How can I donate wisely when helping the victims of a disaster?

Following news of a disaster or other emergency, many individuals and businesses want to provide immediate assistance and relief to those affected. The following questions and answers are intended to help Canadians donate wisely.

1. Which charities can I give to?

Canadians wishing to benefit from a charitable donation tax credit or deduction can give to any registered charity. Consult the CRA Charities Listings to search the list of all Canadian registered charities. Registered charities are required by law to devote their resources to charitable activities and are authorized to issue official donation receipts for tax purposes.

2. Are there certain specific charities I should give to?

While the CRA does not make formal recommendations regarding disaster relief organizations, it is wise to give money to charities that already operate in the disaster zone, and that specialize in providing relief.

3. How do I know which charities are involved in disaster relief?

The quickest way to help the victims of a disaster is to donate cash to an existing organization that offers humanitarian relief.  You can find a registered charity by searching the CRA Charities Listing.  You can also verify registration by calling 1-800-267-2384. Our toll-free telephone service is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern standard time, Monday to Friday. 

4. I want to donate to a charity, but how do I know if I will get an official donation receipt for tax purposes?

A charity must be registered in order to issue official donation receipts for tax purposes. You can verify the registered status of a charity by searching the CRA Charities Listings.

5. Is it better to donate money or supplies?

Donations of money are the fastest, most efficient way to get help to people living in a disaster zone. They allow charities that are familiar with the situation to purchase supplies based on the specific needs of the affected population.

6. I want to donate to a registered charity but I want to know more about it first. Does the CRA provide information about specific registered charities?

Yes. The CRA Charities Listings displays information (such as program areas and financial information) for 85,000 Canadian registered charities.

7. How can I protect myself from donating to a fraudulent fundraiser?

Go to Protect yourself against fraud.

8. Where can I find out more about giving to charity, tax credits, and official donation receipts?

Go to Giving to charity: Information for donors.

9. Can I set up my own registered charity?

For information about applying for registered charity status to provide disaster relief, go to Disaster relief – Applicants for charitable status.

10. Where can I find more information about disaster relief?

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Web site has good information about how Canadians can help during major disasters and other emergencies abroad. You can also check the Canadian International Development Agency and National Defence Web sites.