The people of Gaza have endured decades of violence and insecurity since the Arab-Israeli War in 1948. The situation worsened on October 7, 2023, when the Islamic militant group Hamas attacked Israel, sparking a war that resulted in devastating conditions for Gaza. Shockingly, 1 in 25 people have been injured or killed, with the looming threat of mass famine and the rapid spread of disease in overcrowded shelters adding to the humanitarian crisis. Fortunately, organizations are mobilizing to assist civilians in Gaza and are already planning strategies to rebuild what has been lost. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities impacting Gaza?

The best charities impacting Gaza are Anera and United Palestinian Appeal. Charities like the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Save the Children focus on providing relief to the most innocent victims of war; children. 

Whether you want to help protect the mental health of those living through the crisis in Gaza, ensure access to clean drinking water and sanitation, or deliver medical aid to those in desperate need, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities impacting Gaza are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to donate.

Here’s What All the Best Charities Impacting Gaza Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate internationally, utilizing the global community to rally for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Many of these charities fight to make sure that civilians have access to basic needs like food, water, and sanitation, while others focus on helping refugees rebuild their lives.

Some provide emergency medical aid to victims of war, while others ensure that those with chronic illnesses are still able to access the care they need.

Yet, they all share a common goal; to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

These Are the 9 Best Charities Impacting Gaza in 2024

Below are our favorite charities impacting Gaza (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities Impacting Gaza

Anera

United Palestinian Appeal

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

Save the Children

Life for Relief and Development

Islamic Relief USA

Doctors Without Borders

UNICEF

Direct Relief

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

Anera: Emergency Relief. Sustainable Solutions 

Anera was founded in 1968 by Jim Sams to help refugees displaced by the Arab-Israeli War of 1967. Today, they remain committed to responding to the critical needs of Palestinians, including those in Gaza, and other victims of regional conflict.

Anera holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Where hope finds a way.”

Anera

Anera, which has no political or religious affiliation, works with partners to provide emergency relief as well as long-term solutions to humanitarian crises throughout the Middle East, including Gaza. Before the current conflict, they delivered sustainable development and humanitarian aid like educational and livelihood opportunities and infrastructure to Gaza. Now, with 85% of Gaza’s residents displaced, their humanitarian efforts are concentrated on meeting the urgent needs of these refugees. For example, they are distributing meals and hygiene kits to families living in shelters. Furthermore, they provide free medical treatment and psychosocial activities for children.

Since their inception, Anera has helped millions of vulnerable people in the Middle East to live with purpose and hope. For example, in 2022 alone, they delivered more than $100 million in sustainable development and relief programs to help communities confront ongoing challenges. In response to the current conflict, they have distributed over 15 million meals, and 29,968 hygiene kits, and provided 2,852,664 medical treatments to Gazan refugees.

You can donate directly to Anera through their website, or choose to donate directly to their Palestine Emergency Fund. You can also support the charity by attending an event or organizing a fundraiser.

United Palestinian Appeal: Hope for Gaza

The United Palestinian Appeal was founded in New York in 1978 by Palestinian-American Professionals to meet Palestine’s relief and development needs. Today, the non-political, non-sectarian organization remains dedicated to improving life in Palestine, including Gaza.

The United Palestinian Appeal holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Hope for Gaza in its darkest hour.”

United Palestinian Appeal

The United Palestinian Appeal helps improve the lives and communities of Palestinians through socially responsible and sustainable programs in health, education, and development. In times of crisis, however, the organization’s efforts focus on humanitarian aid. For example, they deliver in-kind donations of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to Palestinian clinics and hospitals in Gaza experiencing significant shortages. Furthermore, their Emergency Relief Fund ensures the rapid local procurement of necessary survival items, like first aid kits, water, food, clothing, and hygiene kits.

Since their establishment, the United Palestinian Appeal has enhanced the lives of millions of Palestinians in Gaza and beyond. For example, since the onset of the current humanitarian crisis, they have provided hospital support for over 17,700 patients, distributed 16,800 hygiene and dignity kits, and supplied more than 40,000 parcels of dry and fresh food. And, they have provided psychosocial services to over 36,000 children to help them remain mentally resilient. 

You can donate directly to the United Palestinian Appeal through their website, or choose to donate directly to their Emergency Relief Fund. You can also support the charity by joining the Iqraa Running Club or volunteering.

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: Urgent Care for Gaza’s Children

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund was founded in 1991 in the US by a group of concerned humanitarians to help the children of Palestine. Today, they are Palestine’s primary humanitarian organization, delivering life-saving medical relief and aid to children in need.

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Devoted to making a lasting difference in the lives of the children of Palestine.”

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund offers free medical care to injured and ill children in Palestine, including Gaza, who lack local access to care within the existing healthcare system. For example, their Medical Missions program brings teams of volunteer doctors and nurses from around the world to refugee camps in the Middle East to treat Palestinian children. As another example, their Gaza Pediatric Mental Health Initiative helps children and families better manage the stress, anxiety, and challenges of direct exposure to violence and conflict. Furthermore, they operate two pediatric cancer departments– one in the West Bank and the other in Gaza City- to provide free cancer treatment to Palestinian children.

Since their inception, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund has prioritized the well-being of Palestinian children, and their recent response to the conflict reflects that commitment. For example, in December 2023, they delivered 30 tons of critical medical supplies to the remaining hospitals in Gaza and distributed enough food to feed almost 200,000 refugees. In addition to meeting the survival needs of traumatized children in Gaza, they also sought to provide comfort and joy by distributing toys to over 6,000 refugee children. 

You can donate directly to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund through their website. You can also support the charity by joining the PCRF Volunteer Network or starting a fundraiser.

Save the Children: Providing Resources to Save Lives

Save the Children was founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb to end the suffering of children impacted by World War I in Europe. They were the first global organization dedicated to serving children’s needs, especially those struggling to survive humanitarian crises, such as the Hamas-Israeli conflict.

Save the Children holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“All children deserve a healthy start in life.”

Save the Children

Save the Children is dedicated to ensuring children and families in Palestine have access to basic survival necessities, and helping them return to normal once violence has subsided. For example, as some organizations struggled to overcome barriers to delivering life-saving supplies across borders in the early days of the crisis, Save the Children successfully delivered 45,000 water bottles to children and families in need. And, as aid is more easily rendered, they will continue to help children return to normal by rebuilding schools, distributing more essential supplies, and providing mental health and psychosocial support. 

Since their founding, Save the Children has changed the lives of over 1 billion children. For example, they have provided aid for every major humanitarian crisis since World War I, helping 118 million children in 116 countries become healthier, safer, and better educated. Moreover, they have been providing essential services and support to Palestinian children impacted by ongoing conflict since 1953 and established a permanent presence in the region in 1973.

You can donate to Save the Children via their website. You can also support the charity by participating in a fundraiser, volunteering, or sponsoring a child.

Life for Relief and Development: Creating Hope from Despair

Life for Relief and Development was founded in 1992 in California by a group of Arab and Muslim Americans in response to the post-Gulf War humanitarian crisis in Iraq. Today, they are one of the largest US-founded Muslim-American humanitarian relief organizations.

Life for Relief and Development holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Where there is life, there is hope.”

Life for Relief and Development

Life for Relief and Development provides emergency aid to people experiencing humanitarian crises, like those in Gaza, regardless of race, religion, or cultural background. Their Emergency Relief Program provides life-saving supplies to victims of emergencies like the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. For example, they are distributing necessities like hot meals, hygiene packages, and warm blankets, to civilians in Gaza. The charity also helps communities rebuild through programs such as Refugee Assistance, Community Development, and Healthcare.

Since their founding, Life for Relief and Development has distributed over $550 million in humanitarian services, impacting more than 20 million people in 55 countries around the world. They have been providing aid to the people of Gaza since 1997, including installing over 500 1,000-liter water tanks to increase the availability of clean water. In 2023, they distributed over 13,000 hot meals, 1,700 warm blankets, and more than 3,010 hygiene packages to families struggling through the conflict.

You can donate directly to Life for Relief and Development through their website. You can also support the charity’s mission by volunteering or fundraising.

Islamic Relief USA: Dedicated Humanitarians, Positive Impact

Islamic Relief USA was founded in 1993 as an independent and legally separate member of a collaborative group of relief organizations known as Islamic Relief Worldwide. Today, it stands as one of the largest Islamic nonprofits and remains dedicated to supporting and empowering vulnerable people. 

Islamic Relief USA holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Working together for a better world.”

Islamic Relief USA

Islamic Relief USA supports vulnerable people around the world, including those in Gaza, by providing emergency relief and long-term development programs that will help Palestine rebuild in times of peace. For example, they are working to relieve acute starvation and malnutrition by delivering food parcels to displaced citizens of Gaza. As another example, they ensure that those in need receive emergency and life-sustaining medical care by supplying vital medical supplies to hospitals, operating mobile clinics, and providing immediate trauma response. And, they improve the lives of orphaned children by providing medical care, educational opportunities, and access to proper nutrition, water, and sanitation.

Since their founding, Islamic Relief USA has impacted the lives of millions of vulnerable people around the world. For example, in 2022 alone, they impacted over 6.5 million people globally, almost 1.5 million of them in the Middle East and North Africa. Since the onset of the current conflict in Gaza, their mobile clinics have provided care for 23,400 refugees living in shelters and immediate trauma responses to about 4,500 people.

To donate, you can head to their donor portal and choose where you want your money to go, like their Palestine Aid fund or their Orphancare Program. You can also get involved through advocacy, sharing the organization’s posts on social media, or volunteering.

Doctors Without Borders: Real Doctors in Real Conflict Zones

Doctors Without Borders was founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of conflict and famine in Nigeria. Today, the organization remains committed to providing emergency medical aid quickly, effectively, and impartially.

Doctors Without Borders holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Medical care where it is needed most.”

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid to people who need it most, including civilians in armed conflict zones like Gaza. For example, as of December 28, 2023, the organization has been operational in six hospitals and one primary healthcare facility in Gaza, delivering vital medical services like wound care, physiotherapy, and mental health care to individuals affected by the war and the escalating humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, they donate life-saving supplies and medical equipment as quickly as possible.

Since their founding, Doctors Without Borders has helped tens of millions of people in over 70 countries access high-quality health care regardless of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. They have been active in Palestine since 1989, providing emergency medical and psychological services, and increasing their support as needed during times of crisis. For example, in October and November 2023 alone, they delivered over 50 tons of medical supplies into Gaza. Moreover, in 1999, they were awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for the non-discriminatory nature of their work.

You can donate directly to Doctors Without Borders through their website. You can also support the charity by attending an event or by organizing a fundraiser.

UNICEF: For Every Child in Danger

UNICEF was founded in 1946 by the U.N. Relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children in the aftermath of World War II. Today, they are one of the most widespread social welfare organizations in the world.

UNICEF holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“For every child in danger.”

UNICEF

UNICEF works to end suffering for all children in need, including those in Gaza, by delivering immediate life-saving humanitarian aid to conflict-affected and displaced children and families. For example, they are continuously delivering medical supplies, fuel, and water, as well as cash support to families in need. Furthermore, UNICEF ensures that children and families will have continued support post-conflict by strengthening the links between humanitarian action and development work. For example, upgrading water and sanitation systems to meet the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable households.

UNICEF has been supporting vulnerable Palestinian children since the early 1980s in both times of peace and times of war. Since the onset of the current bout of conflict, they have provided psychosocial services to more than 55,000 people in the Gaza Strip, transferred humanitarian cash assistance to 594,000 people, and provided fuel to power one wastewater treatment plant in Rafah. Furthermore, they have moved 386 truckloads of supplies into the Gaza Strip, including critical medical supplies, water purification tablets, and blankets.

You can donate to UNICEF through their website, or choose to donate directly to efforts in Palestine. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or by volunteering.

Direct Relief: Medical Relief in Times of Crisis

Direct Relief was founded in 1948 by William Zimdin in the aftermath of World War II. Today, they provide targeted medical aid following major emergencies, including the ongoing Hamas-Israeli conflict.

Charity Navigator gives Direct Relief a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Healthy People. Better World.”

Direct Relief

Direct Relief provides relief to the people of Gaza facing humanitarian crises by equipping doctors and nurses with lifesaving medical resources. In response to the current conflict, they are working with global agencies, like the World Health Organization and the International Organization for Migration to bring as much medical aid into conflict zones as possible. Furthermore, they are financially supporting their longstanding regional partners operating on the ground in conflict zones. For example, in addition to providing a $100,000 emergency grant to Anera, an international nonprofit that provides humanitarian assistance in Gaza, they also partnered with the organization to deliver $3.6 million worth of medical supplies.

Since their founding, Direct Relief has provided billions of dollars worth of medical support to people in crisis. For example, in 2022 alone, they distributed over $2 billion in total aid across 97 countries around the world. In addition to providing medical kits containing essential medicines and other supplies, they have pledged $200,000 grants each to humanitarian organizations throughout Israel, like United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom. 

You can donate to Direct Relief via their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or participating in a Direct Relief Gaming fundraiser.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities impacting Gaza. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the websites of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to impacting Gaza—based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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