As reported in Wise Giving Wednesday over the past several years, natural disasters usually get a media spotlight that help bring attention to the needs of the impacted population and the activities of charities engaged in relief efforts. As we are still battling COVID-19, it is not surprising that the pandemic continues to dominate the national headlines, while other challenges such as the group of intense thunderstorms, known as a derecho, that hit parts of Iowa, are not center stage. Unfortunately, Iowa was hit hard, particularly in Cedar Rapids, where winds over 100 miles per hour downed trees, power lines and partially collapsed the walls and ceilings of buildings. Although most of the power has since been restored, there are some areas that are still waiting and work remains on tree and debris removal. The New York Times reported that an estimated 14 million acres of farmland were damaged. That is a third of the state’s total farmland. To assist those seeking to assist Iowa at this time of need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following giving advice.

1. Donate Cash not Goods. If you are interested in donating goods such as clothing and other items, please check with the charity first. Some are reporting an excess of such contributions and prefer cash donations instead.
2. Seek Out Charities with Boots on the Ground. Relief organizations that already have a presence in the area are probably better positioned to provide more rapid help than those who will need to travel. In terms of emergency or immediate needs, speed is essential.
3. Consider Both Long and Short Terms Needs. In most every disaster situation, there will be emergency activities as well as long-term recovery efforts. Remember this as you make donations. There is a tendency for the public to respond quickly to immediate concerns but reconstruction is also something that deserves contributor attention and should not be neglected.
4. Cautions on Crowdfunding. For crowdfunding requests, carefully consider the site’s terms and procedures to find out whether there has been any vetting of posted requests, if the posts clearly describe the intended use for funds, and what processing fees may be subtracted by the site. It is safest to donate to people and families that you personally know. If the posting is just collecting funds on behalf of some identified charity, consider donating directly to that organization instead, after checking out the group.
5. Check Out Charities Before You Donate. Visit the charity’s website to learn about what specific relief activities it is carrying out and visit Give.org and/or BBB.org to verify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Both the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, which are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Charity Standards) are accepting funds for relief efforts. Remember to specify that you want your donation to help with Iowa storm relief if that is your intention.

Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring an interview with Brent Cooper, Executive Director, Green Beret Foundation (a BBB Accredited Charity) which provides financial assistance, support, and liaison services for wounded, ill and injured members and former members of the Special Forces of the United States Army and their family members. Services are also extended to the family members of those service members who were killed in action.

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.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance