What Kind of Aid Does Japan Really Need?

The Takeaway

More than 600 nonprofits have offered relief goods and materials to the people of Japan since the earthquake and tsunami. But with the exception of twelve countries with specialized search and rescue teams and a handful of international aid organizations, the Japanese government is politely turning them down. The Japanese Red Cross Society has yet to appeal for funds. Still, just like after every major natural disaster, dozens if not hundreds of new nonprofits have been registered. In the case of a major world economy like Japan, where and how does it make sense to give?   Saundra Schimmelpfennig,  author of the blog Good Intentions Are Not Enough says that donors should sponsor local Japanese nonprofits instead of starting their own –  and give to charities without earmarking funds for Japan.  

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