Assisting Japan: how to make sure that your money goes to the right place

The events that unfolded in Japan last week's horrific, sad and devastating. ?The country was facing death and destruction at the hands of the massive 9.0-magnitude quake and subsequent tidal waves. Now they are also on the brink of nuclear catastrophe. ?Many countries and organizations pledging volunteers, supplies and money to help. ?But what about you, the average Joe citizen, how can you help? ?How can you be sure that your hard-earned money is actually going to go to the people who need it? ?How can you be sure that it will get there as quickly as possible, rather than months later? ?How can you be sure that half of what you give is not going to "administrative fees"? ?If you are inclined to donate, please keep in mind, I created a guide before you write that check to deposit that cash or press the Send button.

Find a reputable charity

A great resource to look up a charity to donate — CharityNavigator.com. ?By using this website, you can search their database of charities and find what you are looking for. ?Every charity has assessment, as well as complete and detailed profile. ?Includes information such as the effectiveness of the Organization, how much goes to administrative costs and so on. ?There are also links that will take you to a charity site, where you can fill in your donation.

See where your money goes

Beware, an organization that guarantees you that 100% of your donation goes to help the victims or particular efforts. ?They probably isn't reliable. ?Every organization even non-profit charities, there is some overhead. ? To make sure that you get the most bang for your buck, you want to make sure that you avoid middlemen. ?Some groups may simply collect money and then transfer it to more practical charitable organizations. ?Avoid dispersal of United States by giving directly to groups that are already on the ground and assist victims in Japan.

Be skeptical of offers that promise to donate the money on things you buy

Lady Gaga's heart may be in the right place with the new bracelet she began, all profits going to help the victims in Japan, but you don't really helps as you could. ?If your goal is to help and not score some cool gear you better provision directly to charity. ?The value of that $ 5 is not going to Japan, are only a profit, and that the company might consider "profit" can be kind of sketchy. ?Of the five dollars, subtract the cost of the new item, etc. ?If you're going to spend anyway though, by all means, spend at least part will go to the rescue.

Remember to put together a package of services

Although it may be tempting to put together a "care" package for needy families in Japan, this is probably not the best idea. ?Right now, infrastructure badly damaged in some areas, making things like delivering packages. ?It is also a logistical nightmare. ?You better give a group with people on the ground and the plan of action.

Revise Texting your donation

Make a donation via simple text message became popular during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti ′s. ?But one thing, it seems that many people are unaware that there is a delay between when you send money. ?Charities don't get it at least 30 days later. ?Although Japan is likely to need help for many months and years, if you want your money to help immediately, it is better to send them a check or money order by mail. ?They'll get it much faster this way. ?Even using your debit card or Paypal balance is much faster. ?Just keep in mind that when you donate digital, there will be hidden fees from your total donations, so it will be diluted slightly.

Avoid newly formed charities

A new charity from Earth is difficult in itself. ? In the midst of the catastrophe was almost impossible to succeed. ?You don't trust your life savings from the financial firm, has not only opened and whose employees have zero experience, so why would you donate a new charitable organization? ?Find a charity with a proven history of success, and, ideally, one is already on the ground in Japan. Research before you write that check.

Beware of scams

As a result of natural disasters, it seems that whilst there are many people willing to help, there are also many types of unsavory characters looking to cash in on your goodwill for their own devious means. ?Are you better at your money address formal organization than passing person comes around collecting donations. Although they can actually do quite well, chances are they just want to run off with your money.

Some carefully verified charities that I recommend

Doctors without borders USAAmerican CrossSave ChildrenRelief InternationalFood red for HungryDirect assistance InternationalAmeriCaresAction against HungerCatholic medical mission BoardWorld HopeOxfam GivingInternational medical CorpsConvoy VisionGlobal America

All of these organizations are have high rankings on CharityNavigator.com, and people are already in Japan, the distribution of aid. ?You can find additional lists of reputable organizations to allow your donation on their site as well. ?If you don't see charity lists or my list here or on the list that this does not mean that it's a scam, but you want to make sure that you first do your research.

Julie McCormick as, a freelance writer and co-owner of the Cleveland leader, visit the Technorati Top 100. She is married and mother of two small children. You'll often find her playing around with the latest tech gadgets, messing around with the code or writing storm. She has a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communications and spent nearly a decade working in one of the largest public libraries in the United States before calling it quits, embarking on a new path.

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