What is UNRWA USA?
UNRWA USA is an independent 501c3 nonprofit that supports the work of UNRWA through fundraising, education, and advocacy in the United States.
UNRWA USA aims to educate the American public about the plight of Palestine refugees and generate financial support for specific UNRWA programs.
Why should I make my donation to UNRWA USA instead of giving directly to UNRWA?
Our status as a 501c3 nonprofit registered with the IRS allows US taxpayers to make tax-deductible donations to the fullest extent allowed by law.
More than this, UNRWA USA was created to educate the American public about the work of UNRWA (the UN Agency) to benefit Palestine refugees and fundraise for specific UNRWA projects where we can have an impact. We like to think of ourselves as goodwill ambassadors for UNRWA. We carry out our work here in the States through events like the Gaza 5K, a charity walk/run that raises funds to provide mental health counseling to children in the Gaza Strip suffering from PTSD and other psychological trauma.
The United States government is UNRWA’s number one donor, but as Palestine refugees fade from the spotlight, it is critical that Americans donate. Doing so shows the US government that Americans care about Palestine refugees — and that it needs to continue supporting them. Because if we don’t, who will?
How can I make a monthly donation?
Our monthly donation program is called the Solidarity Sustainers and you can join it by setting up an automatic payment through our website at: unrwausa.org/monthly.
How can I update my monthly donation?
To change your monthly donation options (amount and frequency), email [email protected].
To update your credit card information, please call UNRWA USA at 202-223-3767.
Please do not send your credit card number via email.
What portion of UNRWA USA’s budget is spent helping Palestine refugees?
UNRWA USA receives Platinum, the highest rating for transparency, accountability, and administration from Guidestar. Our 990 tax forms are available online for viewing and downloading on our finances page.
What is UNRWA USA’s overhead rate?
Or overhead is projected to be 10% or less for 2023
What is UNRWA USA’s tax ID number?
Our Federal Tax Identification Number is 20-2714426. The IRS letter confirming our 501c3 status is available for downloading here in PDF format.
What is UNRWA?
Our nonprofit, UNRWA USA, is not the same as UNRWA. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV), on December 8, 1949, to provide direct relief to persons displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. UNRWA began field operations on May 1, 1950.
What does UNRWA do?
UNRWA provides direct humanitarian assistance, human development, and protection for more than 5 million Palestine refugees registered with the Agency and living in one of its five fields of operation.
Where does UNRWA work?
The West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan
Does UNRWA engage in political negotiations?
No. UNRWA is a non-political humanitarian agency and its mandate defines its role as one of providing services to the refugees. However, UNRWA highlights the international community’s obligation to provide a just and durable solution for Palestine refugees.
Where does UNRWA get its funding?
The majority of UNRWA’s annual budget comes from voluntary contributions from donor states, such as the United States, the European Commission, the United Kingdom, and Nordic States, individual donors, and NGOs. Reductions in donor states’ contributions due to the slow economic recovery, and the ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria, have left UNRWA with significant budget shortfalls, making contributions from private donors, such as individuals and foundations, all the more crucial.
What is the largest portion of UNRWA’s budget?
More than half of UNRWA’s regular budget is devoted to education. UNRWA believes that education is essential to Palestinians’ future and to stability in the region. UNRWA’s education programs aim to encourage a tolerant and empowered Palestinian population who can serve as partners in peace.
Can I donate non-cash goods for emergency relief?
Oftentimes we are asked if it’s possible to donate goods, in lieu of funds, to support emergency relief efforts. While we are grateful for these inquiries, UNRWA USA does not accept non-cash contributions from individuals.
Monetary donations are the most efficient way to provide assistance to Palestine refugees. Donated goods are subjected to searches, taxes, shipping fees, and require complex logistical coordination.
UNRWA makes a concerted effort to locally sourced items whenever possible in order to help stimulate the regional economy. UNRWA also buys goods in bulk to save funds – so that your donation can go further in providing emergency assistance.
Goods could take days, or even months, to reach the field. Making a tax-deductible contribution today will make a difference in the lives of Palestine refugees tomorrow.
Note: for larger in-kind contribution inquiries or those from institutions, please forward to the UNRWA USA Director of Philanthropy and/or Director of Strategic Programs.
How can I work with UNRWA in the field?
