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ABOUT US

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is UNHCR?

What is USA for UNHCR?

Who does USA for UNHCR help?

Where does UNHCR get its funding?

I’m looking to be resettled or seek protection in the U.S. and have a question about resettlement.

Donor Questions

How is my donation used?

Are my donations tax-deductible?

How can I donate stock, setup a charitable trust or make a planned gift?

How can I raise money in my community or online for USA for UNHCR?

How can I update my contact information or make a change to my monthly payment (including canceling)?

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone? 

Do you accept Apple Pay?

What is UNHCR?

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), or the UN Refugee Agency, was established in 1950 to provide and coordinate international relief for refugees and displaced people. UNHCR offers them protection and assistance at every stage of their ordeal:

What is USA for UNHCR?

USA for UNHCR helps and protects refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution. Supporting UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and its partners, we provide lifesaving essentials including shelter, water, food, safety and protection. Around the world, we help refugees survive, recover and build a better future.

Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Who do we help?

USA for UNHCR, with our generous donors and partners, support UNHCR's mission to help and protect the 100 million people worldwide forced to flee violence and persecution. Learn more on our Refugee Facts page.

Where does UNHCR get its funding?

Only 3% of UNHCR’s budget comes from the UN – the remaining 97% comes from voluntary contributions from governments, corporations, and individual donors. UNHCR relies on donations to ensure it can respond whenever and wherever a crisis strikes.

I am looking to be resettled or seek protection in the United States or have a question about resettlement.

We do not have the expertise or facilities to provide legal advice. For specific information regarding protection within America please contact the UNHCR regional office or call 202-296-5191.

How is my donation used?

USA for UNHCR is committed to using your money as efficiently and effectively as possible to help refugees in need. When USA for UNHCR is fundraising for a specific emergency or crisis, 100% of designated restricted donations will apply to that particular emergency or crisis. Should USA for UNHCR raise funds in excess of what is required to respond to that particular crisis, the remaining funds are redirected to where the need is greatest. 

USA for UNHCR is BBB Accredited Charity and a Guidestar Platinum Participant non-profit organization.

You can find out more about what your donations have achieved on the What We Do page.

We make every effort to ensure that the generous donations given to USA for UNHCR are collected and put to use quickly, providing urgent support where it is needed most. As such, we typically do not honor refund requests but in the most extraordinary of circumstances, and within 60 days of the gift.

If you believe your gift was made in error, or have additional questions, please contact our Donor Services team at 1-855-808-6427.

Are my donations tax-deductible and can I get a tax receipt??

Yes. USA for UNHCR is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charity under section 501 (c) (3) of the tax code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

You will receive a receipt by email if you give online, all other gifts will receive a receipt by mail. If you cannot locate your receipt, please contact our Donor Services team at [email protected] or call 1-855-808-6427, and we would be happy to send you a replacement receipt.

How can I donate stock, setup a charitable trust or make a planned gift?

Please visit our planned giving page for more information on other ways to give.

How can I raise money in my community or online for USA for UNHCR?

We welcome contributions from fundraising events. Check out our community fundraising page to learn how you can engage your community to raise funds for refugees!

Please note that we are unable to accept material donations such as food, clothing and other goods at this time.

How can I update my contact information or make a change to my monthly payment (including canceling)?

Please contact our donor services team at 1-855-808-6427 or emailing [email protected] and we would be happy to update your preferences, cancel your monthly donations or make any changes that you need!

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

Yes. By visiting our online gift catalog, you can make a donation that represents all of the ways UNHCR helps refugees rebuild their lives — from emergency relief, to education and healthcare. Once you complete your gift, you can customize and send an e-card to the person or family you are honoring in this special way.

Do you accept Apple Pay?

Yes. Simply access our donation page from your Apple mobile device and select “Apple Pay” where entering your payment information. 

How You Can Help

Fundraise

Communities across the U.S. are making a difference in the lives of refugees every single day. You can too.

Donate

Help deliver urgent aid. Your support can provide lifesaving care - and hope for a better future.

Advocate

Join thousands of Americans who are standing in support of refugees and displaced people worldwide.

More About Us

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