The DANA flash floods in the Valencia region on October 29th 2024 caused severe damage, leaving many people without homes and basic services.
Seeing the impact on the city and nearby towns is heartbreaking, and the toll has been immense.
Recovery will be a long journey.
In the face of this tragedy, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of volunteers and donations — how essential they are for those affected.
This experience has moved me, together with many other volunteers, to take action and raise awareness. And not only for the immediate relief needed here in Valencia but also as a reminder that events like this can happen to anyone, anywhere.
While many may feel distant from the crisis, there are meaningful ways for everyone to contribute, no matter how far away. Every action counts, from offering support through donations to raising awareness, expressing solidarity, and showing empathy toward those impacted.
Small gestures can have a powerful ripple effect, and every bit of support builds resilience for communities facing crisis.
Helping Through Donations
Video credit: Emilija Markovacheva & Emil Baleski
An effective way to help from a distance is through donations to support those affected.
Tip: Before you donate, take a moment to check if your company offers donation matching! If it does, your contribution could have double the impact—or even more.
Where Can You Donate?
Of course you want to make sure your donations reach the people who really need it, and are used effectively.
Together with several Valencia locals and other expats living in Valencia, we’ve created this list of reliable places to donate.
1. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is where many individuals, families, and businesses affected by DANA have created their own donation campaigns.
Each campaign shares a clear description of what they will use your donation for. This is the perfect platform to get your donation directly to the person or project you want to support.
This link takes you to the page on GoFundMe dedicated to campaigns related to the Valencia flash floods.
As you will see on GoFundMe, there’s quite a range of campaigns you can support! So many that it may even feel overwhelming. Just know that whichever one you choose, you’ll be helping out and the people here are incredibly thankful for the support they are getting.
2. Red Cross Spain
Alongside emergency services, the Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja) is assisting with evacuations, managing shelters for affected residents, and supporting home recovery in impacted areas.
You can donate through this page on their website, and can even pay with Paypal, making international donations easy.
3. Casa Caridad Valencia
Casa Caridad is a pioneering NGO providing care to homeless people and those at risk of social exclusion.
They have been gathering and delivering food, water, cleaning products, etc. The donation info can be found here on their website.
4. Valencia Food Bank (Banco de Alimentos de Valencia)
Valencia’s Food Bank is a non-profit organization that distributes food to social groups in need.
They have been working incredibly hard and have received many food donations from people in and around Valencia. However, they will need much more in the days and weeks to come and have therefore started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to provide basic necessities for those affected by DANA.
Outside of this GoFundMe campaign you can also make donations on their website at any time.
5. Mensajeros de la Paz
Mensajeros de la Paz provides various ways to donate to the Valencia community, including options for financial contributions, material donations, and volunteering.
Their site outlines how donations directly support ongoing social aid projects across areas in need, especially in the aftermath of recent events. For full details on donation types and instructions, please visit their page dedicated to DANA relief.
If you want to make a financial donation you can do so by bank transfer, credit card, or Paypal. They accept Bizum payments as well (Code: 03993).
6. Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras
Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (BUSF) allows supporters to make one-time or recurring donations to aid in their humanitarian efforts.
Contributions go directly to their emergency response and disaster relief initiatives, including support for communities impacted by disasters like the DANA floods.
Supporters can donate specific amounts or set up regular contributions to sustain ongoing projects. For more information or to donate, you can visit their official donation page.
They accept payments by bank transfer and credit card.
7. Banks
Various banks have activated donation platforms for this emergency, sharing details on their websites and social media. A few examples:
- Ibercaja is cooperating with Red Cross Spain, to gather donations that will be used for the most pressing needs of the affected people and families.
- Santander will donate 2 million euros to help customers and non-customers impacted by the floods. Additionally, they will match donations made by their employees. Learn more
8. Caritas Valencia
Caritas is the official body of the Church to promote charitable action in the diocese. They coordinate with the Valencia City Council.
More information can be found on their website, where you can easily donate via bank transfer, credit card, and Bizum (Code: 38026).
9. Aegon
Aegon has put a donation process in place and promised to match all donations up to a total of 350.000 Euros.
The donations go to the Spanish Red Cross, who are providing shelter and essential supplies to thousands of people affected by the flooding.
You can read more about it and donate here.
10. TUI Care Foundation
The TUI Care Foundation launched a fundraising appeal for victims of the Spanish flash floods – and they will double all the donations they receive.
You can read more about it and donate here.
11. Civitatis
Civitatis, an organization offering activities and tours, has launched a solidarity initiative to support those affected by the devastating DANA floods in Spain.
Through this initiative, Civitatis will double every donation made, amplifying our collective impact to help those in urgent need. Your contribution can go twice as far in providing essential relief and support to communities recovering from this disaster, and they have a range of online payment options.
You can donate through this page. It’s a little confusing because of their booking system. Simply select any random date and then choose your preferred donation under ‘Type of Activity’.
12. Euroleague Basketball
Euroleague Basketball has launched a solidarity initiative to support those affected by the DANA floods in the Valencian Community and neighboring provinces.
In partnership with OXFAM, Euroleague Basketball encourages individuals to contribute to relief efforts, providing essential aid and care for the communities impacted by this disaster.
Does Your Company Match Donations?
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Did you know that many companies offer matching gift programs, doubling or even tripling the impact of donations or volunteer hours contributed by their employees?
Here are some reliable sources where you can learn more about matching gift programs and explore companies known for matching employee donations:
If you’re connected with any of these companies, or if someone in your network is, checking their internal policies would be helpful. Each company has specific guidelines, so make sure that your chosen relief organization meets these criteria. If an organization or charity is not on a company’s list, employees can sometimes request approval, particularly in the case of urgent disaster relief.
Want to Donate Supplies or Volunteer in Person?
If you’re in Valencia, or will be visiting Valencia soon, and you’d like to volunteer or donate supplies, there’s a lot you can do!
From going to affected areas to help clean and rebuild, to volunteering or donating at collection points throughout the city.
But, the needs change on an almost daily basis.
I’ve found the Facebook group Valencia Together: Volunteer Support the best place to start. They are constantly sharing updated information about what type of aid is needed. And, they have useful chat groups focusing on specific types of help, from donations to animal aid and many other things.
Start there if you want to help out in or around Valencia!
Share Your Tips
The list of donation options we’ve created is a good selection, but we know there are more places to donate.
If you have additional tips, especially tips for how people can help from outside of Valencia, leave a comment below!
And if you have any questions or feel a bit overwhelmed by all the options, feel free to post any questions you have in the comments.
Thank you for helping!
Other Articles About Valencia to Read:
- What It’s Like to Live in Valencia – Interview With an Expat
- Where to Live in Valencia – 6 Most Popular Neighborhoods
- Visiting Valencia – The Complete Travel Guide
Featured image: 2 pictures from @david.baldovi in Catarroja, Valencia, showing the cleanup after the floods.