Help me help Japan

March 13, 2011 7:48 AM

I'd like to send aid to Japan, but I'm not sure where to donate. Suggestions? Thanks!

Where can I donate to aid Japan that will do the most good (sorry, I'm not even sure how I would define that)? Ask suggested Partners in Health for Haiti, so I'd like to give to an organization like that for Japan.

posted by cestmoi15 to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Whatever you do, please, please do not earmark the money.

The organization is on the ground and has a far better idea of what is needed the most. Earmarking funds may force the organization to spend money where it’s not needed and keep it from spending money where it’s need the most. After the tsunami in Thailand an organization had money earmarked for two semi’s of rice, by the time they arrived in the area 4 months after the tsunami shipments of rice were no longer needed. Because the money had been earmarked the organization had to contact a number of donors to get permission to use the money in different ways. If you trust the organization allow them to make professional decisions on how to best use your donation, if you don’t trust them then find another organization to donate to.

posted by Mr C at 7:57 AM on March 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

There are lots of alternative in this MeTa thread: http://metatalk.metafilter.com/20449/Any-MeFites-in-Japan
posted by tommasz at 7:57 AM on March 13, 2011

Best answer: This question has some good suggestions, including the Charity Navigator recommendations.
posted by sharkfu at 8:34 AM on March 13, 2011

Response by poster: Thanks. I'm embarrassed I missed the previous question.
posted by cestmoi15 at 10:11 AM on March 13, 2011

Japan is a rich country that can fund its own recovery. You'll do more good by sending your money to an organization that works in Africa or maybe one that helps the poor in your own area.
posted by Gringos Without Borders at 8:13 PM on March 14, 2011