Tips for Safe Charitable Giving in Response to the Myanmar Cyclone

Published:

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- As Minnesotans watch, theMyanmar government has confirmed nearly 23,000 people are dead and more than 42,000 still missing from Saturday's cyclone. The top U.S. diplomat inMyanmar announced that the toll from the cyclone and its aftermath could hit or exceed 100,000 lives as humanitarian conditions worsen.

When disaster strikes, the needs are of a critical, urgent nature -- What are the best and safest ways one can help to make the greatest difference?

The Charities Review Council offers the following tips on giving smart in times of disaster and how to exercise caution when responding to disaster-relief appeals:

    -- Types of support: The best and most resourceful assistance is a
       financial  donation to a relief or development organization already
       operating in the affected area.  Goods should NOT be sent unless
       requested by an organization.
    -- Where to send a gift: When researching where to send a gift, consider
       the following:
       - Is the organization legitimate? If an organization is calling you, be
         wary. Established disaster-relief organizations are often too busy to
         implement a direct phone campaign during times of disaster.  Don't be
         afraid to say "no" over the phone and then contact the organization
         directly yourself.
       - Don't be swayed by emotional or high-pressure solicitations with
         little or no substance.  Don't make a donation to an unknown charity
         over the telephone or via an e-mail request, especially if it
         pressures you to give immediately, or refuses to send information
         unless you make a pledge.  Protect yourself by verifying the
         organizations at the Charities Review Council online at
         http://www.SmartGivers.org/GivingGuide.
       - How would you like your donation to be spent? Would you like your
         gift to focus on short term needs such as feeding the hungry or
         providing medical assistance, or meeting long term needs like
         establishing infrastructure?
       - How do you protect yourself from fraud? Always pay by check or credit
         card, NEVER with cash. Cash can be lost or stolen.  Do not provide
         your credit card number unless you know the charity and you initiate
         the contact.
       - Is the organization accountable to its donors? Don't hesitate to ask
         for written information about programming and financial activity.
         You can also research that information on the organization's Website
         or contact the Charities Review Council at http://www.SmartGivers.org
         or (651) 224-7030.
       - What is the tax status of the organization? If you want your donation
         to be tax-deductible, the organization must be a 501(c)3 charitable
         organization.  Ask the organization or the Charities Review Council
         if you're not sure. Please check with your tax advisor or the
         Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information regarding the tax
         deductibility of your donation.

About The Charities Review Council:

The Charities Review Council is a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota with more than 60 years of experience helping the public make informed giving decisions. The Council is the nation's only statewide independent resource of its kind for donors, offering information about charities, including local organizations. The Council is dedicated to empowering the public in making informed and thoughtful giving decisions, so that you can be more effective in helping charities advance their important community work.

For more information, visit the Charities Review Council at http://www.SmartGivers.org or (651) 224-7030 (toll-free 1-800-733-GIVE).

SOURCE Charities Review Council

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Tips for Safe Charitable Giving in Response to the Myanmar Cyclone