Multiple foundations based in Europe, including the IKEA Foundation, are announcing multimillion-dollar pledges to support Ukrainians as many flee the Russian invasion of their country, with the fighting appearing likely to spill into another week.
The IKEA Foundation, which is based in the Netherlands, announced Thursday that it would make an “immediate” donation of €20 million ($22 million) to the UN Refugee Agency, or UNHCR.
The United Nations said this week that it will seek $1.7 billion for its agencies and their humanitarian partners to support and provide essential supplies and services for 12 million people in Ukraine, along with an anticipated 4 million Ukrainian refugees. Most of the requested amount — $1.1 billion — is for a “flash appeal” to help 6 million people inside Ukraine for three months.
UNHCR data showed some 1 million Ukrainians had fled to neighboring countries as of Thursday. Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, said he is planning to travel to Romania, Moldova, and Poland to further assess the situation.
“UNHCR has been our long-standing partner and they have a proven track record,” IKEA Foundation CEO Per Heggenes said in a press release. “We therefore call on the world’s governments, businesses, and philanthropies to join us and increase the relief support for UNHCR and the people of Ukraine.”
In the same press release, Grandi said that he was “extremely grateful” for the IKEA Foundation’s donation and that it was “demonstrating extraordinary solidarity with forcibly displaced people.” He added that the foundation was “leading the way” for the private sector with its contribution.
Ingka Group, which operates IKEA stores globally, is providing an additional €10 million, according to the press release. That donation is specifically intended to support the children and families of Ukraine, IKEA Foundation spokesperson Lotika Mehta told Devex. She said Ingka Group is working with Save the Children, among others.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine late last week is affecting the business side of the IKEA brand. Ingka Group said it will be impacted by sanctions declared on Russia. IKEA has stores in Russia and Ukraine.
Other foundations operating in Europe have condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine in recent days, and some also have announced large donations.
Two Denmark-based foundations focused on children and families, the LEGO Foundation and Ole Kirk’s Fond, on Tuesday announced an emergency donation of 110 million Danish krone (over $16 million) to support Ukrainian children and families. The donation will be distributed to partners, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Danish Red Cross, to “address the immediate basic needs and mental support for the millions of civilians affected by the crisis,” according to a press release.
“We are watching with deep concern as the terrible situation there develops, and we are providing support to our own staff and partners there,” the LEGO Foundation wrote.
About the author
Stephanie Beasley@Steph_Beasley
Stephanie Beasley is a Senior Reporter at Devex, where she covers global philanthropy with a focus on regulations and policy. She is an alumna of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and Oberlin College and has a background in Latin American studies. She previously covered transportation security at POLITICO.
