As many areas of the United States work to recover from recent flooding and torrential rains, across the globe another flooding tragedy has unfolded. The United Nations reports that an estimated 33 million people are impacted by devastating flooding in Pakistan that has taken more than 1,000 lives. The flooding has also damaged about one million homes and displaced 500,000 people. Damage to roads and bridges has also created difficulties in transporting aid to needy individuals. The New York Times also reports that much of the country’s farmland is under water, which will lead to further food shortages.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance certainly encourages generosity to help the victims in Pakistan but cautions donors to avoid questionable appeals by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Does the disaster relief charity meet BBB Charity Standards?  You can verify a charity’s trustworthiness by viewing an evaluative report completed by BBB Wise Giving Alliance.  See the list provided below of charities that that are soliciting for relief assistance for Pakistan and that also meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
• Is the charity experienced in providing disaster relief? Experienced disaster relief charities are the best bet to help deliver aid quickly and effectively. New entrants may have difficulty in following through even if they have good intentions.
• Can the charity get to the impacted area? Not all disaster relief organizations will be positioned to provide relief quickly. See if the charity already has a presence in Pakistan.
• Should you send clothing and food? Local drives to collect clothing and food to send overseas are not practical. Disaster relief organizations are better equipped to obtain what is needed, distribute it and avoid duplication of effort.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises contributors to support experienced organizations that are ready to provide quick and effective assistance. As always, understand that not all crowdfunding sites operate in the same way. While some vet postings for disaster assistance, others may not. Also, review the site’s security measures and find out what administrative fees might be charged.

Below is a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations meeting the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that have indicated they are raising funds for Pakistan relief assistance. More will be added as additional efforts come to our attention.

CARE USA: Pakistan Relief Activities

Catholic Relief Services: Pakistan Relief Activities

GlobalGiving:  Pakistan Relief Activities

International Medical Corps: Pakistan Relief Activities

Islamic Relief USA:  Pakistan Relief Activities

Save the Children:  Pakistan Relief Activities

USA for UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency:  Pakistan Relief Activities

Oxfam America: Pakistan Relief Activities

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Video of the Week

As part of the Building trust Video series, we are pleased to revisit and interview with Sheri Lamber, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Virginia (a BBB Accredited Charity) that grants wishes to children with critical illness.  As reported by the organization, wishes are often transformative for the entire family, providing parents, siblings, and the children with something to look forward to, and then something joyful to remember.
 

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Heart of Giving Podcast

For this week’s Heart of Giving Podcast, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers Part 1 of its Powerful Black Women Giving Back series. This edition features clips of previous interviews with Judy Belk, CEO of California Wellness Foundation, Dr. Cherise Hamblin, OBGYN and Founder of Patients are Waiting, and Asahi Pompey, Partner and Global Head of Corporate Engagement, Goldman Sachs and President, Goldman Sachs Foundation.

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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:

• ALSAC St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Sequoia Parks Conservancy
• Earthwatch Institute

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.