During times of crisis, such as the horrific earthquake inHaiti, we want to reach out and help our brothers and sisters through the catastrophe.  Since most of us willnot be traveling to Haiti, we want to give what we can to help the efforts ofthose who can make a difference. Some charities have staff andvolunteers established in Haiti. Others have the ability to deliver physical donations such asfood, clothing, water, and medication to areas in need.

Our reaction is to give without question to the mostconvenient charitable organization – the one that sends us an email, a mailing,gives us a call, or comes to the door. How can we tell if our donation will beused effectively and get to the people we intend to help? Here are a couple of onlineresources that will help you check out the charitable organization of yourchoice.

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s website gives tips onhow to evaluate a charity (www.mass.gov/ago).You can search the site for organizations that have complaints filed againstthem. If you are not in Massachusetts, do check your state’s attorney general’soffice for complaints filed in your state.

The American Institute of Philanthropy has a website thatrates charitable organizations and the effective use of your donation.Organizations that use the majority of donations for the advertised cause are ratedhigher than organizations that spend a higher percentage of donations on the organization’s expenses.(http://charitywatch.org).

The generous act of giving to the citizens of Haiti will beessential in reestablishing their homeland and their lives.  Give wisely to charitable organizations that will make themost of your contribution.