Ukraine crisis: How UK charities can offer support

We’ve all watched in horror as the war against Ukraine has unfolded over recent weeks. We’ve witnessed harrowing scenes of bombarded cities and people desperately trying to leave the country, seeking refuge elsewhere. The situation is devastating. The need to help is urgent.  

Thankfully, people around the world have leapt into action. Many have donated to both international charities and grassroots organisations working on the ground, or have signed petitions calling on their governments to impose sanctions on Russia or to offer safe passage for refugees.   

Others have chosen to support individuals, rather than organisations, through purchasing digital badges from Ukrainian sellers on Etsy, or booking and paying for a stay on AirBnB in a Ukrainian city – with no intention of actually going. But what can UK charities do to help? 

There are a number of ways that charities can get involved and support the people of Ukraine. 

Take action

There are many ways to take action, from emailing your MP or signing a petition. The Ukrainian Institute of London is urging people to email their MP, to ask them to push for sanctions against Russia and to offer safe passage to refugees. They have included a template, making it quick and easy to write to your MP. 

Freedom from Torture has a Change.org petition, which, at the time of writing, is close to 200,000 signatures. The UK Government is currently pushing its Nationality & Borders Bill through Parliament, which if passed into law, will make it harder for refugees and asylum seekers to find safety in the UK. The charity is calling for the government to help refugees from Ukraine right now.  

There is also a petition to Parliament, calling for the Government to waive visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees, which at the time of writing currently has over 176,000 signatures. As it has reached over 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in Parliament on 14 March.  

Collate all the ways that staff can take action and send an internal email or post an article on your intranet. 

Support other UK charities 

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), and its 15 member charities, have launched an emergency appeal for Ukraine. The UK Government committed to matching funding up to £20 million and £55 million was raised in just one day – including the matched government funding.  

Within four days, the total amount raised had surpassed £100 million. But with an estimated seven million people being displaced, more is needed. 

UK charities can support the DEC appeal by hosting a fundraiser. As more of us are returning to the office, one of the ways to raise money to support the crisis in Ukraine is to host a bake sale.  

One NSPCC staff member has raised £600 from a bake sale to support British-Ukrainian Aid, which supports victims of war. Whilst not everyone is back in the office, having an online fundraiser means that colleagues can still donate if they wish. 

Support grassroots organisations 

As well as the big aid organisations, consider supporting small grassroots organisations in Ukraine. Nino Ugrekhelidze, who works for the Coalition of Feminists for Social Change (COFEM) has put together a Twitter thread of grassroots organisations in Ukraine who support LQTBQI communities, who are at risk of being targeted. 

Do not donate goods 

Whilst it was at first encouraged for people from the UK to donate items such as clothing, blankets, and baby items, it is now discouraged as it is creating logistical issues.  

Speaking to the BBC, DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said, “While wanting to collect clothes and other items for people in need is laudable, the things people give today may not be what people need tomorrow and aid workers say they can’t use much of what is arriving. Donating through the DEC is the most helpful way people can assist.” 

Rather than donate items, consider donating money instead or purchase emergency aid items, such as a family food parcel or a sleeping bag, through RefugEase’s online shop. 

Review your corporate partnerships 

Have a look at your current corporate partnerships and whether those companies have any ties with Russia. Whilst no charity wants to lose out on donations that would help their mission, continuing to receive support from corporates, or high value donors, who have ties with Russia is surely a question of ethics.  

Perhaps it’s time to review your Ethical Fundraising Policy and update it to reflect the current crisis.