Here are 4 Organizations you can Donate to for Lebanon
“Support Lebanon”/mumsinbeirut.com
By: Laila Shadid/Arab America Contributing Writer
In the wake of the Beirut blast on August 4, many of us are wondering how we can help from so far away, where we can donate, and which organizations are most credible. The ammonium nitrate explosion killed at least 171 people, wounding thousands, and left many more homeless. An overwhelming amount of work and resources are necessary to rebuild the city. Instead of including an extensive list, we chose to highlight four legitimate organizations dedicated to aiding Lebanon. Please consider contributing to their campaigns.
1. René Moawad Foundation
The René Moawad Foundation (RMF) promotes “sustainable social, economic, and rural development in Lebanon while upholding democratic values, peace and social justice.” Part of this NGO is based in the United States, providing security to American contributors who are worried about sending money abroad. The money RMF raises from donors in the US aid projects started by its Lebanese partner organization. The website highlights four projects in education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development. If you are interested in making a donation, please click here.
2. American Task Force on Lebanon
The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) began providing direct support to the Lebanese people 24 hours after the explosion. The organization works to “mobilize the Lebanese-American community and friends of Lebanon to support a number of projects,” as stated on the website’s page titled “Beirut Crisis Response.” ATFL airlifts medical supplies, coordinates aid with the US government, and is in the process of assembling “over 100 US-based non-profits and NGOs that provide humanitarian assistance to Lebanon to request targeted US support for the Lebanese people in the form of Food for Peace.” The latter is part of a longer “Humanitarian Letter” to the White House which calls on the US to provide assistance and aid to Lebanon’s struggling population. You can donate here.
3. Bassma
Bassma is a Lebanese-based NGO with the mission to eradicate poverty and empower the country through its families, which means access to food, water, clothing, education, employment, healthcare, housing, safe environments, and adequate living conditions. This all-in-one organization is working to aid victims of the Beirut blast, and was mentioned as one of seven organizations to donate to in Vogue. You can learn how to donate to Bassma on its page “Ways to Give.”
4. Impact Lebanon
While this is a GoFundMe, the sheer amount of money Impact Lebanon has raised is a testament to their credibility. Within the first day of fundraising, this organization amassed over one million euros, and now boasts over 6.1 million euros in donations with a target of 7.5 million to mobilize resources and aid for the Lebanese people.
“Our commitment to transparency and accountability is our core value,” the GoFundMe description states. “To ensure that remains satisfied while we move with the urgency required by the situation, we have put together a thorough selection process for the organizations which will be receiving our funds.”
The GoFundMe was also featured on the Lebanon Crisis Card as one of the main organizations to donate to. If you would like to support their cause, click here.
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