COVID-19 RELIEF - INDIA
The COVID crisis in India has intensified to unprecedented levels and only continues to worsen. Coronavirus cases have spiked beyond the capacity of the health system. Hospitals in many parts of the country have run out of bed space, oxygen is in critically low supply, and protective equipment for healthcare workers is dwindling. Despite the fact that India is one of the world's leading manufacturers of vaccines, some of the most recent reports are suggesting <10% of the Indian population has received any vaccination, let alone a complete course. India's underlying socioeconomic disparities have played a prominent role in the explosive nature of the crisis, and the poor are being disproportionately affected. Makeshift crematoriums are being set up across the country, but there's even a lack of wood and other supplies in many places to sustain the pyres.
LINKED BELOW ARE ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER DONATING TO:
AMERICARES
This is a US based organization that specializes in the distribution of PPE, ventilators, and other medical equipment. They have a robust infrastructure with longstanding partnerships with >200 pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations around the world. They're currently operating out of 15 states within India. They report that 98% of donated funds are used directly for their health programs (much higher than most we've seen!). They're also currently offering a 2x match for all donations made to their India Covid Relief campaign.
SEWA
Sewa is a global organization that specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation. With respect to the crisis in India, they are focusing on the delivery of oxygen canisters and other medical equipment. They report that 97% of all donated funds go directly towards their programs.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS
This is a group that works in conflict areas around the world. With respect to the covid crisis in India, they've been providing medical equipment, PPE, isolation facilities, and other essential supplies. A reported 88% of donated funds go directly to their programs. They also quote an ability to generate ~$30 in additional grants for every $1 in private contributions, further magnifying most donations.
CARE
They're a large NGO with 75 years of experience internationally. They have a robust infrastructure and have been supplying hospitals and frontline workers in India with PPE kits, masks, and supplies. They quote >90% of all donated funds are used directly for their programs.
GIVE INDIA
This is an Indian non profit that partners closely with other non-governmental organizations across India and has a few different campaigns for people to choose how the money they're donating will be spent (oxygen supplies, hospital equipment, combatting hunger and food insecurity due to Covid, etc). This particular group has gained a lot of traction though there is not much information about their financial efficiency and overhead costs.
HEMKUNT FOUNDATION
This is an Indian non-profit that aims to provide humanitarian aid to marginalized sections of society. They are based on the Sikh principle ‘Sarbat Da Bhalla’ which means welfare for all. They are working on providing oxygen cylinders to COVID-19 patients.
MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
Making The Difference is working closely with all public hospitals and nursing homes in Mumbai to provide them with life-saving healthcare equipment and supplies, to cope with the significant stress on the hospital system. Their website allows you to view the cost of medical equipment that is desperately needed and donate accordingly.
AKSHAYA PATRA
Since India's first nation-wide lockdown, Akshaya Patra has been providing cooked meals and grocery kits to thousands of people in need. They are currently providing food relief in 19 states in India. This charity is supported by many prominent companies and figures in India. Their website allows you to donate for food relief as well as sanitation supplies for Indian schools.