While the U.S. has been focused on the election, nature has reminded us of needs in other parts of the world. On Sunday November 1st, Typhoon Goni hit Luzon, the most populated island in the Philippines. As reported, almost 400,000 people fled or sought shelter in evacuation centers. Damage is extensive with many homes destroyed or impaired. With gusts of over 164 miles per hour, Goni has been labeled a Super Typhoon - the strongest tropical storm this year. For those seeking to make donations for relief efforts, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips.

Look for Appeal Clarity. Seek out appeals that are upfront and clear about what disaster relief services you are supporting.

Give to Experienced Groups. Support experienced organizations that stand ready to provide quick and effective assistance. Be cautious of organizations that form overnight in the wake of a disaster.

Be Wary of 100 Percent Claims.Watch out for claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. The organization is probably still incurring administrative and fundraising expenses, even if it is using other funds to cover these costs.

Give Money Rather than Goods. Donating money is the quickest way to help and provides charities the flexibility to channel resources to impacted areas.

Rely on Expert Opinion. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, found at BBB’s Give.org.

The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) and currently have a website page that announces they are collecting funds to assist Typhoon Goni relief efforts.

American Red Cross - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)
Americares - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)
Catholic Relief Services  - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)
Direct Relief - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)
Global Giving - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)
Save the Children - (BBB Wise Giving Alliance report)

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Andrea J. O’Neill, Executive Director, Lupus Research Alliance (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to find better treatments and support medical research to ultimately prevent and cure systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), a debilitating autoimmune disease.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Haiti Partners
• The Hunger Project
• International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.