Disasters can strike anywhere, leaving communities devastated and urgently needing assistance. Donating to the right charity is one of the most effective ways to help. Here’s how to make that happen.
Research and choose the right charity
You’ll find many charities doing fantastic work to help those affected. But not all of them will pass muster. Be sure to do a background check on the organizations that made it to your shortlist. Consider charities with a strong track record of success in disaster relief efforts. What do you see on their websites? What services and programs do they offer? Also, learn how they allocate disaster relief funds.
Read reviews and feedback.
Reviews from other donors are insightful. They give you a sense of their experiences with the charity. Was it a pleasant experience? Pay attention if there are any indications that weren’t the case. If you’re unsure, you’ll want to reconsider your choice of charities providing disaster relief for India.
Donate money, not goods.
Donating physical items is tempting. But it’s not the best way to support disaster relief efforts. Physical items can also hinder those efforts, especially since charities have to deal with the logistics of sending those items and ensuring they don’t rot or get damaged. Also, some of them may be unnecessary. Money is the best donation as it is flexible and allows the charity to use the funds to provide the supplies and items they need.
Consider local charities.
Look at local charities, too. What advocacies do they champion? Consider sending donations to local charities working in the affected areas. They tend to have existing relationships with community leaders, so they respond to emergency situations and provide the most pressing needs of people in the community. Plus, if they’re local, you’ll have an easier time contacting them.
