The Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a list of the top tips for donors, providing up-to-date information about smart philanthropic ways to help the people in the Philippines.

“Philippine Typhoon: How Can I Help?” connects donors with credible, effective ways to assist the survivors after a natural disaster. For donors who have only $10 or $25 to give, it may be a challenge to identify organizations that are well positioned to help with immediate needs, such as food, water, shelter and medical assistance. The Center’s online guidance helps donors who want to know how their contribution can make the biggest difference.

While donors may feel the need to give items like food, clothing or blankets, these well intentioned efforts might actually be unhelpful. Getting these items to the people in need requires organizations to manage a secondary supply chain of donated items, when they are already getting the items that are needed through more efficient channels. 

Instead, the Center’s top tips suggest donors can best help by providing financial donations to first-responder non-profits, such as the Philippines Red Cross or the World Food Program. Such gifts allow first responders to deliver what is needed faster and more cost-effectively.  Just as important, it allows for flexibility as needs can change quickly.

Katherina Rosqueta, founding executive director of the Center and the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, has been in contact with the leaders of non-governmental organizations in the Philippines, who are working on the front lines for disaster response.

Rosqueta and her team of researchers are monitoring developments and coordinating with partners, such as the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, to make certain they are delivering the best possible guidance.

“Around the world, images and news from the Philippines are creating an outpouring of generosity. It can be overwhelming,” Rosqueta said.  “Our guidance is meant to cut through the noise, so that donors can understand the needs on the ground and how exactly they can best help.”

“Philippine Typhoon: How Can I Help?” is available here.

The Center for High Impact Philanthropy is a multi-disciplinary resource established by alumni of Penn’s Wharton School and housed at the School of Social Policy & Practice.  It provides independent analysis and decision-making tools to ensure that philanthropic dollars have the greatest possible impact.