In the wake of last week’s devastating storms, many communities are facing immense challenges. If you’re looking to help, here are some tips to make sure your donations make a difference.

The Impact of the Storms

Late last week and into the weekend, a deadly storm struck at least seven states including Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, leaving a trail of destruction and over 40 deaths. The system caused wildfires, dust storms and violent tornadoes, including several categorized in EF4 range with winds at 170 miles per hour or more in the towns of Larkin and Diaz, Arkansas and near Tylertown, Mississippi. Destruction of homes and property as well as the loss of life were accompanied by power outages estimated in the hundreds of thousands in the region.

Wise Giving Tips for Disaster Relief Donations

If you would like to help, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to help ensure your donations are assisting those impacted by the storms:

1. 1. Find out what needs the charity is addressing. In the case of large-scale property destruction, many communities will need shelter and clean up, so review the charity’s website to identify what activities they carry out.
2. 2. Remember sustained giving. Too often, people donate to charities in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. However, sustained support is often just as important. Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight. You can learn more about the different phases of disaster relief here. 
3. 3. Be cautious about in-kind gifts. Donations of food or clothing are well-meaning, but if you intend to give in-kind donations, look for organizations with the ability to distribute them. Reach out to charities and ask if they can accept your gift and if they have transportation and access to the affected areas.
4. 4. Verify the trustworthiness of charities. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.). Visit Give.org to search for trustworthy charities, review their reports and for more giving tips.

Trusted Charities Providing Storm Relief

The following BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet 20 BBB Charity Standards) are engaged in relief activities for the recent storms:

• American Red Cross
• Heart to Heart International
• Matthew 25: Ministries
• Salvation Army (National Corporation)

Heart of Giving Podcast: Ben Erwin on Moving Beyond Traditional Fundraising

This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz. Ben reveals how his organization has transformed fundraising by creating a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits charities of all sizes.

Explore Three of Our Latest 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:

• Life Navigators
• National Forest Foundation
• Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

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.