster with Women’s Funds
Women and girls in Ukraine will face the brunt of the war’s consequences. In this guest post, leaders from two women’s funding networks encourage donors to provide powerful support through women’s funds.
Philanthropy Responds: A Round-up of Efforts to Support Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine has sparked a humanitarian crisis at a scale the region hasn’t seen since World War II. Here are some of the ways philanthropic funders have stepped up for refugees and people staying in country.
Rihanna Is Now a Major Climate Justice Donor. Here’s How Her Philanthropy Is Evolving
The pop star’s Clara Lionel Foundation got started mainly funding disaster relief, then moved into climate resilience. Her latest round of grants puts the focus squarely on root causes of the climate emergency. Get the details.
Under New Leadership, the International Community Foundation Aims to Fund “Ecosystems of Change”
The International Community Foundation channels support to communities in Latin America to help them grow into “ecosystems of change.” We hear about its goals from Marisa Aurora Quiroz, its new president and CEO.
