http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/how-charities-used-donations-for-haiti/?scp=1&sq=donations&st=cse

If you’re reading this, you’re probably among the estimated two-thirds of Americans who donated to help Haiti through the catastrophic earthquake of 2010. And whether you gave $10 through text messaging or $1,000 through the Red Cross, you’ve probably wondered where exactly your dollars went. The New York Times published a short article a few days ago describing the efforts of Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), which, according to it’s website, “works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of over 5,500 of America’s largest charities.” They recently published information on 41 charities, including the American Red Cross, Hope for Haiti, and Partners in Health, concerning how donations were used to aid Haiti victims. Details include immediate results, plans for long-term assistance, anticipated challenges, and collaborations with other organizations. Here at GES, we often discuss the worth and effectiveness of donating. It’s unfortunate that in this day and age, it’s likely that your money won’t be used exactly how you would imagine or hope. Several charities have even been under scrutiny recently for questionable bookkeeping and accounting. However, with innovative services like Charity Navigator, it is easier to make informed and smart donations to organizations that will use your contributions well.

- Anna Krist, Media and Marketing team member