Frequently Asked Questions
UNRWA USA
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Founded in 2005, UNRWA USA is an independent 501(c)(3) 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.
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As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, UNRWA USA allows U.S. taxpayers to make tax-deductible donations in support of Palestine refugees.
Founded in 2005, we were created to educate Americans about UNRWA’s work and to fundraise for specific UNRWA projects that make a real impact. Think of us as UNRWA’s goodwill ambassadors in the U.S., connecting American generosity to humanitarian programs across the Middle East.
Through events like the Gaza 5K, we raise funds for mental health counseling for children in Gaza and inspire Americans nationwide to show they care.
Every donation through UNRWA USA not only provides vital relief — it also shows that the American people continue to stand with Palestine refugees and urges policymakers to restore U.S. funding for UNRWA’s essential work.
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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
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To change your monthly donation options (amount and frequency), email info@unrwausa.org
To update your credit card information, please call UNRWA USA at 202-223-3767.
Please do not send your credit card number via email.
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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
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UNRWA USA keeps our overhead at 10% or less, ensuring that the vast majority of every donation goes directly to supporting Palestine refugees. Learn more in our annual reports on our [Finance] page.
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Our Federal Tax Identification Number is 20-2714426.
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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.
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There are many ways to get involved with UNRWA USA! You can join our team, intern, or volunteer to help raise awareness and support for Palestine refugees.
Check our [Careers & Opportunities] page or explore upcoming volunteer opportunities to learn how you can contribute your skills and passion.
unrwa
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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.
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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.
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The West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If you’re interested in volunteering with UNRWA in the Middle East, please contact the UNRWA field offices directly.
To volunteer or collaborate with UNRWA USA in the United States, you can learn more [here].
Gaza Crisis FAQs
Amid these horrifying times, UNRWA USA donors are a lifeline for Palestine refugees.
Here are answers to your FAQs about donations and UNRWA's ongoing efforts on the ground.
Updated as of October 31, 2023
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UNRWA’s temporary move to the Rafah Logistics Base reflects the need to relocate in the same direction as the one million refugees in Gaza forced to move southward.
The move was also facilitated for the safety of thousands of UNRWA staff due to the heavy bombardment of airstrikes damaging the UNRWA HQ compound and the immediate vicinity.
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As of October 24, 2023, UNRWA is sheltering 600K internally displaced peoples in 150 UNRWA facilities, incl. schools.
UNRWA health staff have received thousands of visits at 8 of the 22 health centers still operating; 89 mobile medical teams have attended to over 9,000 cases at shelters.
UNRWA social workers have provided 4,700 people with psychosocial support and social work services.
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No, UNRWA never sells its humanitarian assistance materials.
As always, UNRWA serves Palestine refugees for free. Such services include the distribution of bread at the shelters still in operation.
To support displaced families and address bread shortages, UNRWA is also providing bakeries with flour for free. This has allowed bakeries to sell bread at half the cost.