Okay, here we go. This may be more than you were asking for, Laura, but what the hey!
The IF gave an enormous amount to Russia throughout Nicholas' reign. This might take the form of outright money contributions (ultimately millions of rubles over the whole period). Or it might take the form of sponsoring some charity or institution or event, at a minimum by granting the use of the Imperial person's name and its resultant prestige. And of course Imperial contribution to Russia might take the form of hands- on work or in -person efforts. All seven of NAOTMAA did some of all of the above at some time.
Previous posters have given some examples. Some others: Yes, Olga did lead a wartime committee based in St. Petersburg.I think something to do with soldiers' families back home. Not sure.
The story is told of a youngish Olga being moved by the sight of a mother with a young crippled child. Olga intervened to pay for full treatment of the child at a clinic with her own funds.
Alexandra established many training institutes and hospitals even before the war. She took a personal interest in them and expected (though not always succeeding) that they would be well run.
One noteworthy example was in the Crimean resort town of Eupatoria. This was a major spa and therapy center where Alexandra for years had established a state of the art sanatorium complex with all the best in current treatment techniques: electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, x-ray machines, mudbaths(!) and massage. At the start of the war, hospital facilities for 125 officers and 45 lower ranks were created. Alexandra was very interested in this and received a report on the state of things when Nicholas made a personal inspection in May, 1916.
Another major charitable event were the charity bazaars near the waterfront at Yalta. There locals and Alexandra and the children manned tables and booths at which were sold items made or otherwise acquired by the contributors. There A and the children competed to see who could raise the most money for charity. Though it was a fun event for the IF it was a big revenue-raiser for the beneficiaries. This btw was called "White Flower Day" and many of you may recall the film and photos of OTMAA parading and posing in their finest while carrying shepherd- style staffs with curved flower tops. (Olga looks a little sheepish and Alexei is typically showing off. )
