Several grantmakers and philanthropists have announced gifts as violence in the region continues and the need for humanitarian supplies and fuel becomes desperately urgent.

The Australia-based Minderoo Foundation has announced AU$10 million ($6.32 million) in funding for aid in Gaza to UN agencies and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), enabling the delivery of urgent medical supplies and support, emergency water, nutrition, as well as child protection. The Ford Foundation has announced support for immediate humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza and the Middle East and an allocation of resources to affected Palestinian civilians in Gaza via Ford partners in the region. The Verizon Foundation has committed $2 million to organizations supporting relief efforts, including American Friends of Magen David Adom and Save the Children, as well as a match initiative for employee donations of up to $1,000. Through X, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation announced grants totaling $750,000 in support of victims and first responders at Barlzilai Medical Center, Saroka Medical Center, and United Hatzalah in Israel. And Insight Partners, which has offices in Tel Aviv, pledged $1 million for humanitarian efforts, and a match initiative of up to $1 million in gifts “to a pre-approved list of charitable organizations.”

Several prominent philanthropists have made financial contributions to organizations offering humanitarian relief, including Michael Bloomberg, who announced on Instagram a pledge to donate an unspecified amount to Magen David Adom and a plan to match donations made by others. According to Forbes, donations from 25,000 people had reached $25 million, which Bloomberg matched with another $25 million. Yuri Milner announced on X that he and his wife, Julia, will donate $5 million from their Breakthrough Foundation to the Jewish Agency for Israel, as well as $2.5 million to Magen David Adom, and $2.5 million to Tel Aviv Saurasky Medical Center. A spokesperson for Bernard Marcus told Forbes that the billionaire is supporting Magen David Adom, the IDF (the Israel Defense Forces), and Nefesh B'Nefesh. Energy drink entrepreneur Russ Weiner announced a $1 million commitment to Israel Friends. Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai announced a $300,000 donation in support of charities working to help Palestinians.

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) issued a statement on October 22 warning of the dangerous possibility of humanitarian responses being forced to stop in Gaza as fuel runs out. UNRWA called for fuel supplies to be allowed into Gaza to prevent the collapse of aid, hospital, water, and food systems in the Gaza.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/ugurhan)