MIT community members often inquire about humanitarian efforts. The websites listed below are excellent places to track global disasters, relief response, and provide some options for monetary donations.
- ReliefWeb: An interactive map and list created by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), with robust updates from UN agencies, NGOs and many other sources regarding alert and ongoing global disasters.
- International Committee of the Red Cross: Part of the Red Cross movement that specializes in operating in conflict settings
- Doctors Without Borders: Provides lifesaving medical humanitarian care in conflict settings
For those looking to financially support relief efforts, please follow these best practices:
- Support humanitarian organizations on the ground that are working directly with impacted communities.
- Support international aid organizations with experience and skill in responding to humanitarian disasters.
- Support local organizations connected to crises.
- Donate money, not goods, unless goods are specifically requested by reputable organizations.
- Make unrestricted donations so organizations have maximum flexibility.
- Practice due diligence by researching recipient organizations to ensure alignment and accountability.
Although we cannot recommend a specific organization to donate to, here are a few suggestions on how to research reputable agencies:
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Agency dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional disaster-related giving decisions, with a resource for basic tips for disaster giving.