Today’s Wall Street Journal had an article on how Katrina have prompted a record pace of giving. It seemed that the rapid influx of donations have caused many organizations to better show their accountability in the use of raised funds. The America Red Cross, after it’s prevoius issue with the 9/11 Liberty Fund has now provided much more detailed information on their website pertaining to the services that they provide the disaster victims.

If you’re considering about giving, it’s important to take a look at how some of these organizations use your money. The WSJ article also listed some resources where you can find more informations and tips when you decide to give.

I’ve browse through the sites the WSJ article listed, and found the relevant pages. Here’s the list:

  • Charity Navigator – Provides a list of charities that are assisting in the relief effort, and a efficiency review on each of them.
  • American Institute of Philanthropy – Provides list of charities that are in the relief effort and provide with a grading of each charities.
  • IRS.gov – Internal Revenue Service’s information on charitable giving and tax relief issues for diaster victims.
  • Wise.org – Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Provides review and rating for charities involving in the relief operation.

Like many of us, I have been following the relief efforts. I only hope that the number of fatalities aren’t as high as we all fear…