Turkey and Syria Earthquake: A TBF Giving Guide
The devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria has killed more than 19,000 people and flattened thousands of buildings in a region already plagued with humanitarian crises. The magnitude 7.8 quake reverberated across the southeastern region of Turkey along the border of Syria before dawn on Monday, during a harsh winter storm, hindering rescue efforts and overwhelming hospitals.
International relief organizations estimate that 23 million people are in need of relief after the quake and its aftershocks. The affected cities in Turkey are home to millions of residents and Syrian refugees, and the region of Syria impacted by the quakes has over a million internally displaced Syrians who rely on humanitarian assistance.
While world governments are sending aid, here are a few ways donors can provide philanthropic support to residents of Turkey and Syria.
For DAF holders at the Boston Foundation: you may submit a grant to any of these organizations through the Donor Portal. Please include in the grant purpose “to support earthquake relief efforts in Turkey/Syria.”
Syrian Arab Red Crescent: Support their efforts now through the International Committee of the Red Cross (EIN: 98-6001029).
Doctors without Borders/Medicins Sans Frontieres: MSF is an international, independent organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by disasters such as the Syria-Turkey earthquake. On the ground, they are treating patients in their supported hospitals, and their teams have donated emergency medical kits to other facilities in the region. Find out more and donate now (EIN: 13-3433452).
Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS): SAMS is a global medical relief organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief to save lives. They are providing urgent medical care to the injured at Bab Al Hawa hospital among others. Donate now (EIN: 16-1717058).
CARE International: Social justice organization CARE International is assessing the most urgent needs to help in the emergency response. CARE Türkiye works closely with Turkish authorities and other organizations to support refugees with food, safe drinking water, and hygiene items. Donate now (EIN: 13-1685039).
Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations: UOSSM is a coalition of humanitarian, non-governmental, and medical organizations with working under a unified strategic framework to increase the effectiveness of the humanitarian response in areas of crisis “We know building infrastructures in Syria have already been compromised from years of bombing campaigns. We need urgent aid immediately so we can help save lives of those injured in this massive earthquake,” said Dr. Khaula Sawah, President of UOSSM USA. Donate now (EIN: 47-3403988).
Save The Children (Emergency Fund): Save The Children is working with partners on the ground to coordinate the national emergency response in Turkey and established a response team in to provide support to children and communities. Donate now (EIN: 06-0726487).
International Rescue Committee: The IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. They are launching an integrated response to support affected communities in northwestern Syria and Turkey as humanitarian needs soar in both countries. This will include providing thousands of households with cash and essential items, such as household kits, dignity kits for women and girls and hygiene supplies including towels and blankets. They are also launching two mobile health teams which will provide treatment and care to survivors. Donate now (EIN:13-5660870)
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: CDP’s Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund supports earthquake-affected families and communities as they work to rebuild and recover. Donate now.
The American Red Cross, Massachusetts Region can accept funds for the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement in Turkey and Syria. Donate Now.
The list will be updated on the Boston Foundation’s website as more information is available. Please share any additional resources with donorservices@tbf.org.
Photo shared from the International Committee of the Red Cross.