Support Ukraine through local and national organizations

The Russian invasion on Ukraine has led to millions on people fleeing the country, while others struggle to stay safe in Ukraine. Many Americans are looking for ways to support Ukraine as they fight for their freedom and their lives.

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We’ve gathered resources for charity and organizations that are providing aid and donations to Ukraine so that you can help in any way that you choose, whether that is through donations or awareness.

If you are aware of other agencies or local businesses who you feel should be highlighted, please leave a comment or email news@columbusonthecheap.com.

As always, when making financial contributions – please verify the organization independently. We have provided links and QR codes, but you can also research and go through to an organization directly in order to ensure you have reached the correct donation site.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends researching a charity before donating, including looking into their rating on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and your state’s charity registry.

Local organizations supporting Ukraine

Support local supporting Ukraine. These local companies are generously donating profits or finding other ways to provide support. 

Watershed Distillery

For the months of March and April, all profits from the sale of Watershed Vodka will be donated directly to World Central Kitchen to aid in feeding Ukrainians. 

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization providing boots-on-the-ground support for Ukrainians in need; serving hot meals for families fleeing home, and supporting local restaurants.

Us Together Columbus

This local organization helps refugees and immigrants in Central Ohio through education, advocacy, support services, information, referrals, and networking opportunities. Volunteers are always needed. There are also branches in Cleveland and Toledo.

Many immigrants and refugees still have family living in the countries from which they left. Helping immigrants and refugees become self-sufficient opens up space and funding to help others, and gives them the opportunity to improve the quality of life for their families locally and abroad.

Grace Evangelical Church

Grace Evangelical Church (GEC) is a Slavic church in Columbus, Ohio with many members who have family, friends and loved ones in Ukraine. They have are partnered with a logistics organization, local churches and organizations to send aid and monetary assistance to local churches, orphanages, refugee shelters and charity organizations. 

There are multiple ways to support their efforts, including monetary donations, humanitarian supplies, and prayer. Check the website to see how to donate, and where and when items can be dropped off in person.

Resources to support Ukraine

Ukraine at War

This document lists multiple ways to help; including donations, petitions, rallies/protests, raising awareness, and more.

Red Cross

The American Red cross and International Red Cross are working to provide aid to Ukraine. Read more about how the American Red Cross is helping, and how you can contribute.

Doctors Without Borders

Provides medical care across the world and is providing COVID treatment and prevention support, mental health care and more in Ukraine. You can see what they’re doing and donate to support their work at doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/ukraine.

Save the Children

Provides humanitarian aid to kids all over the world, particularly those trying to flee conflict areas in extreme weather. They are primarily focused on children in Ukraine and Afghanistan right now, and a donation of just $50 can feed three children for a month. See more information here.

Sunflower of Peace

The U.S.-based medical nonprofit Sunflower of Peace focuses on creating tactical backpacks of supplies for doctors and other health-care professionals on the front lines of Ukraine. A Facebook fundraiser for the group states that each kit contains bandages, anti-hemorrhagic medicine, and medical instruments for five to 10 people.

Air BNB

You may have read that thousands of people have been booking vacation rentals in Ukraine without plans to check in, to get money directly to the residents to help. If you want to book a stay, it’s recommended that you only book through renters who have been active for years (to ensure that it’s a legitimate listing) and choose individuals rather than large companies. Airbnb is waiving fees on all bookings in Ukraine so the hosts maximize income.

Air BnB has also stepped up to help secure safe, temporary housing for refugees in neighboring countries. Read about what they are doing, and how you can help.

GoFundMe

The crowdsourcing platform has is verifying donors and organizers are in compliance and that the funds are going where promised. See their list of verified fundraisers for Ukraine.

Other specific organizations

This chart provides QR codes to direct donations to organizations that are helping in Ukraine. The QR codes will take you to the websites where you can read about the organizations and determine if you would like to contribute.