Image
Group of smiling boys leaning on USAID food bags

The best way to help those affected by a disaster overseas is to make a monetary donation to a reputable humanitarian organization working in the disaster zone.

As a U.S. government agency, USAID does not accept donations for its crisis response efforts, but non-governmental organizations may issue appeals for donations depending on the crisis.

There are several ways to identify reputable, established organizations that make the most of monetary or material donations:

"Watchdog” organizations that offer information on responding organizations include: The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, The American Institute of Philanthropy, GuideStar, and Charity Navigator.