Supporting Ukraine

How and where to donate to help the people of Ukraine.

We all want to help and whilst a quick reaction to the situation is both understandable and appropriate, it pays to pause for a few minutes and work out the best way of doing this.

Give Safely

Charity Commission has issued some safer giving advice urging members of the public to give safely to registered charities with UK charities being 'pivotal to a collective response to this crisis'.  By giving to a regulated charity, you will know that your funds are being accounted for in accordance with charity law and that you are giving to charities that have experience of responding to disasters.  The Charity Commission advice provides some simple steps that it recommends you take, before making a donation.

• check the charity's name and registration number to make sure it is genuine
• be careful about responding to emails and requests and clicking on links
• look up the charity online to understand how they are spending funds
• look for a fundraising badge (the letters FR within a purple circle) which shows commitment to fundraising according to the Code of Fundraising practice

Make your support count

NCVO has also published some information about how charities and civil society can support Ukraine. They suggest the following three actions:

• Give money in the UK: UNICEF UK, British Red Cross, Save the Children and Embassy of Ukraine in the UK all have appeals.  
• Support Grassroots action:  There is a list of organisations to support at the Ukrainian Institute London.
• Campaign: you can keep up the pressure by signing petitions or support the Kyiv Declaration through Social Media.

Act quickly

All that said, it is important to act quickly in the rapidly changing situation, whilst funds and aid can still reach Ukraine. Locally, you can find information about any collections, activities and support taking place near you at:

• Bedford Borough: You will get an up to date view on the current situation as regards local collections at the Bedford Supports Ukraine Facebook page.  Bedford Borough Council also mention the Polish House who are collecting donations via Prices Candles, Hudson Road, Bedford MK41 0LZ.  
• Central Bedfordshire: See information from Central Bedfordshire Council which suggests donating to Unicef and The British Red Cross.  They also give some information about managing your feelings and what to do if you need to talk to someone.
• Luton: Luton Borough Council has compiled a list of organisations and appeals that residents might consider supporting. They are also urging people to look after their own mental health. 
• PBIC: useful local information at their webpage Crisis in Ukraine about how to support, and how to get emotional support if you are affected by what is happening in Ukraine.

Keep it simple

If you are able to donate money and are a bit confused about all the options, one great way of giving is through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal which is raising funds for food, water, medicine, protection and trauma care for people fleeing the war. If you do not want to donate online, you can do so at a local post office.  Think carefully before donating goods rather than money since transporting of items creates logistical issues and what is donated today may not be what is needed tomorrow. Donating money or emergency aid items is more practical.

Homes for Ukraine

The Governent is asking individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety. This will include those with no family ties to the UK.

Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukranian or a named Ukranian family to stay with them in their home or property.  Sponsors will be expected to provide accommodation for a minimum of 6 months.

Read more at Homes for Ukraine government webpage

Additional information from:

• Bedford Borough Information and support for residents who have applied to become hosts and for Ukrainians.
• Central Bedfordshire Information and support for residents who have applied to become hosts.

Charities and Trustees responding to Ukraine crisis

The Charity Commission has issued guidance for charities and trustees responding to the crisis in Ukraine. This deals with:

• fundraising and appeals
• setting up new charities to support people of Ukraine
• changing charitable objects to support the crisis
• dealing with large increase in funding
• safeguarding
• organising/participating in aid convoys
• complying with financial sanctions
• working with new partners

There are further suggestions on how UK charities can offer support from Charity Digital.