Best Disaster Charities to Donate to on Giving Tuesday

Here at Batten, we believe in the peace of mind that comes from preparing yourself for the worst. While great preparation can offer protection, there are always unexpected events. No one can predict or be completely ready for a natural disaster, and anyone affected by a disaster deserves our help this Giving Tuesday.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012. While every day is a good day to do good, Giving Tuesday was made to encourage people to help those in need. This year, the official Giving Tuesday falls on November 30.

7 Charities to Donate to Giving Tuesday 2024

When disasters happen (and they always seem to happen) these five charities are there to help. Choosing a highly ethical charity that truly benefits people in need can be tricky, but we have chosen a few disaster charities you can trust below.

UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is one of the most widespread and well-known welfare operations in the world. Operating in 192 countries and territories, this United Nations agency provides aid to children in need worldwide. UNICEF’s efforts are critical, especially in today’s increasingly hostile environment where children face numerous challenges.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Humanitarian Assistance: In 2024, UNICEF is appealing for $9.3 billion to reach 94 million children across 155 countries with life-saving assistance. This includes support for health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education, and child protection programs​.
• Malnutrition and Health: UNICEF is the world’s largest supplier of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), essential for treating severe acute malnutrition. In Sudan alone, 3.5 million children are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024, with over 700,000 requiring specialized treatment​.
• Education: In 2024, UNICEF aims to provide formal or non-formal education to 19.3 million children. The focus is on early learning and inclusive education for those in crisis-affected areas​.
• Water and Sanitation: 52.4 million people will gain access to clean water for drinking and domestic needs through UNICEF’s programs in 2024​.

Emergency Response: With increasing natural disasters and conflicts, UNICEF’s swift action has been crucial. For instance, in 2023, nearly 282 million people experienced acute hunger, and UNICEF’s interventions in regions like the Gaza Strip and Sudan are vital to alleviating this crisis​.

UNICEF’s work is indispensable in protecting and improving the lives of children worldwide, particularly in times of disaster and conflict. Their comprehensive programs and emergency responses ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

Click here to donate to UNICEF.

American Red Cross

For an organization a little closer to home, donate to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. Click here to donate to the Red Cross. Their work is critical, particularly as the frequency and intensity of disasters increase due to climate change.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Disaster Response: In the last 100 days, the American Red Cross responded to over 80 separate disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. This marks a significant increase from past years, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on disaster frequency and severity​​.
• Hurricane Ian: Following Hurricane Ian, the Red Cross provided more than 60,000 shelter overnight stays, served over 1.7 million meals and snacks, and distributed emergency supplies to over 36,000 households. They also offered recovery support and financial assistance to over 30,000 people​.
• Blood Donation: The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis, the worst in over a decade. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed, with the organization urging donors to make appointments to help meet hospital needs. The shortage has forced the Red Cross to limit blood product distributions to hospitals, sometimes meeting only 75% of the demand.
• Climate Change Initiatives: The Red Cross has adapted its disaster recovery programs to better support families long-term. This includes a new expanded recovery assistance program, which helps families continue their recovery journey even a year after a disaster. This program addresses ongoing needs such as housing, transportation, and financial support​.

The American Red Cross continues to play a vital role in disaster response and preparedness across the United States, ensuring that communities receive the support they need during and after emergencies. Click here to donate to the Red Cross.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) provides individuals, foundations, and corporations with the tools they need to increase the effectiveness of their disaster responses. Focused on improving disaster relief funds and systems, CDP emphasizes education, grantmaking, and consulting to maximize impact. In 2022, CDP awarded $28.2 million in grants, supporting 99 organizations across 37 countries. Their work addresses a variety of crises, including natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, ensuring that recovery efforts are effective and equitable.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Grantmaking: In 2022, CDP awarded $28.2 million in grants to 99 organizations in 37 countries, focusing on long-term recovery and capacity building​​.
• Disaster Response: CDP has been actively involved in recovery efforts for significant events like the Turkey-Syria earthquake and the Ethiopia humanitarian crisis, providing critical funding and support for food security and disaster risk reduction​​.

Click here to donate to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief exists to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. This support is available to everyone regardless of political or religious affiliation. Direct Relief is active in all fifty states and eighty countries, delivering essential medical resources and emergency response services.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Global Reach: Direct Relief has operations in all 50 U.S. states and over 80 countries, providing critical medical supplies and healthcare services.
• Emergency Response: The organization responds to numerous crises, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian emergencies, ensuring timely delivery of medical aid and relief supplies.

Click here to donate to Direct Relief.

Operation USA

Operation USA is a small international disaster relief and development agency. It aids communities in overcoming disasters, disease, violence, and endemic poverty in over 100 countries. The organization focuses on providing long-term support and development assistance to improve the resilience and recovery of affected communities.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• International Reach: Operation USA supports projects in over 100 countries, addressing a wide range of issues from disaster relief to health and education.
• Long-term Development: The organization emphasizes sustainable development and capacity building, helping communities rebuild and thrive post-disaster.

Click here to donate to Operation USA.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen provides meals in the wake of natural disasters. Founded by chef José Andrés, the organization responds to humanitarian, climate, and community crises by providing food and disaster response expertise.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Meals Served: In response to various disasters, World Central Kitchen has served millions of meals to affected communities worldwide.
• Disaster Response: The organization has been actively involved in providing food relief in crisis zones, including hurricane-hit areas and regions affected by climate change.

Click here to donate to World Central Kitchen.

GlobalGiving

GlobalGiving connects donors with grassroots projects around the world. They focus on providing support to a wide range of causes, including disaster relief, education, and health.

Recent Achievements and Statistics:

• Project Support: GlobalGiving supports thousands of projects in over 170 countries, addressing critical issues such as disaster recovery, education, and healthcare.
• Disaster Relief: The organization has raised millions of dollars for disaster relief efforts, helping communities recover and rebuild after emergencies.

Click here to donate to GlobalGiving.

Donation Guidance: Maximizing Your Contribution

To ensure your donation has the greatest impact, consider the following tips:

Research Transparency

Review each charity’s financial reports and ratings on platforms like Charity Navigator to understand how funds are allocated. This helps in making informed decisions about where your money is going.

Opt for Direct Donations

Donate directly through the charity’s official website to ensure your contribution reaches them without third-party fees. This streamlined process reduces unnecessary costs and ensures the charity receives the full benefit of your donation.

Consider Cryptocurrency Donations

Some organizations accept cryptocurrency, offering a secure and efficient way to contribute. However, ensure that the charity is set up to accept such donations before proceeding.

Leverage Employer Matching Programs

Check if your employer matches donations to double your impact. Many companies offer matching gift programs that can significantly amplify the effect of your contribution.

Additional Strategies

• Donate Appreciated Assets: Donating stocks or real estate that have appreciated in value can avoid capital gains taxes and provide a larger deduction.
• Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you are 70½ or older, consider using QCDs to donate directly from your IRA, reducing your taxable income and satisfying required minimum distributions.
• Bunch Your Donations: Combine several years’ worth of charitable contributions into one year to exceed the standard deduction threshold and maximize tax benefits.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your donations are both impactful and tax-efficient, aligning with best practices in charitable giving

Other Ways to Contribute to Giving Tuesday for Those Unable to Donate

Not everyone is in a position to make a financial contribution, but there are many other meaningful ways to support those in need on Giving Tuesday:

Volunteer Your Time: Many organizations need volunteers to help with their operations. Whether it’s sorting donations, distributing supplies, or providing administrative support, your time can make a significant difference. Check with local charities, food banks, and shelters to see how you can assist.

Raise Awareness: Use your social media platforms to spread the word about Giving Tuesday and the causes you care about. Share posts from charitable organizations, use relevant hashtags, and encourage your friends and family to get involved.

Organize a Fundraiser:If you can’t donate yourself, you can still help raise funds. Organize a virtual fundraiser, such as a charity run, bake sale, or online auction. Invite your community to participate and contribute to a worthy cause.

Donate Goods: Many charities accept donations of goods such as clothing, non-perishable food items, and hygiene products. Clean out your closets and pantry to find items that could benefit someone in need.

Offer Professional Skills: If you have professional skills like graphic design, marketing, writing, or legal expertise, consider offering your services to a nonprofit organization. Your skills can help them operate more efficiently and reach more people.

Advocate for Change: Get involved in advocacy efforts by writing to your local representatives about issues you care about, signing petitions, or participating in community meetings. Your voice can help drive systemic change and support vulnerable communities.

Help Communities in Need this Giving Tuesday

While supporting disaster relief efforts, it’s also essential to strengthen your own preparedness. Here are some proactive measures you can take:

• Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures: Ensure your anti-virus software is up to date, and utilize comprehensive security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption. Regularly train your employees to recognize phishing attempts and scams, especially those that exploit disaster-related themes.
• Enhance Home Security: Develop a business continuity plan that includes home security measures. This plan should outline how to maintain operations during and after a disaster, including alternative means of communication and steps for rebuilding physical infrastructure.
• Maintain Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have backup systems for essential functions, such as power and communication, to reduce downtime during crises. Implement redundant systems and data backups to ensure data availability during and after a disaster.

Visit the Batten Marketplace for expert-vetted solutions in home protection, cyber defense, and emergency preparedness. By taking these steps, you can safeguard your family against unforeseen events and align with the brand’s mission to empower customers with knowledge and tools for protection.

Additional FAQs for Giving Tuesday and Disaster Preparedness

Why is it important to support long-term disaster recovery efforts?

While immediate relief is critical in the aftermath of disasters, long-term recovery is equally important. Research shows that many communities struggle for years to rebuild after a natural disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notes that 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, highlighting the need for sustained support. Long-term aid helps communities restore infrastructure, rebuild homes, and regain economic stability.

What percentage of donations actually reach people in need during disaster relief?

According to Charity Navigator, well-rated disaster relief organizations typically allocate 85-90% of their funds directly to programs and services for those in need, while the remainder covers administrative and fundraising costs. This ensures that the majority of donations support those affected by emergencies. Always verify a charity’s transparency to ensure your contribution makes the maximum impact.

How does climate change affect the frequency of natural disasters?

Climate change is directly linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the number of recorded extreme weather events has increased by over 83% since 2000. This rise in disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, underscores the need for ongoing disaster preparedness and response.

What role does technology play in disaster response and recovery?

Technology plays a crucial role in modern disaster management. Drones, for example, are increasingly used to assess damage and deliver supplies in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, apps like FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Assistance app help affected individuals find shelters, apply for aid, and track recovery efforts. Technology improves efficiency in delivering relief and recovery services, making donations to tech-enabled organizations even more impactful.

How can donating goods sometimes hinder disaster relief efforts?

While well-intentioned, donating physical goods can sometimes overwhelm relief operations. According to the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), unsolicited goods can clog supply chains, divert resources, and delay the distribution of necessary items. It’s more effective to donate money, which allows organizations to purchase exactly what is needed and support the local economy in the affected region.

How does Giving Tuesday help communities prepare for future disasters?

Giving Tuesday not only supports immediate relief but also funds preparedness initiatives that help communities better withstand future disasters. The World Bank reports that every $1 invested in disaster preparedness saves $7 in recovery costs. Charities often use Giving Tuesday donations to fund emergency preparedness programs, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience-building efforts.