The events that have unfolded in Japan over the past week are horrifying, sad, and devastating. The country is facing death and destruction at the hands of a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the subsequent tsunami. Now they are also on the verge of a nuclear disaster. Many countries and organizations are pledging volunteers, supplies and money to help. But what about you, average Joe citizen, how can you help? How can you be sure that your hard-earned money will actually go to the people who need it? How can you be sure that it will get there as fast as it can, instead of months later? How can you be sure that half of what you’re giving isn’t going to “administrative” fees? If you are inclined to donate, please keep the following guide I have created in mind before you write that check, hand over that cash, or push “Send”.
Finding a Reputable Charity
One great resource to finding a charity to donate to is CharityNavigator.com. Using this site, you can search through their database of charities and find one that interests you. Each charity has star ratings as well as a complete, detailed profile. Information is included such as the organizations efficacy, how much goes to administrative costs, and so on. There are also links that will take you to the charity’s site where you can complete your donation.
See Where Your Money is Going
Be wary of the organization that assures you that 100 percent of your donation goes to help the victims or particular effort. They are likely not being truthful. Every organization, even charitable non-profits, have some overhead expenses. To make sure that you get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to be sure that you avoid middlemen. Some groups may simply collect the money and then pass it on to more hands-on charities. Avoid diluting your dollars by giving directly to groups that are already on the ground and helping the victims in Japan.
Be Skeptical of Offers that Promise to Donate Money for Things You Buy
Lady Gaga’s heart might be in the right place with the new bracelet she has launched, with all profits going to help the victims in Japan, but you’re really not helping as much as you could. If your goal is to help and not score some cool gear, you’re better off giving directly to the charity yourself. The entire cost of that $5 item isn’t going to Japan, only the profits are, and what the company might deem to be “profit” can be kind of sketchy. From that five dollars, subtract the cost to produce the item, to market it, etc. If you’re going to spend anyways though, by all means, spend away – at least a portion will go to help.
Forget Putting Together Your Own Care Package
While it might be tempting to put together a “care” package for a needy family in Japan, it’s probably not the best idea. Right now, infrastructure is severely damaged in some areas, making things like delivering packages impossible. It’s also a logistical nightmare. You’re better off giving to a group with people on the ground and a plan in action.
Reconsider Texting Your Donation
Making donations through a simple text message became popular during 2010′s massive earthquake in Haiti. But one thing that a lot of people didn’t seem to know was that there’s a delay between when you send the money by text. The charities don’t get it for at least 30 days later. And while Japan will likely need help for many months and years to come, if you are wanting your money to help immediately, it’s better to send them a check or money order by mail. They’ll get it a lot faster that way. Even using your debit card or Paypal balance is a lot faster. Just keep in mind that when you donate digitally, there will be hidden fees taken out of your total donation, so it will get diluted somewhat.
Avoid Newly Formed Charities
Getting a new charity off the ground is a difficult venture in itself. In the midst of a disaster it’s virtually impossible to succeed. You wouldn’t trust your life savings to a financial firm that just opened, has no track record, and whose employees have zero experience, so why would you donate to a brand new charity? Find a charity with a proven history of success, and ideally one that’s already on the ground in Japan helping. Research before you write that check.
Watch Out for Scams
In the wake of disasters, it seems that while there are a lot of people willing to help out there are also plenty of unsavory types looking to cash in on your goodwill for their own devious means. You’re better off sending in your money to an official organization’s address than handing it over to a person going around collecting donations. While they might actually be doing good, there’s a chance they’re just looking to run off with your money.
Some Carefully Vetted Charities That I Recommend
- Doctors Without Borders USA
- American Red Cross
- Save the Children
- Relief International
- Food for the Hungry
- Direct Relief International
- AmeriCares
- Action Against Hunger
- Catholic Medical Mission Board
- World Vision
- Global Giving
- International Medical Corps
- Convoy of Hope
- Oxfam America
All of these organizations are have high ratings on CharityNavigator.com, and have people already in place in Japan distributing aid. You can find additional lists of reputable organizations to give your donation to on their website as well. If you don’t see a charity listed either on my list here or on their list that’s not to say it’s a scam, but you’ll want to make sure you do your research first.
I’m so glad to see this post here. It’s quite a shame that there are people who take advantage of those who seek to help others; however, all we can do is be vigilant. While we open our hearts and our pockets, we must also keep our minds open to the grim reality of scammers.
Nea
http://self-improvement-saga.com
Excellent article…however, I can’t imagine how you missed The Salvation Army in your vetted charities. They consistently rank among the most trusted charities and have a much higher percentage of proceeds going directly to those in need than most of those listed above. Representatives of The Salvation Army were on the ground even before this tragedy struck, while most others must deploy from outside the affected area. How is this possible? The Salvation Army actively engages those persons indigenous to an area in order to train and equip them to serve their own communities when disaster strikes. This is how The Salvation Army is regularly on scene before most other organizations and how they direct the most resources possible directly to the area of greatest need.
I realize that The Salvation Army may take some religious stands on social issues that aren’t comfortable for some people, but is this really the time to me withholding resources from an agency as effective as The Salvation Army?
Please include The Salvation Army in your list.
Hi. the Japanese tsunami seems to make the Christchurch earthquake pale into insignificance – but then I read that the Japanese recovery is about 3% of GDP, and the Christchurc recovery is a much higher % of NZ’s GDP …. both economies will be knocked by these 1 in 1000 year events.
Very good article with great advice. Just one little thing I’d like to add, concerning the list of “Some Carefully Vetted Charities That I Recommend”. As I’d like to see my donation directly, effectively and quickly going to the Japanese people who are affected, I’d choose some reputable charities localized in Japan, for example, Japanese Red Cross. Wonder if your list would be better if some reputable Japanese charities are included?
Yeah this is effective ways to make our money goes to right place.. Fantastic ideas.. Thanks for sharing this information with us..
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[...] of online and email disaster scams (blogs.consumerreports.org)Helping Japan: How to Make Sure Your Money Goes to the Right Place (lifehack.org)Help Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Victims Without Getting Scammed (pcworld.com)BBB [...]
Great article. I am ashamed of those who are exploiting the disaster to get exposure for themselves =( I agree with Christine below who suggested listing reputable Japanese charities.
Thanks for the list of charities you have posted here. I’ve been thinking of helping in a small way and I don’t know how. I am afraid of scams and disaster like this, many will emerge a new formed charities but the truth is they just want your money and put it on their pockets.
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I would add ACT Alliance and its member organizations.
where is the salvation army…?
When donating to one of the charities listed as approved in the article, how can one be certain that the money is going to the intended cause? Organizations such as the Red Cross provide humanitarian relief all over the world – thankfully. I’m just wondering how funds are allocated. One writes a check to “Red Cross,” not to “Red Cross to help out Japan”. Is anyone aware of what policies are in place guiding where donations are directed?
If your goal is to help and not score some cool gear, you’re better off giving directly to the charity yourself… They are likely not being truthful. Every organization, even charitable non-profits, have some overhead expenses.
Not trusting young establishments is a terrible mindset. I understand people want to be cautious, but do you realize how much innovation and desire is wasted with such thinking? What, I wonder, would have happened if everyone had preached that NO ONE should ever trust Bill Gates or his products, for example. I wonder where the world would be today….?