14 votes

Charity and volunteer work in a time of crisis

Posted by skybrian (edited )
Tags: ask.discussion, charities, volunteering, coronaviruses.covid19, work

Many people have plenty to do just figuring out how to protect themselves and take care of their families. Others are busier than ever with essential jobs. But at least some of us are stuck at home and could probably be doing more to support the common effort, something besides avoiding infection and watching it happen.

There are many to choose from, but what charities do you think are most deserving of support, and why? What are good ways to volunteer?

Edit: LessWrong has a section of their link database devoted to work and donations

11 comments

  2. [4]
    cfabbro
    (edited )
    Link
    Charity Navigator is currently recommending donating to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 Response Fund (which is a 4 star organization, by their metrics), amongst many others which...

    Charity Navigator is currently recommending donating to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 Response Fund (which is a 4 star organization, by their metrics), amongst many others which they list at the bottom of the first article I linked.

    4 votes
    1. [3]
      skybrian
      Link Parent
      Thanks! I don't really trust Charity Navigator's ratings (I'm more a fan of GiveWell) but I'll check it out.

      Thanks! I don't really trust Charity Navigator's ratings (I'm more a fan of GiveWell) but I'll check it out.

      2 votes
      1. [2]
        cfabbro
        Link Parent
        I trust them in so far as understanding that it's basically just a financial transparency and spending ratio assessment and often times that leads to them treating charities too harshly that don't...

        I trust them in so far as understanding that it's basically just a financial transparency and spending ratio assessment and often times that leads to them treating charities too harshly that don't necessarily deserve it, but is there any other particular reason you don't trust them?

        1 vote
        1. skybrian
          Link Parent
          Basically what you said, they're okay but don't tell me what I want to know about effectiveness. Sorry, my wording was unclear.

          Basically what you said, they're okay but don't tell me what I want to know about effectiveness. Sorry, my wording was unclear.

          1 vote
  3. skybrian
    Link
    It looks like some of the people who helped launch Obamacare website are looking for volunteers. See https://www.usdigitalresponse.org/ I put my name in and we'll see if they have a match.

    It looks like some of the people who helped launch Obamacare website are looking for volunteers. See https://www.usdigitalresponse.org/

    I put my name in and we'll see if they have a match.

    2 votes
  4. FishFingus
    Link
    I like the British Heart Foundation. The shop at which I volunteered has been closed for the next couple of weeks due to low customer numbers, and they're no longer doing pick-ups from homes due...

    I like the British Heart Foundation. The shop at which I volunteered has been closed for the next couple of weeks due to low customer numbers, and they're no longer doing pick-ups from homes due to the virus risk. Obesity and alcoholism are endemic in Scotland, so they always need support.

    2 votes
  5. [2]
    skybrian
    Link
    Besides their usual work in Africa, GiveDirectly is raising money for giving cash to families in the US. I assume they will be looking to do what the government doesn't do?...

    Besides their usual work in Africa, GiveDirectly is raising money for giving cash to families in the US. I assume they will be looking to do what the government doesn't do?

    https://www.givedirectly.org/covid-19/

    1 vote
    1. skybrian
      Link Parent
      GiveDirectly now has local funds for the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

      GiveDirectly now has local funds for the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

      1 vote
  6. skybrian
    Link
    The Frontline Responders Fund is delivering masks, gowns, gloves, and other supplies to hospitals around the world.

    The Frontline Responders Fund is delivering masks, gowns, gloves, and other supplies to hospitals around the world.

    1 vote