| The continuously unfolding conflict in Israel and Gaza as a result of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks and subsequent military responses have caused a humanitarian crisis for communities caught in the line of fire. The United Nations said on Tuesday (10/17) that 4,200 people have been killed and more than one million have been displaced in 10 days in Israel and the Gaza Strip. During this volatile and uncertain time, donors are asking how they can help.
CapShift is advising that donors prioritize grantmaking first to ensure that aid and relief reach the greatest number of civilians in need. In Israel and Gaza alike, nonprofits and community activists have an increased need for medical support for hospitals treating those impacted, aid for refugees and displaced families, financial assistance for victims and their families, as well as psychological supports and mental health resources for impacted children and communities. Nonprofit efforts supporting critical aid efforts on the ground include: |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom (MDA) is raising funds for ambulances and replenishing supplies for EMTs, paramedics, and MDA’s blood services division amidst ongoing rocket attacks and gunfire across Israel. The MDA has also expanded its milk bank to test and process breast milk donations to ensure babies who require it get what they need to survive. Learn more.
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) personnel in the U.S. and Israel have been engaged in protecting the Jewish community from anti-Semitism since the crisis has unfolded. Learn more. Doctors Without Borders teams have been working in three hospitals and several outpatient clinics in Gaza, offering comprehensive care for people suffering from burns and trauma. Learn more. Friends of United Hatzalah is actively treating the wounded in the south of Israel and is in need of additional trauma kits and protective vests. Learn more. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) supports detainees in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention. ICRC is also helping improve access to essential services like water and electricity in Gaza and support livelihood projects throughout the occupied territories. Learn more. Islamic Relief USA is working with local partners to provide emergency relief to families in Gaza including food aid, essential non-food items such as hygiene kits, and vital medical supplies. Learn more. JDC is providing life-saving social services for children and youth at risk, the elderly, and people with disabilities through more than 80 JDC-established programs for vulnerable people in the South of Israel and those displaced by the war, economic relief for Israelis in distress and small business owners in the South, and psychosocial training for frontline responders, including teachers, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. Learn more. JFNA Israel Emergency Fund supports key partners in Israel providing relief on the ground like the Israel Trauma Coalition, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel, World ORT, United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom, ZAKA, Barzilai Medical Center, and the Soroka Medical Center. Learn more. Palestine Children's Relief Fund is delivering medical care, mental health support, and essential supplies to Gaza’s more than 1 million children in need. Learn more. |
| When considering where to give, CapShift recommends considering the nonprofit’s ability to readily accept funds, often through an established US 501c3 chapter or entity and whether the nonprofit already has an existing presence on the ground. CapShift has conducted this search as well as leveraged resources from similar lists compiled by resources including the ADL, CNBC, Fortune, NPR, and Vanguard Charitable.
This immediate relief is necessary to address critical humanitarian needs. Long-term investment and support is also critical to help those who have been displaced find their footing and to help communities rebuild after terror and destruction. Kiva, a pioneer in extending patient capital to refugee communities offers micro-loans to entrepreneurs in Gaza through their partner Palestine for Credit & Development and in Israel through their partner, Koret Israel Economic Development Funds (KIEDF). KIEDF targets some of the most marginalized groups and areas in Israel with its microfinance services, specifically working with Bedouins, Haredi women, and Israeli-Ethiopians. Additionally, Social Finance Israel is working on developing zero-interest loans with Israel’s Ministry of Economy and the Prime Minister’s office to provide economic support marginalized populations and businesses in the South. CapShift encourages interested donors to explore grant-making options to provide immediate humanitarian aid as this crisis unfolds — as well as continuing to support communities in both Israel and Gaza as they adapt and rebuild in the months ahead. |
