Nonprofits in Support of Ukraine
The Ukraine humanitarian crisis refers to the ongoing conflict and suffering in Ukraine, which has led to widespread displacement and need for assistance.
The conflict has caused significant loss of life and displacement, with over 1.4 million people being forced to flee their homes. The crisis has also had a severe impact on the economy, with many people struggling to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
As winter weather deepens in Ukraine, and power outages from Russian attacks impact heat, electricity and other key infrastructure, nonprofits are working to help the millions of Ukrainians who continue to be affected by the conflict.
Whether those displaced within the country, those who have fled to neighboring countries like Poland, or those trying to stay in their homes, there continues to be a need for life-critical aid and protection services.
Humanitarian nonprofits continue to work tirelessly to support affected populations all across Ukraine and in neighboring countries, and donations are still needed to help sustain this important humanitarian response.
List of vetted nonprofit organization supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Razom for Ukraine
Razom (meaning "together" in Ukrainian) is a non-profit organization that supports democratic values, human rights, and social justice in Ukraine. It was founded in 2013, in the aftermath of the Maidan Revolution, with the goal of promoting transparency and accountability in government, and supporting civil society in Ukraine.
The organization works on a variety of issues, including promoting reforms to fight corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and defending human rights. It also supports projects that aim to improve the lives of ordinary Ukrainians, such as initiatives to promote clean energy, improve access to education, and support small businesses.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance to people affected by natural disasters, poverty, and emergencies. The organization works to improve the health and lives of people in need by providing medical resources and aid, including medications, medical supplies, and health services.
Direct Relief operates globally, with a focus on supporting underserved and vulnerable communities. The organization partners with a network of healthcare providers and organizations to deliver aid and support to people in need. Direct Relief is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs and operations.
Save the Children
Save the Children is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of children around the world. It was founded in the United Kingdom in 1919, and today it operates in more than 120 countries. The organization focuses on providing education, healthcare, and emergency aid to children in need. It also works to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and violence, and to advocate for their rights.
Save the Children is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and it has been recognized for its transparency and effectiveness in using donations to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a nonprofit organization that brings military veterans and medical professionals together to respond to disasters and emergencies. The organization was founded in 2010 by two military veterans, Jake Wood and William McNulty, who wanted to use the skills and experiences of veterans to help communities in need.
Team Rubicon deploys teams of volunteers to provide disaster relief services such as debris removal, search and rescue, and medical assistance. The organization has responded to a variety of disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, in countries all over the world.
In addition to disaster response, Team Rubicon also provides veterans with opportunities for ongoing training and development, as well as a sense of purpose and community. The organization has grown significantly since its founding and now has over 100,000 volunteers in its ranks.
Nova Ukraine
Nova Ukraine is a nonprofit organization giving humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Their goal is to raise awareness about Ukraine in the United States and to support them during the time of hardship.
The organization envisions aiding Ukraine in its recovery from social and economic crises and to build a stronger country aligned with democratic values.
IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization. It was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein to help refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Today, the IRC provides assistance to people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies. It operates in more than 40 countries around the world, delivering services such as health care, education, economic development, and protection to millions of people every year.
The IRC also works to promote the rights of displaced and vulnerable people and to lobby for more effective policies to address the root causes of conflict and displacement. The organization is headquartered in New York City and is governed by a board of directors.
International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, and is the oldest and most respected organization of its kind.
The ICRC's mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. It does this through a variety of means, including providing medical care and supplies, promoting international humanitarian law, and working to protect and assist prisoners of war, refugees, and other displaced persons. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization, and it operates in countries around the world, often in conflict zones or other areas of crisis.
Revived Soldiers of Ukraine
Revived Soldiers of Ukraine is a nonprofit focused on providing aid to the people of Ukraine in support of their fundamental human rights.
The organization coordinates rehabilitation services for Ukrainian army soldiers. Their work has saved the lives of many soldiers, giving them the resources to return to their family after having suffered injuries from war. Some soldiers return with life-changing injuries, having made the ultimate sacrifice of putting their bodies on the line to defend their country.
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides medical assistance and health care to those affected by war, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The organization was founded in 1984 in response to the Armenian earthquake, and it has since provided medical care and other services in over 50 countries worldwide.
The International Medical Corps has a strong focus on training and building the capacity of local health care workers, and it works in close partnership with local organizations and governments to ensure that its efforts are sustainable and have a lasting impact. The organization's work includes providing primary care and mental health services, conducting public health campaigns and disease outbreaks, and supporting the development of health systems and infrastructure. International Medical Corps is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
World Central Kitchen Incorporated
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a non-profit organization founded by chef José Andrés in 2010. It aims to provide meals to people affected by natural disasters, hunger, and poverty, as well as to promote the use of local and sustainable food systems. WCK has provided millions of meals to people in need in countries around the world, including the United States, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.
The organization works with local communities, partners, and volunteers to help communities recover from disasters and build resilience to future challenges. WCK also runs programs to address food insecurity and promote nutrition education, such as its "Plate of Nations" initiative, which brings together chefs and community leaders to celebrate local food cultures and promote healthy eating habits.
Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?