Donating in times of disaster is admirable, but often giving is aimed at the wrong relief organizations.
High-net-worth individuals and institutions, especially, should take into account how quickly their dollars can be put to work and whether longer-term goals may be better served by a more structured giving program.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is urging benefactors to consider giving to charitable organizations that address longer-term recovery in addition to immediate response organizations. Here’s why: Every day of immediate relief equates to 100 days of long-term recovery efforts, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That means people affected by storms such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma will need assistance for months if not years.
Robert Ottenhoff, CDP’s chief executive, in a blog post, writes that people will be recovering from Harvey for at least three years and probably longer. That means housing is going to be a big, big issue in Houston and the surrounding areas.
The Foundation Center, which tracks donations among many other kinds of philanthropic data, says a majority of contributions go to immediate relief organizations. Meanwhile, it says, there is a lack of support for strategic long-term recovery and rebuilding.
CDP notes that contributions should be given before, during, as well as after disasters strike. Foundations and wealthier individuals with formal giving programs are in the best positions to accommodate immediate relief, as well as recovery and adaptation. Financial planning is essential.
A good tool to vet and find charities, besides the Foundation Center website, is CharityNavigator, which offers ratings and data on thousands of charitable organizations.
Effective giving is just as important as immediate contributions.