Guides, Holidays, World Refugee Day
Organizations Making a Difference: Who to Support on World Refugee Day
Every year on June 20, the world observes World Refugee Day to honor the strength and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes. While awareness is vital, action matters just as much—and one of the most effective ways to support displaced people is by donating time, money, or advocacy to organizations working on the front lines.
This guide highlights trusted organizations—both global and grassroots—that are making a tangible difference in the lives of refugees around the world. Whether you want to support humanitarian aid, education, legal services, or resettlement, there’s a cause here for you.
🌍 1. UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
What they do:
The UN Refugee Agency leads global efforts to protect and assist refugees, stateless persons, and displaced populations. Active in over 130 countries, they provide shelter, legal protection, and emergency relief.
Why support:
UNHCR is the leading voice in refugee protection and policy, coordinating with governments, NGOs, and civil society.
🌐 Website: unhcr.org
📌 Best for: General donations, emergency relief, refugee education and shelter.
🇺🇸 2. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
What they do:
Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC provides crisis response, resettlement, and long-term support for refugees and displaced families in 40+ countries.
Programs include:
- Health and sanitation
- Education for refugee children
- Economic empowerment
- Resettlement in the U.S. and Europe
🌐 Website: rescue.org
📌 Best for: Donors interested in both global and local impact.
💼 3. HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)
What they do:
Founded in 1881 to help Jewish refugees, HIAS now supports displaced people of all faiths and backgrounds with legal aid, resettlement, and human rights advocacy.
Notable focus:
Legal protection, trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ refugee support.
🌐 Website: hias.org
📌 Best for: Advocates of refugee rights and asylum access.
🧒 4. Save the Children
What they do:
This global nonprofit helps children affected by war, displacement, and poverty. Their refugee support focuses on education, nutrition, and protection from trafficking or abuse.
Active in: Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, and more.
🌐 Website: savethechildren.org
📌 Best for: Supporters of child-centered refugee relief.
📚 5. Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)
What they do:
Rooted in the Jesuit Catholic tradition, JRS offers education, psychosocial support, and pastoral care to refugees in 50+ countries.
Key impact:
- Schooling in refugee camps
- Peacebuilding programs
- Trauma recovery for war-affected communities
🌐 Website: jrs.net
📌 Best for: Supporters of faith-based, education-driven outreach.
🧡 6. Refugees International
What they do:
This U.S.-based advocacy group conducts independent investigations and policy research to promote solutions to displacement crises.
No government or UN funding—100% donor-supported for unbiased advocacy.
🌐 Website: refugeesinternational.org
📌 Best for: Those passionate about systems change and refugee rights.
🌐 7. Mercy Corps
What they do:
Working in over 40 countries, Mercy Corps helps communities survive conflict and climate-related displacement through food security, clean water, and economic development.
🌐 Website: mercycorps.org
📌 Best for: Emergency response donors and sustainability advocates.
🏡 8. Choose Love (formerly Help Refugees)
What they do:
This UK-based nonprofit funds grassroots refugee initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa—providing rapid, flexible aid for shelter, healthcare, and dignity kits.
Notable for:
Vibrant fundraising campaigns, refugee-led solutions, and transparency.
🌐 Website: choose.love
📌 Best for: Activist donors and first-time supporters.
💬 9. Asylum Access
What they do:
Focused on refugee legal empowerment, this NGO helps displaced individuals understand and claim their rights in host countries.
Programs in: Latin America, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.
🌐 Website: asylumaccess.org
📌 Best for: Advocates of legal justice and refugee-led reform.
🛠️ 10. Local Resettlement Agencies and Grassroots Groups
Your city or region may have a local organization working directly with refugee families. Look for:
- Church or mosque outreach programs
- Cultural community centers
- Refugee-led mutual aid groups
- ESL and job training centers
📌 Best for: Volunteering, mentorship, and direct community impact.
Search sites like:
🎯 How to Choose the Right Organization
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to support global relief or local action?
- Do I value emergency response, education, legal aid, or advocacy?
- Do I prefer to give financially, or through time and skills?
All contributions—big or small—create ripples of hope and change.
💬 Final Thoughts
On World Refugee Day, we honor courage. By supporting organizations committed to justice, inclusion, and safety, we turn compassion into action.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” — Oscar Wilde
