Middle East Crisis Fund - Center for Disaster Philanthropy

CDP’s Middle East Crisis Fund directs support to meet the urgent, immediate and long-term needs of people most vulnerable to instability and conflict in the region.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is deepening already severe humanitarian crises, displacing millions and overwhelming the system designed to address pressing needs and protect the most vulnerable.

People across the region face compounding hardships, such as ongoing violence, economic strain and large-scale displacement, while humanitarian organizations grapple with challenges to deliver life-saving services, including food, health care and protection. Among those most at-risk are women, children and displaced populations.

Through CDP’s Middle East Crisis Fund, donors can support emergency assistance and long-term resiliency-building initiatives where they are most critical.

(Photo of a dove perched on a railing with Lebanese flag in the distance by Christelle Hayek on Unsplash)

Immediate needs

The region was already hosting more than 16 million displaced people – internally and across borders – before the most recent escalation of violence. New and ongoing waves of displacement have compounded the strain on communities and aid systems.

People lack access to shelter, clean water, sanitation, fuel, food, medicines, hygiene supplies and other non-food items. Survivors of violence and displacement also face acute mental health needs and require psychosocial support.

Medium and Long-term recovery

Medium and long-term recovery planning is essential. CDP’s disaster experts will work in partnership with affected communities to identify and support recovery programs over the months and years ahead.

As conditions evolve, CDP will adapt its focus to address the most urgent and underfunded challenges identified by our local partners.

CDP’s grantmaking in the region

Community- and expert-informed
CDP team consults with local stakeholders to identify unmet recovery needs and funding gaps across affected communities and geographies in the Middle East region.
Prioritizes investments in local organizations
CDP grants to locally led entities as much as possible. When granting to trusted international partners, preference is given to those with deep roots in targeted communities and a demonstrated commitment to empowering local and national stakeholders.
Guided by our commitment to equity
CDP prioritizes directing resources toward populations and individuals who have been marginalized by systemic inequities and are least able to recover without targeted support.