The UN’s programmes and specialised agencies work to save lives and alleviate suffering.  While the business community can help the UN fulfil its mission and more rapidly and cost-effectively deliver emergency relief, collaboration with business remains a relatively small part of the UN’s overall activities.  The 192 national governments that constitute the United Nations remain the primary supporters of UN activities, although the business community is playing an increasing role and can be a highly valued partner in emergency relief efforts.

 

Before you contact the UN regarding an in-kind contribution, please note that when a large-scale emergency occurs, the UN’s staff works at full capacity to meet the needs of affected populations.  Please avoid inappropriate contributions which can take up precious time and delay the delivery of vital items to the affected populations.

 

 

It is strict UN policy not to accept contributions of any kind from companies involved with anti-personnel landmines.  Other restrictions on accepting donations may apply. For more information, please contact the specific UN Agency you would like to assist.

 

Kindly take a moment to refer to “What to give” in the How Can My Company Help? section for guidance on in-kind donations prior to contacting the UN.  Please note that the UN cannot respond to all offers by com pa nies of in-kind goods or services.  If the goods or services your business offers meet an immediate need, a representative from a UN agency will follow up with you.  If you do not receive a response regarding your offer but still believe it fulfils an important need, consider approaching another UN agency or major humanitarian relief organization.

 

Due to the urgent demands that emergency situations place on all of its agencies, the UN encourages companies interested in supporting the UN with in-kind donations to develop longer-term relationships and agreements enabling the company to be on standby, ready to assist should an emergency occur. 

 

The diagram below describes the process that a UN agency typically undertakes to accept an in-kind donation or develop a longer-term partnership arrangement.  The process can take from 2 weeks to a year, depending on the complexity of the donation or partnership.

 

 

 

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(!) This website is intended only for companies who wish to donate to support UN emergency relief activities. If you wish to sell your products or services to the UN, please visit the website for UN procurement services.

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