On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck China's Sichuan Province, followed by a series of strong aftershocks measuring up to magnitude 6.1. Chinese officials estimate that millions of homes have been destroyed, and in some areas more than 80 percent of structures are reported to have collapsed. Tens of thousands of people have been killed while many more remain missing.

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) announces its top-rated list of charities conducting relief efforts in China. AIP, a leading charity watchdog that issues letter grade (A+ to F) ratings of nonprofit groups, identifies the following charities, which are providing aid to the victims that receive an “A” or “B” grade based on the portion of their budget going to program services and their fundraising efficiency:
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• Church World Service (A)

• Habitat for Humanity International - N.O. (A-)

• Mercy Corps (A)

• Oxfam - America (A-)

• Save The Children (A)

• U.S. Fund for UNICEF (A)

• World Vision (A-)

All of the above charities perform favorably in relation to AIP’s benchmarks:
1) A charity should spend at least 60% of its budget on program services.
2) Charities should spend no more than $35 to raise $100.

Contact your favorite charities to find out if they provide the specific types of aid that you would like to fund, e.g., emergency relief, health care, infrastructure development, education, etc. AIP recommends giving to organizations that have an on-the-ground presence in the area in which relief operations are taking place.

DONORS BEWARE
Americans wanting to help people facing the humanitarian crisis in China should send contributions to only those charities with an established track record of helping people in this region. During a highly publicized crisis, it is common for disreputable, fly-by-night “charities” to take advantage of the public’s generosity.

SEND A CHECK, NOT GOODS
The best way to help is by sending a check. Cash donations enable charities to buy the most needed type of food, medicine, clothing, shelter materials and other supplies. By buying relief products locally or regionally, charities can reduce shipping costs and more rapidly deliver assistance. Before sending any goods, first contact the charity to find out if they are appropriate and if it will be cost effective to distribute them. For example, after the tsunami, boxes of donated winter coats, scarves and fuzzy hats, completely useless items in tsunami stricken nations with tropical climates, were sent to these nations.