(Getty)
The fires in Australia have been devastating; 18 million acres of land has been destroyed. Many people want to know how they can help provide assistance for displaced families and wildlife, or how to help the brave firefighters working to put out the flames.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance has specific advice for those wishing to donate to these Australian causes.
Australian-based charities: if you consider donating to an Australian-based charity, check out the registry of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission. While the registration with this government agency does not mean the government is recommending or endorsing the charity, it does signify that the group has filed the appropriate paperwork with this agency. The following charities located in Australia are raising funds to provide various types of assistance to people or wildlife.
While the following five entities were not evaluated by BBB Wise Giving Alliance, the American affiliates of these charities are BBB accredited (i.e., they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.):
St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia
United States-based charities. There are a number of U.S. based charities that are accepting funding to address the Australian fires. See the respective website links to find out more. The following list includes groups that are BBB Accredited (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)
American Red Cross (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Direct Relief (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Global Giving (a BBB Accredited Charity)
International Fund for Animal Welfare (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Save the Children (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Canadian-based charities. There are a number of U.S. based charities that are accepting funding to address the Australian fires. See the respective website links to find out more. There is a list of Registered Charities provided by the Government of Canada. While the registration with this government agency does not mean the government is recommending or endorsing the charity, it does signify that the group has filed the appropriate paperwork with this agency.
Salvation Army Canada (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Nature Conservancy Canada (a BBB Accredited Charity)
Helping Australian Firefighter Organizations. Some donors also may have an interest in contributing to help the firefighters themselves. There are local Australian fire service entities known as “brigades” that do accept donations to carry out their various services. If you wish to support such entities, visit an official Australian government link such as the following: NSW Rural Fire Service. Be cautious about appeals from those claiming to raise funds for Australian firefighters without any official connection to them.
Our strongest recommendation is to contribute to experienced organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, particularly in the wake of disasters. Visit Give.org to access reports on these and other charities. Experienced relief organizations are more likely to provide quick and effective assistance. Newly established entities may be well intentioned but may not have the skills and infrastructure to provide immediate help.
For more information, please see the full article Wise Giving Wednesday: Donating to Address the Fires in Australia.
