Charity Navigator Offers Tips For Donating to California Fire Victims

(KNSI) – In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, Minnesotans will be opening up their pocketbooks to help their fellow Americans rebuild.

Charity Navigator CEO Michael Thatcher has a couple things to think about before making a donation. First, find an organization that can guarantee it has “feet on the street” and a fund dedicated solely to the fire. Second, figure out the cause you are passionate about.

“The other thing you want to think about is, what’s the difference you want to make? Do you want to provide help to first responders? That’s still really needed right now because the fires are still burning, but then there’s long-term shelter, there’s temporary shelter, there’s medical aid. Pick the area that you want to make a difference in, and then find a great nonprofit doing that.”

Thatcher says you don’t necessarily need to donate to large-scale organizations that operate on the national level, like the American Red Cross. He believes there’s also a role for targeted local nonprofits during a rebuild.

Remember to budget for charitable giving. Thatcher understands it is easy to get caught up in the video on our television screens, but he urges discretion when making a donation to help the victims.

“I think it’s important that we give within our means. We need to be generous. It’s important, I mean, generosity and giving back is part of who we are as human beings. Give generously, but give with intent.”

Thatcher points out that nonprofits have staffing needs year-round. He suggests finding causes important to you and setting up a regular giving schedule, rather than waiting for a catastrophe to strike.

Damage estimates from the fires now run as high as $250 billion.

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