Last updated July 17, 2023
Community/Giving Back | Global Philanthropy
The Russian government’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine threatens lives, the rule of a democratically elected government, and is an act of terror against humankind.
We have heard from many throughout our Bobcat family asking how they can help. We have assembled the below resources with the help of Quinnipiac’s Central European Institute and in consultation with both U.S. and international embassies.
We also will continue to leverage our academic expertise – and our voices – to bring attention to the important global issues and tragic impacts of Russia’s continued attacks. We’re planning additional on-campus teach-in sessions, our faculty experts continue to appear on media outlets, and we’re exploring future service opportunities for our students, faculty and staff.
The humanitarian crisis keeps escalating as Ukrainians seek safety in neighboring countries and elsewhere throughout Europe. According to U.N. figures, more than 3 million refugees have already fled Ukraine, with the majority entering Poland, and the number is growing daily.
With assistance from QU’s Central European Institute and in consultation with various embassies, we have assembled a list of both U.S.-based and overseas relief organizations mobilizing humanitarian aid efforts and caring for refugees.
Kozminski Foundation
Established by Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland. Quinnipiac has an active student exchange program with Kozminski University through the School of Business. The Foundation has launched an “In solidarity with Ukraine” fundraising campaign, which is co-organized by Kozminski University students and funds raised are used to support Ukrainian students, alumni, employees and families affected by the war.
Polish Humanitarian Action
A Polish non-governmental organization operating since 1992, PHA provides humanitarian aid and is focused on protecting the civilian population, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups: women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and the internally displaced persons.
Caritas
The largest charitable organization in Poland, consisting of 44 diocesan Caritas organizations. Recently, Caritas Poland has been particularly focused on supporting people in need throughout the Middle East – in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, as well as in Ukraine, Nepal and South Sudan, and in many countries in Africa and South Asia.
Bridge for Transcarpathia
This is the Hungarian government’s relief program. Information was provided by the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Chris Ball, director of Quinnipiac’s Central European Institute, serves as the Honorary Consul for Hungary to Connecticut and can assist people who have questions about this organization.
Romanian Peace Fund
A collaboration of the embassy of Romania to the U.S. and the Romanian United Fund, the program raises money to help Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in Romania. The Honorary Consulate in Connecticut also is supporting the fund. 100% of donated funds go directly to relief efforts.
United Nations Ukraine Support
The United Nations has 8 different agencies mobilizing relief efforts, from food delivery to health care needs. The U.N. has created a dedicated web page aggregating all of its relief efforts and agencies into one place.
Save The Children
Save the Children staff and volunteers are distributing food, water, and hygiene kits to refugees arriving at the Romania-Ukraine border and in reception centers. In Poland and Romania, Save the Children is providing child protection services, including targeted support for unaccompanied and separated children, psychosocial support, and access to legal services. 85-cents of every dollar goes directly to the mission you donate to.
Americares
Americares has an emergency response team on the way to Poland to support health services for affected families. Americares has expertise in coordinating large-scale shipments of medicine and relief supplies and mobilizing emergency medical teams in crisis situations. Americares has 3 tons of critical medicine and medical supplies on the way to an organization working inside Ukraine, for hospitals and responders there. More than 98% of their resources directly support health programs.
The university has support services available to help members of our Quinnipiac community who have been impacted by this evolving crisis.
Students are encouraged to contact campus Counseling and Support services
Employees may access the Health Advocate employee assistance program
QU teach-in explores Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
(March 1, 2022) Unpacking the motives behind the invasion is complicated, an expert panel of Quinnipiac professors agreed, in a discussion moderated by Christopher Ball, director of the Central European Institute at QU and Istvan Szechenyi Chair in international economics. Read the story.
Campus religious leaders headed to Ukrainian border to support relief efforts
(March 10, 2022) Father Jordan Lenaghan, executive director of university religious life, and Father Jesse Kenney, staff chaplain for Catholic life, are currently on a 10-day humanitarian mission at the border of Ukraine and Poland. They were featured in several media outlets about their trip, including NBC Connecticut, News 8 (ABC) and Channel 3 (CBS).
Economics professor discusses Russian sanctions, inflation
(March 10, 2022) Christopher Ball, director of the Central European Institute at QU and Istvan Szechenyi Chair in international economics, spoke with Channel 3 (CBS) about inflation hitting a 40-year high and how sanctions against Russian may impact the supply chain.
