How to Make the Greatest Impact with Your Disaster Relief Donation

Know the charity, avoid in-kind gifts, and support long‑term rebuilding in North Carolina

When hurricanes, floods or wildfires hit North Carolina, generous donations pour in but well‑meaning contributions can sometimes overwhelm local efforts. Follow these guidelines to ensure your gift delivers maximum benefit, from immediate response through long‑term recovery.

1. Research Reputable Organizations

“Time is of the essence,” but so is effectiveness. Use national evaluators (Charity Navigator, GiveWell, Candid) alongside NC‑specific resources:

• NC 2‑1‑1: Connects you to vetted local nonprofits and volunteer coordination in your county (nc211.org)
• NCVOAD: North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster coordinates faith‑based and community groups for efficient relief (ncvoad.community)
• ReBuild NC: State partnership offering grants and contractor matches for long‑term home repairs (rebuild.nc.gov)

2. Give Cash, Not Goods

Monetary gifts allow agencies to purchase locally, supporting NC businesses, cutting shipping costs and matching supplies to real‑time needs. In‑kind donations (clothing, food, furniture) often choke warehousing and transport systems. If you must donate goods, confirm drop‑off locations and accepted items with your county emergency management office.

3. Earmark for Rebuilding, Not Just Relief

Immediate needs (shelter, water, medical aid) are critical in the first days but recovery work, home repair, infrastructure rebuilding, mental health support—follows. Consider:

• Flexible Funding: Unrestricted gifts help nonprofits pivot as needs evolve
• Recovery Committees: Support long‑term recovery groups within your local VOAD chapter
• Resilience Projects: Invest in flood‑mitigation landscaping, home‑elevation grants or community‑wide preparedness drills

4. Avoid Scams and Fraudulent Appeals

After a disaster, fake charities and phishing campaigns often target donors. To stay safe:

• Go directly to known nonprofit websites, never click unsolicited links
• Beware high‑pressure appeals demanding gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Verify 501(c)(3) status via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search or Guidestar

5. Volunteer Strategically

If you choose to volunteer on‑site:

• Register through NCVOAD or your county’s volunteer registry to align skills with needs
• Plan for housing and insurance, many agencies can’t absorb drop‑in volunteers safely
• Consider virtual support roles: data entry, call‑center coordination or fund‑matching

6. Coordinate with Local Initiatives

Engage with your city or county emergency management to leverage programs like:

• NC Emergency Management Volunteer Registry: Credentialed volunteers for shelter operations
• Community Foundations: Local funds that distribute grants based on real‑time assessments
• Faith‑Based Coalitions: Often first responders in rural areas with deep community ties

Resources and Reporting

• Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
• Candid (Guidestar): guidestar.org
• NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: File complaints against misleading appeals at ncagr.gov/consumer
• NC Attorney General’s Office: Report fraudulent charities at ncdoj.gov/complaints or 1‑877‑566‑7226

By giving wisely, researching nonprofits, prioritizing cash, planning for the long haul and coordinating locally—you’ll ensure your disaster relief donation truly helps North Carolinians rebuild stronger than before.