EDITORIAL: A few things to consider when donating to wildfire relief

Published 3:49 pm Tuesday, January 14, 2025

We have all witnessed the heartbreaking images of residents around Los Angeles who are overwhelmed with the impact of the Palisades and Eaton fires. Many of us are seeking out ways to help.

The fires are already the most destructive in California history, destroying more than 12,000 structures — schools, churches and countless homes, according to preliminary fire estimates.

Here are some ways to help and a few things to consider:

Check For Charity Filings – Before making any donation, be sure to confirm the organization you are supporting is a legitimate 501(c)(3) charity, the Georgia Secretary of State’s office says. Ask for the organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) and search it on the IRS website, or look for the organization’s 990 tax filings.

Be Specific – Many organizations on the ground could use the support for addressing the immediate needs of those directly impacted. The Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network has compiled a list of roughly 400 efforts to help people find food, shelter, goods, pet care and other needs. The group’s goal is to directly support those on the ground in the impacted areas. Visit https://hcb.hackclub.com/donations/start/malan to view a list of organizations and lend support.

Effectiveness Matters – Take the time to look at an organization’s financial situation. Tools available online, such as those mentioned above, will provide you with the information necessary to ascertain how much of your contribution will actually go to those in need versus administrative or other costs. Ask what percentage of your donation will go to relief efforts.

Research Online – If there is a charitable organization or cause to which you would like to donate, research online beforehand to ensure the charity is right for you. The Better Business Bureau, Give.org, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, and other websites provide evaluations of different charitable organizations.

Do not share personal financial information over the phone – Do not share your credit card, debit card, or bank account information over the phone. Donate by check or credit card, rather than cash. And send the contribution directly to the organization rather than through a third party. If you donate more than $250, the organization should send you a letter confirming the size of your donation.

Tax Deductible Donations – If making a tax-deductible donation is important to you, search the database of tax-exempt organizations available on the IRS website. Before making your donation, ensure the charity you have identified is in fact tax deductible. Then, once you have donated, be sure to get a receipt for your contribution.

It can be sometimes difficult to determine if an impassioned plea for support is genuine. To assist would-be donors, GoFundMe has aggregated a list of verified fundraisers — including both impacted families and nonprofits assisting the community. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california

Lastly, please don’t forget the American Red Cross, with its volunteers working on the ground providing food, shelter and relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.