OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, one year into the unprovoked invasion by Russia.
Through the Office of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive (CFD), Washington state employees and retirees have donated more than $146,200 to over 15 charitable organizations that support Ukrainian relief. Of these donations, more than $12,200 were specifically dedicated to Ukraine.
“I am continually inspired by the generosity of Washingtonians who are supporting Ukraine in its darkest hour,” said Secretary Hobbs. “Together we are committed to ensuring Ukrainians have access to food, clothing, medicine, shelter, and other necessities they rely on every day. I am grateful for all the Washingtonians who are stepping up to help however they can.”
Secretary Hobbs urges donors to research charitable organizations before they donate and offers the following tips for researching a charity, nonprofit, or relief organization:
- Check the charity’s registration status. Charities operating in Washington state may need to register and submit reports to the Office of the Secretary of State’s Charities Division. To determine whether a charity is properly registered and in good standing, search for the charity on the Corporations & Charities Filing System at ccfs.sos.wa.gov.
- Check the charity’s experience and if Ukraine crisis relief matches its purpose. Charities that are formed or that shift their direction to respond to a crisis may lack the experience, contacts, or staff to address the issue. Look for charities that have a track record in the region and a good reputation. Consult watchdog organizations like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator that evaluate thousands of charities across the country.
- Be cautious of online fundraising. Review the Charities Division’s Guide for Online Giving before donating online through charity websites or online giving portals.
- Do not share personal financial information over the phone. Do not share your credit/debit card or bank account information over the phone, and don’t feel pressured to do so. Send donations directly to the charity. A legitimate charity will not pressure you to make a donation immediately.
For more tips and resources, visit the Charities Division’s GIVESMART! webpage.
Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.
In addition, the CFD offers a list of several reputable and reliable charities — including Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF USA, and American Red Cross International Services — to which Washingtonians can donate.
To donate to Ukrainian relief efforts, contribute online through the CFD at https://give.wa.gov/events/?2023-ukrainian-aid.
The CFD is the charitable-giving program for state and higher-education employees and retirees.