Colombia Earthquake Relief: How to Donate Wisely and Find Trusted Charities

Looking to support Colombia earthquake relief efforts? A few smart checks can help you give with confidence to trusted charities.

Colombia Earthquake: What We Know So Far

Yesterday, August 10, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia. According to the Associated Press, at least 179 people have been reported dead, and more than 3,000 are missing, as search-and-rescue continues.

Approximately 1,600 buildings have been damaged or collapsed. CNN reports that emergency personnel are working to clear rubble and debris, while some communities near the epicenter remain difficult to reach.

As relief efforts unfold, we are reminded of the words of Gabriel García Márquez, who, in a UNESCO interview about the interconnectedness of Latin America, expressed his hope for “a world in which true solidarity is possible.” Today, Colombia needs that solidarity.

How Charities Are Responding to the Colombia Earthquake

BBB Accredited Charities have already begun mobilizing in response to the earthquake, assessing urgent needs and preparing medical supplies, essential relief items, and other lifesaving assistance.

Teams are also working to support children and families as search-and-rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

Tips for Donating to Colombia Earthquake Relief

For those looking to support organizations providing relief in Colombia, here are some tips to help you make wise giving decisions:

• Choose Experienced Organizations. Support experienced organizations with the capacity to respond quickly and effectively. Be cautious of organizations formed in the wake of a disaster. While they may be well intentioned, they may not have the experience or infrastructure needed to deliver on their stated relief efforts.
• Look for On-the-Ground Presence. Charities with established operations in affected areas can often respond more quickly and effectively.
• Seek Clear Appeals. Look for appeals that are upfront and clear about what disaster relief services you are supporting.
• Give Money Rather Than Goods. Donating money is typically the quickest and most effective way to help, giving charities the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most.
• Understand Crowdfunding. If considering crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet posts, others don’t.
• Verify Charity Trustworthiness. Before you donate, visit Give.org to check whether a charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

Want to learn more about disaster giving? Explore our guide to disaster relief to understand the phases of disaster response and how charities help before, during, and after a disaster.

BBB Accredited Charities Supporting Colombia Earthquake Relief

The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities currently raising funds to support earthquake relief efforts in Colombia. As additional BBB Accredited Charities launch earthquake-related response efforts, they will be added to this list.

Supporting Earthquake Relief Across Latin America

Communities in Venezuela are also recovering from devastating earthquakes. If you’re looking for additional ways to help, read our guide to Venezuela earthquake relief for tips on giving wisely and a list of BBB Accredited Charities supporting relief efforts.