Recent storms have resulted in the worst flooding in more than 50 years in the southeastern Mexican state of Tabasco. According to UNICEF, the flood has affected more than 1 million people – an estimated one-third of them children – and the BBC has quoted the state's governor as saying that 70% of Tabasco was flooded, destroying 100% of its crops. Thousands of families have become homeless due to the floodwaters, with limited access to food, medicine and potable water.

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) announces its top-rated list of charities offering aid to the estimated 1 million people that have been affected. AIP, a leading charity watchdog that issues letter grade (A+ to F) ratings of nonprofit groups, identifies the following 14 relief 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:
Note: Links will open in a new window

• Catholic Relief Services (A)

• Medical Teams International (B+)
  

• Operation USA (A-)

• Save the Children USA (A)

• World Vision (B+)

All of these 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.

DONORS BEWARE
Americans wanting to help people facing a humanitarian crisis in Mexico 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, during the Bosnian War (1992–1996), 37.5 million pounds of inappropriate medicines were donated.