Haiti

Lauren — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:16:11 +0000

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…

The [Mis]Adventures of Joel and Lauren » Devastation

Haiti