Southern Arizonans seeing the devastation wreaked by recent tornadoes are responding with generous gifts of time and money, as they’ve traditionally responded to disasters throughout the world.  But even when needs are close to home, givers should take steps to assure themselves that their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help victims, cautions BBB Wise Giving of Southern Arizona.

“Despite long experience in giving for major natural disasters, and with the desire to quickly help those in need, Americans sometimes forget to heed advice that’s relevant to all charitable giving,” says Kim States, BBB President.  “In the present situation, we advise donors to learn about what individual charities are doing and the time frame of their work. Donors who know what to expect from the charities they support are less likely to question the benefit of their gifts.”

BBB Wise Giving offers the following five tips to help Americans decide where to direct donations:

Take time to check out the charity. The best way to avoid being disappointed in helping Storm Relief Charities is to find out more about the charity before making the donation.  Unfortunately, most people don’t. Donors should review the charity’s website and go to third party sites such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (www.tucson.bbb.org/charity) to learn more about the charity and verify its accountability.

Identify what stage of relief the charity intends to provide. There are three general stages to relief efforts.  Find out which stage the charity is intending to address.  The Emergency Response stage involves immediate assistance and rescue needs and takes place within the first days after the storm.  Next, Disaster Relief occurs in the first month and provides clothing and temporary shelter for (more…)