The best way to help those affected by a disaster overseas is to make a monetary donation to a reputable humanitarian organization working in the disaster zone.

As a U.S. government agency, USAID does not accept donations for its crisis response efforts, but non-governmental organizations may issue appeals for donations depending on the crisis.

There are several ways to identify reputable, established organizations that make the most of monetary or material donations:

• The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) posts lists of organizations that are responding to particular disasters.
• InterAction, a coalition of non-profit humanitarian organizations, frequently posts list of responding members on its website.
• GlobalGiving may list disaster-recovery projects that would benefit from public support.

"Watchdog” organizations that offer information on responding organizations include: The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, The American Institute of Philanthropy, GuideStar, and Charity Navigator.