BBB Wise Giving: Helping those in need in Afghanistan

As the desperate situation unfolds in Afghanistan during the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces, it is difficult not to be moved by images of those seeking to flee and the immediate challenges being faced by Afghanistan citizens. A number of international relief organizations have indicated their commitment to stay in Afghanistan and continue their work to address food, shelter, and other needs and welcome continuing support from potential donors. It is likely that unfilled needs will dramatically increase as the situation worsens.

To help make informed giving decisions, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips:

• Does the organization meet BBB Charity Standards? See if there is a BBB Report indicating that the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

• Do you know about the nature of the charity’s Afghanistan efforts? Visit the charity’s website to learn about the types of activities that the organization is addressing. For example, some are seeking to help with food insecurity within Afghanistan while others may be focused on helping refugees settling in other countries. Also, charities that are unable to continue program activities due to the Taliban may still need support to help with possible future evacuations.

• Does the charity have an established presence in Afghanistan? Experienced organizations will likely be more effective in delivering assistance. It is difficult to vet newly established efforts and unlikely that they will be able to follow through, even if they have the best of intentions.

• Do you want to help allies seeking to leave Afghanistan? There are organizations, such as No One Left Behind, that provide help to allies and friends of U.S. forces that are seeking to resettle in the United States.

• Also consider helping U.S. veterans charities. Those who served in the U.S. armed forces in Afghanistan may have strong emotional responses to recent events. There are charities that seek to address those suffering from PTSD and other mental health challenges that would welcome support at this time.

The following is a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) raising funds for assistance in Afghanistan. This list will be updated as additional efforts come to the BBB’s attention. The first link shows the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Report on the charity. The second is a link to the page on the charity’s website that describes its Afghanistan activities or fundraising.

The following is a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., organizations that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) raising funds for veterans’ needs including mental health issues. If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, seek help immediately. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org which is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Disabled American Veterans – BBB Wise Giving Alliance Report – Statement on Afghanistan
VFW Foundation – BBB Wise Giving Alliance Report – Statement on Afghanistan
Wounded Warrior Project – BBB Wise Giving Alliance Report – Mental Health Services for Veterans