April 12, 2024 (WASHINGTON, DC) — The Russian Ministry of Justice has placed GlobalGiving on its “undesirable” organization list. This designation places GlobalGiving among at least 130 other nonprofit entities—including key humanitarian and human rights groups—now facing a ban on their operations within Russia. In response to the designation, GlobalGiving has released the following statement:
“GlobalGiving remains unwavering in our commitment to serve communities in need around the world, and we stand resolute in our mission to champion community-led change around the globe in the face of violence, oppression, and injustice.
Our work to advance freedom, equality, and human rights will continue, which includes the proud provision of humanitarian aid to war-displaced Ukrainians and other communities under threat. While this designation unfortunately means GlobalGiving is unable to operate in Russia at this time, we will continue to support communities under threat globally in accordance with our mission and the limits of the law.
GlobalGiving remains a trusted destination for donors. We are currently reviewing the full implications of the designation to identify necessary safeguards for affected members of our community.
At this time, we urge members of the GlobalGiving community to avoid travel to Russia in accordance with the US State Department advisory.
As we navigate this designation, we thank those who stand with us in pursuit of a better world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”
The Russian undesirable organizations law (Federal Law of 23.05.2015 N 129-FZ) was enacted by President Vladimir Putin in May 2015. At that time, the first proposed list of undesirable NGOs included the think tank Carnegie Moscow Center, as well as the Moscow offices of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
This legislation allows Russian prosecutors to extrajudicially declare foreign and international organizations as "undesirable," mandating their immediate closure within Russia and subjecting Russia-based nonprofit staff to heavy fines and prison sentences if they fail to cease all activities.
Russian citizens who maintain connections with such organizations also face stringent penalties in Russia, including fines and up to six years in prison. Donors who continue to give to organizations with this designation may also risk fines and detention if they visit Russia.
GlobalGiving is a top-rated nonprofit that makes it easy and safe to give to local projects around the world, while providing fellow nonprofits with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. Since 2002, the GlobalGiving community has raised more than $920 million from 1.8+ million donors for 36,000 projects in 175+ countries. To learn more, visit www.globalgiving.org.
Kristin Wright
Senior Public Relations Manager
GlobalGiving
media@globalgiving.org
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