Watchdogs recommend doing your research before giving any money, with several compiled lists of the most effective charities.
Devastating earthquakes have killed thousands in southern Turkey and northern Syria, and dozens of countries have deployed search and rescue teams as humanitarian groups scramble to respond to the complex situation.
For those who want to donate to support the response, charity groups and watchdogs are advising they take a few basic steps.
First, they recommend researching the charity to make sure it’s reputable.
Second, they recommend determining whether a charity can most effectively respond to a particular crisis.
Third, they typically recommend cash, which offers the most flexibility to select support groups.
How do I choose a charity?
Fortunately, several groups monitor and evaluate charities and their effective and efficient use of funds.
This includes CharityWatch, which provides a database and general ratings of groups, including the percentage of a donation that goes towards operating costs. The group advises potential donors to double-check the names of alleged charities, as copycats could use names similar to long-established charities. It is also recommended to donate directly to a select group.
Meanwhile, Charity Navigator has compiled a list of 28 nonprofit groups most relevant to the disaster in Turkey and Syria, and ratings for each group.
The organization, which focuses on groups that are either based in the United States or have offices in the country, gives high ratings to the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, ICNA Relief USA, Plan International Inc, and Direct Relief.
Also highly rated are the Zakat Foundation of America, GlobalGiving, Save the Children, CARE and the American Red Cross.
The Board of Trustees has also compiled a list of recommended organizations, including several local groups that have set up emergency funds to respond to the situations in Turkey and Syria.
Groups include GlobalGiving, Give2Asia, Turkish Red Crescent, Turkey Mozaik Foundation and Turkish Philanthropy Funds.
Meanwhile, United Nations agencies, including their children’s fund UNICEF, are accepting donations directly.
As the disasters disproportionately hit millions of Syrians displaced by the 12-year war, the United Nations Refugee Agency has also launched an appeal for donations to provide shelter and assistance.
Oxfam, an international organization that fights poverty, and Doctors Without Borders, a global medical charity, have also launched appeals for donations.
Aid to war-torn Syria presents a particularly complex challenge, with Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations telling reporters on Tuesday that all aid should be provided in coordination with the government.
This is because opposition-held areas of north-west Syria have been largely cut off from aid shipments due to damage to the only authorized humanitarian crossing with Turkey. The Syrian Civil Defence, a rescue group also known as the White Helmets operating in opposition-held parts of Syria, has launched a GoFundMe appeal in support of their efforts in rebel-held areas.
The volunteer group receives funding from several western governments, including the US and the UK.