Supporting Communities Affected by the Earthquake in Colombia
On August 10, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, Chocó, causing widespread damage across communities in Chocó, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Caldas, and surrounding areas. The latest reports say about 250 people have been killed, hundreds have been injured, and homes and other buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Rescue and emergency response efforts are ongoing as communities continue to experience aftershocks and disruptions to essential infrastructure.
Communities and philanthropy can help move resources quickly to the communities closest to the crisis. Local and community-based organizations are often best positioned to understand immediate needs, reach people who may be overlooked, and support recovery long after the initial emergency response ends.
Right now funders need to respond with urgency and flexibility. Unrestricted and rapid-response funding gives organizations on the ground the ability to adapt as needs evolve. It is an opportunity to invest in organizations rooted in historically under-resourced communities, including Afro-Colombians, Indigenous people, and others that may face additional barriers to accessing emergency resources.
Where to Donate
The organizations below were identified by HIP based on their local presence, community relationships, and/or active role in the earthquake response. We encourage funders to research and consider investing directly in locally rooted organizations whenever possible, helping resources reach communities closest to the crisis and supporting responders who understand local needs and can adapt as the situation evolves.
Corporación Pueblo Negro Fuerte
An Afro-Colombian organization dedicated to defending human rights, racial equity, and social justice, and to providing direct support to communities in Colombia's Choco department. It is currently leading collection centers and humanitarian aid campaigns for emergencies in the region.
Donate to Fundación Tierra Grata’s GoFundMe or reach out to [email protected]
Global Empowerment Mission, in partnership with Solidaridad de Colombia and Motorrad Angels, has launched an immediate response following the devastating earthquake in Colombia. GEM Latin America, GEM Headquarters and GEM Emergency Response Teams are already on the ground, coordinating with local partners and beginning urgent distributions of vital necessities in the hardest-hit areas.
Donate to https://give.gem.org/campaign/831314/donate
Juntos Se Puede is a Colombian nonprofit founded by Venezuelan citizens to support the integration and socioeconomic inclusion of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Through community-based programs, training, and partnerships, the organization expands access to rights and opportunities while strengthening social cohesion in host communities.
Presente Corporacion (Presentes & Proantioquia: Colombia Se Levanta)
Colombia se Levanta is a disaster resilience initiative led by Presente Corporación focused on supporting communities affected by emergencies, reducing disaster risk, and helping families recover and rebuild. Through solidarity and cross-sector partnerships, the initiative mobilizes resources and support for communities affected by the earthquake.
Donate to https://presentes.co/abastecimiento-de-agua-en-comunidades-damnificadas/donacion/colombiaselevanta/
Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian organization with more than 65 years of experience responding to health crises and strengthening health systems worldwide. Working alongside local health workers, communities, and partners, it provides emergency relief while building sustainable solutions that improve access to quality health care and community resilience.
Donate to https://give.projecthope.org/page/FY26_Colombia_Web
Fundación Color y Esperanza is a Colombian nonprofit working to protect and advance the rights of children and adolescents in Chocó through education, culture, and community-based support. Its programs create opportunities for vulnerable youth, strengthen identity and inclusion, and promote their holistic development.