Supporting relief efforts in Lebanon

Following the catastrophic blast that hit Beirut on August 4, we thought long and hard about the best way we could help. And we weren’t alone as keywords like “Donation” or “How to help” which trended in the days following the explosion showed that the world too was looking for ways to help.  

As we join the millions of people around the world who are trying to support Beirut and its people in the aftermath of the explosion, Google will be donating a total of $2.2 million to Lebanese NGOs that are providing essential services on the ground. The funds were raised as part of an employee donation matching program.

The donation will go to local NGOs and charitable organizations working to serve affected and displaced individuals and families. We will also continue to drive donations, support local businesses, and give access to critical information that people there need at this very difficult time across our products including on Search, Maps and YouTube.  Google.org will also be funding Youth Business International (YBI), a global entrepreneur support network, to provide recovery support for local Lebanese businesses and entrepreneurs. YBI’s Rapid Response and Recovery programme will offer crisis helplines, targeted advice, training and webinars to support the most affected businesses and business owners. The programme will include mentorship by Google employees who will help business owners upskill and adapt to challenges ahead of them. 

Our thoughts go out to every person in and outside of Lebanon impacted.