Hurricane Harvey has prompted an outpouring of donations, but a common concern is whether these contributions are providing the most bang for the buck.
Paul Logli is President of the United Way of the Rock River Valley. He said since relief efforts are focused on long term recovery, cash donations are the most effective.
“Certainly dry clothing for the people that first come in is important," he said, "but usually the stuff pouring in the area is far in excess of immediate demand and not very usable.”
As for where to donate money, Logli recommends larger, established organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. But if people want to contribute to smaller groups, he recommends donors research them carefully.
“Check out their rating on Guidestar or the Better Business Bureau if you don’t know about an organization," Logli said. "You’re going to find that the larger organizations have the lower percentage going to fundraising and administration and every dollar is getting to the people that need it.”
Even among those listings, Logli says to beware of groups that may have only formed recently, as they could be scams.