Though misunderstood at first, Doctors Without Borders’ bold decision to stop accepting tsunami-relief donation could help revive public trust in nonprofits.

By Paul Barbagallo

Ultimately, MSF’s prudent decision to cap funding for relief efforts drew hasty criticism from the media, which predicted the stance would undercut an unprecedented wave of private giving to provide relief for the region. (In all, more than $750 million had been donated to American charities helping the tsunami victims at press time.)