Investigate before you donate!

Use this as your guide to intelligent giving.

Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities. Following 9/11 there were many less than efficient fund raisers meant to benefit the victims. A few of these collected a lot of money, little of which found its way to the needy.

Some of the charities held on to the money waiting for events to unfold further. Others, such as the Red Cross, sought to divert the funds to different causes, or to build up their reserves. The Red Cross has now changed this policy, and is directing contributions in accordance with the wishes of donors.

Benefit events planned as fundraisers seem more like ego trips or feel good experiences for the performers who are very far removed from the real world in their personal lives. The "ad hoc" committees such as the ones set up by the entertainment industry collected very large sums, but didn't have a clue as to a method of disbursing the funds to help the victims.

We have all seen the ravages caused by Katrina. These people need help NOW. If you are able to donate, please pick a charity that has the means to provide immediate, as well as ongoing aid. You can see a list of organizations, and evaluate their past performance by clicking the links below.

PLEASE - INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU DONATE!

www.charitynavigator.org

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TIPS ON DONATING FOR KATRINA:
http://www.give.org/news/disaster_tips.asp

Hurricane Katrina Relief Organizations from BBB:
http://www.give.org/news/katrina.asp

1-800-HELP NOW
American Red Cross
2025 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-303-4498
www.redcross.org