6:43 - Donating money for the SoCal wildfires
Disasters happen. And groups try to profit from them.
If they haven't already started, "charities" will soon cold-call millions of people to raise money for those affected by the SoCal wildfires. Don't donate through cold-callers, unless you want up to 90% of your donation to go to the cold-calling agency.
Before you donate to help those hurt by the SoCal Wildfires, I recommend asking a few questions:
- What percent of donations go to people in need -- and what percent go to administrative and fund-raising costs?
- What relationship does the charity have with the people of San Diego?
The following list of charities comes from two sources: San Diego County Emergency Homepage and Charity Navigator. When possible, I give links to the charity itself and to organisations that examine the charity. Being on this list does not mean that I personally approve of the charity -- just that either the city of San Diego or Charity Navigator recommend them. Please examine any charity carefully, using other resources, before donating.
| Charity | Administrative Expenses | Fundraising Expenses | Charity Navigator Rating | give.org rating | charitywatch.org rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | 4.9% | 3.4% | 4 stars | Meets all standards | A+ |
| Burn Institute | (unknown) | (unknown) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Catholic Charities USA | 3.6% | 1.2% | 4 stars | Meets all standards | Did not provide all documents. |
| Direct Relief International | 0.4% | 0.2% | 4 stars | Meets all standards | A |
| Father Joe's Villages | 3.6% | 1.3% | 4 stars | Not listed | Not listed |
| Fire Safe Council of San Diego | (unknown) | (unknown) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| International Relief Teams | 0.8% | 0.6% | 4 stars | Not listed | Not listed |
| Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego | 0.9% | 0.2% | 4 stars | Not listed. | Not listed. |
| My Stuff Bags Foundation | 5.1% | 5.8% | 3 stars | Meets all Standards | Not listed |
| Salvation Army | 13% | 1% | Not listed | Being evaluated | Mixed -- see report |
| San Diego Blood Bank | (unknown) | (unknown) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| The San Diego Foundation | 1.9% | 5.5% | 4 stars | Not listed | Not listed |
| San Diego Humane Society and SPCA | 11.2% | 12.5% | 4 stars | Not listed | Not listed |
| Volunteer San Diego | 6.0% | 5.8% | 4 stars | Declined to participate | Not listed |
Finally, if you want to keep your ear to the ground, ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small}
san_diego has reports from people there.
Stay safe. Take care, all.
This post originally appeared on Fluorescent Dreams Wax Cylinders at chipuni.livejournal.com. You may reproduce this post provided that you retain this paragraph and the link to the original publisher.
Current Music: Seanan McGuire -- This Is My Town
They did a mediocre job after Hurricane Katrina. See, for example, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/13/international/13cnd-cross.html">the New York Times of December 13, 2005.</a>
Why is it on the list? I listed all charities that two sources gave. The Red Cross was the only charity listed by both sources that I used. I think that their problems were caused by a few bad apples, not by a problem organization-wide. (I could very well be wrong.)
What is my opinion on the Red Cross? I think that they're a better charity than some on the list (much better than, say, the Salvation Army). According to several sources, if you donate money to them, almost all will help people. But it's your money; decide what to do with it.
I would, however, donate canned food.