Tips for Giving in Times of Crisis

In times of crisis, many individuals find themselves wondering how they can help. Depending on the nature of the disaster (human-made or natural), there are often a variety of organizations committed to helping those affected. 

Your gift, especially in the wake of a disaster, is powerful. That's why it's important to react and give with intention. Before you donate, be sure to follow these tips to ensure that your donation will go to the cause itself and make a difference for those affected.

Be aware of scams

Large-scale crises can sometimes attract individuals who exploit your generosity for personal gain. Before donating, take a moment to verify the charity. Make sure it's a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit by checking Charity Navigator or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool.

You can also use our website to view an organization's rating or choose from our curated Where to Give Now lists to ensure your donation goes to top-rated charities helping with recovery.

With AI-generated imagery and video becoming more realistic, it’s important to be cautious when deciding where to donate. If you notice odd details in an image—like strange hands, blurred elements, or a soft, painted look—you could be looking at AI content, which can be a red flag. Legitimate charities, especially those involved in disaster relief, will use real images from the event.

Giving money helps more than giving supplies 

Following a disaster, you often see pictures or footage from the affected areas. It seems like donations of clothing and blankets may be a good choice. But, in reality, money is the most effective gift. A monetary donation allows the charities working on the ground to quickly purchase the supplies they need to address the evolving needs of those affected.

Consider the long-term

Making a gift in the short term is important for addressing immediate needs like food, clothing, shelter, and medical relief. Many organizations see a drastic influx of resources in the aftermath of a disaster that begins to taper off in a few weeks. However, recovery efforts after a disaster can take many months and, in most cases, years.

Consider becoming a partner in the recovery work. Check-in with the organization you choose to support in a few months to find out how their needs have changed and how you can continue to support them. Key tip: A recurring monthly donation really makes a big impact over time.

Verify crowdfunding campaigns 

When a plea for help crosses your social feed attached to a crowdfunding campaign, consider where you'd like your donation to go. If you know the person who has created the crowdfunding campaign or online fundraiser, or if the creator is a friend-of-a-friend, you are more likely to know where the funds are going and can trust your relationship with the person holding the fundraiser. Charity Navigator recommends donating to online fundraisers created by individuals with one degree of separation unless the fundraiser was created by a registered public 501(c)(3) organization.