ST. PAUL, MINN. (January 13, 2010) – As Minnesotans watch, thousands of people are missing and serious loss of life is expected from Tuesday's earthquake near Port Au Prince, Haiti.  This is the most powerful earthquake to hit the Caribbean nation in more than 200 years and according the International Federation of the Red Cross, it has affected more the 3 million people.

Offers for international aid have been flooding into local relief organizations, with an overwhelming amount expected to come.

When disaster strikes, the needs are of a critical, urgent nature – What are the best and safest ways one can help to make the greatest difference?  The Charities Review Council offers the following tips on giving smart in times of disaster and how to exercise caution when responding to disaster-relief appeals:

• Types of support: The best and most resourceful assistance is a financial donation to a relief or development organization already operating in the affected area.  Goods should NOT be sent unless requested by an organization.
• Where to send a gift: When researching where to send a gift, consider the following: 
  • Is the organization legitimate? If an organization is calling you, be wary. Established disaster-relief organizations are often too busy to implement a direct phone campaign during times of disaster.  Don’t be afraid to say “no” over the phone and then contact the organization directly yourself.
  • Don’t be swayed by emotional or high-pressure solicitations with little or no substance.  Don’t make a donation to an unknown charity over the telephone or via an e-mail request, especially if it pressures you to give immediately, or refuses to send information unless you make a pledge.  Protect yourself by verifying the organizations at the Charities Review Council online at www.SmartGivers.org/GivingGuide.html.
  • How would you like your donation to be spent? Would you like your gift to focus on short term needs such as feeding the hungry or providing medical assistance, or meeting long term needs like establishing infrastructure?
  • How do you protect yourself from fraud? Always pay by check or credit card, NEVER with cash. Cash can be lost or stolen.  Do not provide your credit card number unless you know the charity and you initiate the contact.
  • Is the organization accountable to its donors? Don’t hesitate to ask for written information about programming and financial activity.  You can also research that information on the organization’s Website or contact the Charities Review Council at www.SmartGivers.org or (651) 224-7030.
  • What is the tax status of the organization? If you want your donation to be tax-deductible, the organization must be a 501(c)3 charitable organization.  Ask the organization or the Charities Review Council if you’re not sure. Please check with your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information regarding the tax deductibility of your donation.

About The Charities Review Council:
The Charities Review Council’s mission is to mobilize informed donors and accountable nonprofits to advance the greater good.  The Council is an independent resource for people who support charities with financial donations.  It is dedicated to empowering donors in making informed and thoughtful giving decisions, so that they can be more effective in helping charities advance their important community work.  No other state has a similar independent resource for donors.  For more information, visit the Charities Review Council online at www.smartgivers.org, or call (651) 224-7030 or toll-free 1-800-733-GIVE.
 

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Media Contacts:
Helen Ng, Charities Review Council
651-224-7030 ext. 11
hng@smartgivers.org

Sarah Shamla, Tunheim Partners
952-851-7279
sshamla@tunheim.com