Questions about donations

We would like to thank you for your valuable support to UNRWA. Your contribution will help us assist and protect Palestine refugees. You can read our privacy policy here or scroll down for common questions about donating to UNRWA. 

Donations through bank accounts 

Can I donate through a bank account?

Yes. You can donate through the following bank accounts: 

*Should you wish to receive a receipt or confirmation of your donation via bank transfers, checks or cash deposits to one of the UNRWA accounts listed above,  please write to us at [email protected] ,  providing the following information: your name, donation amount , date of transfer /deposit and the bank you made the transfer to.

Targeted donations (to a programme or one of the Agency’s Fields of Operation)

Can I donate to a specific programme/country?

Donations to UNRWA can best be spent when UNRWA is given the freedom to prioritise spending and allocate funds to programmes and countries that need it most. Experience has shown that restrictions on donations (such as tying them to a region, a programme, a project, a category of person, etc) limit our ability to operate flexibly and that this harms the people we are trying to help. It also involves additional administration. 

UNRWA does however provide several options for donations at present, giving donors the flexibility to contribute to our core programmes or emergency response operations.

Credit card and online donation FAQs

How can I make a donation in a currency not shown on the form?

For online donations, which are made by credit card, we can only accept Euro (EUR), pounds sterling (GBP), US dollars (USD) and Brazilian Real (BRL). Limiting the number of currencies for credit card donations helps us reduce administration costs. 

What credit cards can I use, and for which currencies?

We can take donations via MasterCard, Visa debit and Visa credit. MasterCard and Visa payments are possible in euro (EUR), pounds sterling (GBP), US dollars (USD) and Brazilian Real (BRL). Donations can also be made through PayPal. 

Can I make a donation without giving any personal details?

UNRWA takes great care to protect the personal data of its donors. Any personal data we record is kept confidential. We will not pass it on to anyone for commercial purposes. It is also important that you supply a valid email address in order for us to acknowledge your donation. Read our privacy policy.

How can I be certain that my online payment is safe?

UNRWA takes great care to keep the details you provide for credit card payments confidential. We use Stripe, which ensures an optimum level of security. To prevent fraud, your data is encrypted and then transmitted automatically and directly to the credit card issuer, who processes the payment. 

How can I be certain that the system has accepted my payment?

If you have given a valid email address, you will receive an email acknowledging your donation about 15 minutes later. If you do not receive a confirmation email, you can contact us at [email protected] to request acknowledgement of your donation.

Tax deductibility of donations

Is my donation to UNRWA tax-deductible?

Donations made directly to UNRWA may not be tax deductible in your country of residence. Laws regarding contributions to United Nations agencies vary from country to country. Please contact your local tax advisor for guidelines on whether your gift is tax deductible. 

You can request an official donation receipt by sending us an email at [email protected]. Be sure to give us your full name as it appeared on your donation, your address, the date you made the donation and the amount. It is advisable however that you first contact your local tax advisor for guidelines on whether your gift is eligible and what information should be reflected on the receipt.

Getting a receipt

When can I expect my receipt?

For a donation made through online: Once your donations goes through successfully you will receive 2 emails , one from world pay and the other from us confirming your donation.

For a donation made by bank transfer , check , or cash deposit: in order to issue you a confirmation /receipt you need to write to us at [email protected] with as much information about your donation as possible.

I donated several months ago. Why haven't I received a receipt? 

Please write to us at [email protected] with as much information about your donation as possible. It is possible we had an incorrect email address for you. Be sure to give us your full name as it appeared on your donation, your address, the date you made the donation and the amount. Please include a phone number or email address so we can get in touch with you if we need to.

Using your donation

What percentage of my donation will go directly to those who need it?

We are fully committed to ensuring that your contribution goes directly to supporting those who need it most. We work very hard to keep our administrative costs as low as possible. We are currently spending 11 per cent on administration. 

How can I find out more about the cost of UNRWA’s work and how it is financed?

Please visit the how you can help page for more information about the cost of UNRWA’s work, how it is financed and who our biggest donors are.

How do I know that my money will not end up in the wrong hands?

UNRWA has a tested system of checks and balances to ensure proper use of funds, including regular internal audits. Spending reports are also published for donors and the public and can be found in the resources section of our website.

UNRWA has its own Department of Internal Oversight, charged with providing independent, professional and objective internal audit, inspection, investigation and consulting services. 

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General is advised by the Advisory Committee on Internal Oversight which includes external members. The Agency is also audited by the independent UN Board of Auditors, which publishes its reports to the General Assembly. The Agency is bound by the principles of best practice of oversight that apply to the United Nations system as a whole.

Contacting the fundraising team

Who can I contact if I have questions about making a donation?

If you wish to learn more details before making your donation, please contact us at [email protected]