Days after the earthquake, displaced survivors were living in open public areas around Port-au-Prince.
Like everyone else, we were saddened and horrified by Haiti’s 7.0 earthquake on Jan. 12. Though we wanted to help immediately, we also wanted to make sure our donation would be put to good use. Following are a few ways you can contribute to relief efforts, as well as tips from philanthropy groups to ensure responsible donations.
- Giving Institute chair Nancy L. Raybin and Giving USA Foundation chair Edith H. Falk recommend taking the time to check the legitimacy of a charity through the nonprofit database GuideStar, where you can see how the charity distributes its funds on a Form 990. Also check for a satisfactory rating on the Better Business Bureau website. Stick to nonprofits that direct at least 75 percent of donations to the actual mission of the organization.
- While fraudulent charities are the exception, it pays to be careful, says Paulette V. Maehara, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Telemarketing is a common way for charities to raise money, but ask if the telemarketer is working for a percentage of the funds raised, is paid a set salary or is a volunteer. Avoid charities where a telemarketer works for a percentage of funds. “Percentage-based compensation is considered unethical,” says Maehara. AFP also has a list of organizations working for Haitian relief.
- Check out GreatNonprofits for reviews of organizations working in Haiti — or write about your own experience.
- Read guidelines published by the White House to find out how to best help victims of the earthquake, say Raybin and Falk. While volunteers currently are being discouraged from visiting Haiti, those who want to donate time, supplies or funds can contact the Center for International Disaster Information online or at (703) 276-1914.
- The Mobile Giving Foundation has raised more than $30 million in donations via text message. For example, once someone texts “Haiti” to 90999 to donate to the Red Cross, the wireless provider gives 100 percent of the funds — in this case, $10 — to the Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF). The foundation then gives 100 percent of the funds to the nonprofit. (The nonprofit organization does pay a fee to the mobile carrier for the service.) Jim Manis, MGF president and CEO, says that the appeal of donating via text is its immediacy. “You’re able to respond to the call to action immediately,” he says.
- Watch George Clooney, Wyclef Jean and other celebs host the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” telethon, broadcast on the major networks, MTV and several other cable channels tonight at 8 p.m. ET. The show is raising money for the Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam America, Partners in Health and Haitian-born Jean’s Yéle Haiti. Musical performers include Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Rihanna, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift.
- Mercy Corps allows you to create your own Haiti fundraising page. Simply create a Mercy Corps account, give your campaign a name, write a message about your efforts and set a fundraising goal. Then, ask your family and friends to help raise funds for Mercy Corps’ efforts in Haiti, including providing clean water and providing post-trauma help for children.
- Soles4Souls is sending 1 million pairs of new boots and shoes to Haiti, as well as tents, blankets, food and water through donations. Or donate your own gently used shoes at participating locations or send them to a Soles4Souls warehouse.
- Plenty of stores and shops are donating part of their proceeds to Haiti relief. For example, the American Red Cross will receive 5 percent of sales from home-goods shopping site One Kings Lane through Jan. 24 and 10 percent of web sales from lingerie purveyor Hanky Panky through the end of the month.
While the outpouring of support for Haiti is touching, it’s sad that such a devastating event is needed to bring people together. What do you think is the best way to aid Haiti during this time?
Photo credit: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps
