On Feb. 6, 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake – plus a subsequent quake and series of aftershocks – struck the countries of Turkey and Syria, a region already severely impacted by multiple economic and humanitarian crises.
To date, more than 43,000 people have lost their lives in the wake of this growing disaster, and millions more residents and refugees have been left homeless and unable to meet the most basic of human needs. These impacts will be felt for a very long time to come.
Philanthropy can help. ECCF has put together the following list of vetted organizations supporting the people of Turkey and Syria. If you are moved to make a donation, please visit each organization’s website for more details. Thank you for your consideration.
ECCF will make periodic updates to this list, so check back for additional organizations seeking support for those impacted by this disaster.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund supports earthquake-affected families and communities as they work to rebuild and recover. (EIN: 45-5257937)
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. (EIN: 13-1685039)
Doctors without Borders/Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF): 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. (EIN: 13-3433452)
Save The Children (Emergency Fund): Save The Children is working with partners on the ground to coordinate the national emergency response in Turkey and has established a response team to provide support to children and communities. (EIN: 06-0726487)
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. (EIN: 16-1717058)
Turkish Red Crescent: The Turkish Red Crescent is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. They have already mobilized kitchens, tents and blankets to the affected areas. Support their efforts now through the International Committee of the Red Cross. (EIN: 98-6001029)
Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM): UOSSM is a coalition of humanitarian, non-governmental and medical organizations 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.
(EIN: 47-3403988).
Bridge to Turkiye: The Bridge to Turkiye was established in 2003 by Turkish American volunteers driven to make a difference, to improve life and to cultivate social change for the common good. BTF’s commitment to these ideals stems from the basic desire to give back to their native land for the many opportunities they have gained. While BTF is a US-based organization, they are taking the lead on many boots on the ground efforts to provide support and relief aid. (EIN 58-2678580)
