American Charities Concerned About Tsunami Relief Funds Impacting Domestic Aid

Strategic Insights -

As the US donation efforts for tsunami relief continue to pour in, American charities are voicing concerns that the massive influx of funds may divert attention and resources away from domestic aid programs. According to a new CNN-USA Today-Gallup Poll, 45% of Americans have donated money in the two weeks since the tsunami struck, while 26% are considering it. However, some charities are worried that the generosity towards tsunami victims may mean less money for those in need here at home. Non-profit organizations like Martha's Table and the Los Angeles Foodbank are revising their fund-raising plans, concerned that the disaster may affect their ability to raise money for domestic causes.

Key Takeaways:

  • 45% of Americans have donated money to tsunami relief efforts in the two weeks since the disaster struck, according to a CNN-USA Today-Gallup Poll.
  • 26% of Americans are considering donating to tsunami relief efforts, as reported by the same poll.
  • Some American charities are concerned that the massive donations to tsunami relief may divert attention and resources away from domestic aid programs.
  • Non-profits like Martha's Table and the Los Angeles Foodbank are revising their fund-raising plans, citing the potential impact of the tsunami relief efforts on their ability to raise money for domestic causes.
  • Smaller groups, such as Rachel's Women's Center, are more concerned that the tsunamis will make it harder for them to raise money, with director Dawn Swan stating that the lack of concern for domestic issues is "what's bothersome."
  • The Chronicle of Philanthropy editor Stacy Palmer notes that US non-profits are already dealing with state and federal budget cuts and increased competition, making them nervous about anything that could jeopardize private donations.

Statistics:

  • 45% of Americans have donated money to tsunami relief efforts.
  • $25 and $500 were the amounts of two recent donations received by Martha's Table.
  • The Los Angeles Foodbank is the second-largest in the country.
  • The disaster has prompted some non-profits to revise their fund-raising plans, such as the Los Angeles Foodbank, which is considering moving direct-mail campaigns back a month.

Sources:

  • CNN-USA Today-Gallup Poll
  • Martha's Table
  • Los Angeles Foodbank
  • Stacy Palmer, Editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy
  • Dawn Swan, Director of Rachel's Women's Center
  • NPR News
  • Libby Lewis, NPR News Correspondent