Giving to charity? Make sure it’s going to the right place

The harrowing images coming out of Haiti and now Afghanistan may have you wondering how you can help those affected. In Afghanistan, people have been seen clinging to airplanes as they try to escape a now Taliban-controlled Kabul. In Haiti, more than 1,200 people are dead after a 7.2-magnitued earthquake struck Saturday.

During times of crisis, social media feeds are often filled with links to fundraisers and crowdfunding campaigns looking for donations. But it’s important to be confident that the money you give actually helps those affected.

What To Do Before You Donate

The Federal Trade Commission recommends you research the causes you care about. Once you identify a charity, search for any good or bad reviews. There are also multiple organizations that can help you research charities including CharityWatch, Charity Navigator and Give.org.

Check out the charity’s website to see if they have details about the programs you want to support and how…