Giving Effectively in Times of Disaster

Brandolon: When a crisis emerges, there's often insufficient data to make an informed decision—at least initially. Under such conditions, don't assume you know what's needed. For example, canned goods or clothes may not be the best donations following a natural disaster, since the sorting, storage, and distribution of these items can divert resources from more urgent tasks.

Instead, look to support local nonprofits that already are on the ground and understand the community's needs. Trust is a key factor, so make sure such outfits are in good standing and that their proposed work is in line with their overall expertise. Online tools like our Giving Compass Guide to Good can help you identify reputable organizations based on cause, location, and other criteria.

Fred: At DAFgiving360, we work with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to quickly compile a list of vetted nonprofits already working in an affected area, ranging from local organizations to ones with a global reach. We post that list online, often within 24 hours of a crisis. In the first week of the Los Angeles fires, for example, our donors gave more than $12 million to our published list of vetted charities.

Brandolon: Not that long ago, there were only a few paths through which people could make an impact—primarily by donating to a well-known charity or volunteering their time. Today, there are many more avenues, including crowdfunding platforms that benefit individuals; giving circles, where like-minded individuals bundle their contributions for maximum effect; and donor-advised funds.

Fred: The decision comes down to your priorities. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, are useful for funneling dollars directly to a person in need. Just understand that anyone can start a crowdfunding campaign, increasing the potential for fraud—especially during disasters, when scammers look to exploit the inevitable outpouring of support.

Conversely, if you want to help maximize your impact, a donor-advised fund could be a good option. With this approach, you could make regular contributions to your account over time—and even invest the funds for potential growth—and disburse grants as you see fit the next time disaster strikes. What's more, contributions to donor-advised funds are eligible for a potential tax deduction in the year of the donation, assuming you itemize.

Brandolon: It's crucial to remember that a crisis affects all aspects of a community, including the arts, education, the environment, and pretty much every other sphere. So, there's an opportunity to connect your individual expertise and passion to your support. That isn't self-indulgent. In fact, it can help unlock sustainable engagement after the initial emergency has passed, which is a need that's often overlooked as the next crisis obscures the last.

Fred: There's been a pretty significant rise in natural disasters over the past two decades, so responding to every crisis might not be sustainable. Plus, a "crisis" can be many things. Recent federal funding cuts have made it difficult for many nonprofits to raise funds, which hamstrings their ability to respond to an emergency. So, one of the best ways to help might actually be to provide ongoing support to the organizations whose missions align with your goals.

Fred: This is an important point, because the need is often still there even if public attention has moved on. Those who want to make a more-lasting impact might consider setting up a recurring donation to a community foundation in the area, as these organizations often play a critical role in long-term recovery. With a donor-advised fund account from DAFgiving360, you can request your grant recommendation be processed monthly, quarterly, annually, or at an interval of your choice.