Frequently Asked Questions about Donations

Frequently Asked Questions about Donations

Welcome to our FAQ page, where we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions. 


At UNRWA, we’re committed to transparency and making it easy for you to support Palestine Refugees. Browse the sections below for guidance on donations, receipts, Zakat eligibility, and more.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us anytime at [email protected], we’re always happy to assist.

 

General Questions

⬇ How and where is my donation used?

Your donations directly support Palestine Refugees across our five fields of operation: Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. This includes emergency responses, as well as vital programs like education, healthcare, and food and cash assistance.

⬇ How can I make a donation to UNRWA?

You can donate online via our secure platform, click here to donate

You can also donate through by bank transfer or by sending a cheque. Scroll below for more info.

⬇ How can I make a donation via bank transfer?

You can donate via bank transfer to one of our bank accounts based on your preferred currency. For detailed bank account information, please visit our bank transfer details page. After making your transfer, you can request a receipt by emailing us at [email protected] with your bank transfer details. Receipts are typically issued within 10 business days.

⬇ Where can I mail my cheque donation?

You can mail you cheque donation to:


UNRWA Representative Office
2 United Nations Plaza
Room 0205
New York, NY, 10017
United States


Please include your name, email address, and a note indicating that the cheque is a donation. This helps us process your contribution promptly. To receive a receipt, contact us at u[email protected] and provide the details of your cheque donation.

⬇ What are your administrative costs?

Our administrative costs are a standard 11%, ensuring we deliver aid effectively while maintaining accountability and transparency. However, Zakat contributions are exempt from any administrative or support fees - 100% of your Zakat goes directly to eligible Palestine Refugees in need.

⬇ What are the optional transaction fees on your website?

When donating through our website, you may choose to contribute a small optional fee. This helps cover platform maintenance and payment processing costs, ensuring that more of your donation directly supports assistance to Palestine Refugees. Adding this fee is entirely optional, but it greatly helps us maximize the impact of your contribution.

⬇ Is my donation zakat-eligible?

Yes, UNRWA’s Zakat programme is Sharia-compliant, and has been endorsed by leading Islamic institutions, including Al-Azhar, the OIC’s International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Moreover, the programme follows a 100% Zakat distribution policy, whereby 100% of your Zakat contribution goes directly to Palestine Refugees in need.

To dedicate your Zakat to Palestine Refugees in need, click here.

⬇ How can I receive a tax receipt for my donation?

If you made an online donation through our website, you will receive your receipt to your email address within a few hours. You can also download a duplicate receipt by logging into your donor portal.

If you donated via bank transfer, please email us at [email protected], providing the details of your transfer, and we will send you a receipt. It typically takes up to 10 business days to confirm receipt of a bank transfer.

⬇ Are donations tax-deductible in my country?

Donations are tax-deductible in a number of countries:
•    For donors in Canada, contributions to UNRWA are tax-deductible. For more information, click here.
•    For donors in the U.S., contributions to UNRWA USA are tax-deductible.
•    For donors in Spain, contributions to UNRWA Spain are tax-deductible.

For other countries, please consult your tax advisor or contact us at [email protected]

⬇ How can I become a monthly donor?

Sign up for monthly giving through our monthly donation page. By becoming a monthly donor, you can provide continuous support to refugees in need. Monthly giving ensures we can respond to emergencies immediately and provide sustained support to families in urgent need throughout the year.

⬇ How can I modify or cancel my monthly donation?

Log in to your donor account at https://donate.unrwa.org/int/en/donor to adjust your donation amount, update payment details, or cancel your monthly donation.

⬇ Where do my monthly donations go?

Monthly donations are used to support Palestine Refugees wherever the need is greatest, including in Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

⬇ What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, SEPA, and bank transfers.

⬇ Can I make a donation in my own currency?

Yes, we support multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AED, and more. Select your preferred currency from the drop-down list during checkout.

⬇ What should I do if I’m experiencing problems making a donation?

Please try a different browser or device, or a different payment method.

If you continue to face issues, we recommend you make a donation via bank transfer.

⬇ How can I request a refund for my donation?

Donations to UNRWA are typically non-refundable. However, if you believe a donation was made by mistake or processed twice, please reach out to us at [email protected] with your details. We’ll review your request and assist as appropriate.

⬇ How can I unsubscribe from emails or stop receiving mail?

To unsubscribe from emails, click on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the email or contact us at [email protected].

⬇ Can I make an in-kind donation, like clothing or food?

We accept in-kind donations valued at $100,000 or more. Donors must arrange delivery to designated locations. Please fill out our partnerships form and we will respond to you promptly.

⬇ How can my company partner with UNRWA?

We welcome partnerships with corporations to support Palestine Refugees.  Fill out our partnerships form and we will respond to you promptly.

⬇ How does UNRWA protect my personal information?

Your privacy is important to us. We use secure platforms to process your donations and adhere to strict data protection policies to keep your information safe. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

⬇ How does UNRWA ensure my donation is used effectively?

We maintain transparency and accountability by allocating funds to programs and areas with the greatest need. Annual reports detailing our expenditures are available on our website.

⬇ Can I include UNRWA in my will?

Yes, you can include UNRWA in your will. Please inform us at [email protected] so we can assist you with the necessary details.