The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has led to a humanitarian crisis across the region, with a staggering civilian death toll that continues to rise.

This guidance focuses on how philanthropy can help alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Below are current, urgent needs and a shortlist of nonprofits/NGOs already operating in the region. We conclude with tips for effective crisis grantmaking.

Needs

  • Basic needs like food, water, shelter, and fuel: More than 1 million civilians have been displaced, and supplies are difficult to transport during war. Organizations already operating on the ground are best positioned to react quickly.
  • Medical needs: Mass casualties and the continuing conflict are creating complex health emergencies throughout the region. Those injured and with pre-existing health conditions need urgent medical supplies and care.
  • Psychological needs: Psychological trauma is widespread, and mental health needs will be both acute and long-term among civilians and first-responders. Children, in particular, may require psychosocial and educational support.

Tips for effective crisis giving

Look beyond immediate needs: We are in the first phase of crisis response when the focus is on immediate relief in the form of medical care, food and water, and temporary shelter. Over time, the next phases of crisis recovery will include rebuilding infrastructure, risk mitigation, and preparedness. Philanthropic support during those later phases can have sustained impact.

Donate funds, not goods: In every disaster, people launch well-intentioned collections of food, clothing and other supplies that go to waste or worse, complicate relief efforts by taking up critical space and logistics support. In contrast, financial contributions allow organizations to shift purchases and programming as needs evolve.

Release restrictions on the use of funds: Unrestricted gifts provide the most flexibility at a time of great uncertainty.  If you’ve already been donating to organizations in the region, consider giving unrestricted, emergency support at this time.

Beware of misinformation: Crises are often chaotic, and it takes times to understand the situation on the ground. Before acting or sharing information, take the time to verify content and sources to avoid adding to the confusion.

Read the full article about how you can help the Israel/Gaza humanitarian crisis at The Center for High Impact Philanthropy.