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Advice for Disaster Relief Donors
In January of this year the newsletter focused on disaster relief guidance in the wake of the Tsunami. With the disaster on the Gulf Coast on our minds today, we thought it might be helpful to publish again the advice we gave then, with a few additional suggestions.
The outpouring of generosity on the part of Americans to aid in the relief effort for South Asia's tsunami victims illustrates how difficult it can be to make a charitable choice among a crowded field of organizations. This is especially true when the need is urgent and time for reflection is inadequate. Here are some tips for donors along with a very short list of some of the organizations we recommend as recipients of your charitable dollars:
- Donate money rather than goods. It's best if you give money and let the relief agencies make the determination as to how it is spent. Food and clothing sent by well-meaning Americans might not meet the most critical needs and large shipments of unneeded goods can actually hamper the relief effort.
- Go with a "brand name." Now is not the time to support smaller organizations, no matter how good they might be. You want your dollars to go to a charity that already has substantial infrastructure that enables it to get large amounts of aid quickly to affected people. Especially avoid organizations that spring up at the time of a disaster. You're much better off giving to an organization that has a track record of success.
- Understand the difference between disaster relief and long-term sustainable solutions. Some organizations, such as the Red Cross and AmeriCares, are primarily focused on immediate, short-term disaster relief whereas other groups, such as Oxfam America and Christian Children's Fund are not only helping with urgent needs but will be there over the long haul. Both are worthy goals for your giving. Search your heart for the approach that is best for you.
- Give extra consideration to organizations that have been working in the affected countries for years and even decades prior to this tragedy. These organizations generally have infrastructure, including staff as well as partnerships with local NGOs that should make them especially effective. In addition, they already understand the people and culture of the country and region.
- Give extra consideration to organizations whose work focuses primarily on children. The children of the region have been most adversely affected by the disaster and are most vulnerable in the weeks and months ahead. If helping children is especially important to you, you may wish to direct your gifts accordingly.
- Don't forget that the best response to this disaster includes financial commitment for the long-term. The scale of the disaster is such that emergency dollars will need to be followed by funding for development efforts long after the immediate crisis has faded. Please keep this in mind as you think about the impact you want to have.
As additional guidance specific to Hurricane Katrina assistance, we would add the following:
- There may be an opportunity to give locally. Many victims of Hurricane Katrina have been relocated to other communities across the country. In fact, more than twenty states and the District of Columbia have welcomed displaced persons. As a result, you may well find that you can help those affected by giving to community-based groups you are already familiar with and trust. For example, your local food bank and shelter along with other social service organizations will likely be called upon to help. The same can be said for your church or synagogue. If you're already giving to one of these groups, determine whether they will be involved in the relief effort and simply earmark your new gifts specifically for those affected by Katrina.
- Consider the Community Foundations in the areas receiving the most refugees. It is widely believed that the Baton Rouge area will permanently become home for many displaced individuals and that, in fact, the population of Baton Rouge may permanently double. Houston and other Texas cities have welcomed large numbers of those displaced. The Community Foundations in these cities have already established special funds for both short and long-term assistance to those displaced. Because Community Foundations are familiar with available community resources, they represent a viable way to funnel funds to those in need.
- Check the website of your favorite charity. If your favorite cause doesn't have an obvious link to the tragedy it may still be in need of your help. Many national organizations deliver their services through a field-based structure of local chapters or affiliates. Those operating on the gulf coast may have been devastated by Katrina and might need extra help in order to continue to serve and assist vulnerable clients.
Many organizations are worthy of your support, however, here are a few we particularly like:
Baton Rouge Area Foundation www.braf.org
Greater Houston Community Foundation www.ghcf.org
Gulf Coast Chapters - Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org/local
America's Second Harvest www.secondharvest.org
Trusted Advisors—Gatekeepers to Giving
Estate planning attorneys, financial planners, insurance agents and even real estate agents often find themselves with an opportunity to discuss charitable giving with their clients. However, more times than not that opportunity is squandered because, for a variety of reasons, advisors feel uncomfortable having the conversation. Why not host a "Brown Bag Lunch" with SmartGiving founder, Phyllis Freedman, who will share with your group practical strategies to use to make the charitable giving conversation comfortable for all concerned?
For more information, contact Phyllis at pfreedman@smart-giving.com.
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