Haiti

Our hearts are heavy this week as we learn about the devastation in Haiti. I am frustrated that this happened in the one place in the western hemisphere that is the least able to help itself. I am frustrated that the news media is so enamored with finding out the death toll. I am frustrated that aid can’t get in because the roads are so bad.

What am I not frustrated about? There are a number of great organizations out there who are ready to help. When we give to new charities, I like to look up their stats to make sure they are actually stewarding their money well, rather than spending it on fancy fundraising dinners, etc. Here are some basic figures from Charity Navigator. Although these show who spends prudently, it doesn’t tell you who can have the biggest impact or who has the best resources in Haiti. I don’t know much about a number of these organizations, so sorry if they aren’t great, but the numbers mean something!

*Listed in order of highest percentage going toward program expenses

*Name of charity links to their website. Program expense % links to their Charity Navigator page

*The number of stars is assigned by Charity Navigator and is based on the above factors plus organizational efficiency and capacity (and yes, there are charities with 0 stars!)

Charity Program Expenses Admin. Expenses Fundraising Expenses Charity Nav. Rating
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries 93.7% 5.5% 0.7% ****
Save the Children 91.7% 3.7% 4.5% ****
American Red Cross 90.1% 5.9% 3.9% ***
Samaritan’s Purse 88.6% 4.9% 6.4% ****
Doctors Without Borders 87.3% 1.1% 11.4% ****
World Vision 86.7% 4.6% 8.5% ****
Compassion International 83.1% 8.0% 8.8% ****
Oxfam America 80.1% 6.1% 13.6% ****
Healing Hands International 78.3% 10.8% 10.8% ***

So for now, we pray and give, pray and give…

4 comments

  2. I love that you listed the stats for the major charities!! I’d love for you and your readers to link up or comment at Savings & Stewardship where we’ll be donating $1 to World Vision for each entry!

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