Whether earthquake, forest fire, flood or war: In humanitarian emergencies, many people in Germany are generous. But how can reputable and dubious aid organizations be distinguished?
The earthquake catastrophe in Turkey and Syria also caused consternation in Germany. Many people would now like to help. One of the most common forms: the donation. But how can I be sure that my gift really gets to where it is needed?
The German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI) checks charitable organizations for the use of their donations. Donation recipients who the DZI considers particularly worthy of support receive the DZI donation seal. So if you want to make sure that your aid money or goods get into serious and experienced hands, you should pay attention to the DZI seal.
The DZI keeps a list of the aid organizations currently involved in the earthquake region up to date.
The DZI also advises paying attention to the following five points when making donations in emergencies:
1. Competent relief organizations have priority
If a selected aid organization does not bear the DZI donation seal, donors should take a close look to see whether the organization has the necessary expertise to provide effective and efficient aid in the affected region. Important for this: Knowledge of the local conditions and a good network.
2. If possible, do not state the purpose of the donation
In order for the organizations to be able to use the donations flexibly and effectively, it is better to transfer the donation amount without express earmarking. Otherwise, the ability to act could be too limited, especially in rapidly changing situations.
3. Recognize dubious aid organizations
According to the DZI, especially in the case of major crises, free riders also make public appeals for donations, where a large part of the donations seeps away in the administration or is used for private enrichment. For example, anyone who is directed to a donation platform in social networks should definitely check the seriousness of the provider. This is possible, for example, with the DZI.
4. Beware of the exaggerated urgency of the call for donations
The DZI writes that distrust is appropriate when it comes to appeals for donations, which arouse a lot of emotions but offer little information about the concretely planned aid measures. Donors should carefully consider how and for whom the funds collected should be used. Especially when the appeal for donations does not state that the aid organization is working with partner organizations in the crisis region.
5. Cash donations are usually better than donations in kind
In earthquake aid, monetary donations are now better than donations in kind, says Burkhard Wilke, Managing Director of the DZI. Because the donations could be used more flexibly and efficiently by aid organizations.
Material goods should only be donated if reputable organizations specifically ask for them – or if the request comes from acquaintances from the unfortunate region and transport there is guaranteed.
RTL Foundation also helps
The emergency aid of the “RTL Foundation – We help children e.V.” for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria has started.
With your donation, together with our partners such as I.S.A.R. Germany, among other things, to rescue people who have been buried, to provide medical care to the injured and to carry out vital emergency aid measures such as the delivery of medicines, water and food.
Now send an SMS with the word “earthquake” to 44 8 44. (10 euros/SMS, costs for sending the SMS may apply). Then help immediately with 10 euros.
Or donate online here.
We promise: Every cent counts.
Thank you for your support!
