Katrina, Tsunami Lessons Can Inform Haiti Fundraising

And just as of today, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University reported that $189.9 million has been donated to 43 organizations for relief efforts. This tracks with the five-day fundraising response to the Asian tsunami and the 2005 hurricanes.

Giving USA Foundation and Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits urge citizens to give wisely yet cautiously. The two organizations, headquartered in Glenview, Ill., have been tracking charitable contributions since 1954, and also provide advice to nonprofit organizations around the world. The emotionally draining images being broadcast are riveting and striking, and bolster the natural desire of Americans to respond to need; they donated an estimated $307.65 billion to charity in 2008.