donating in catastrophic event
how to ensure your money go to the one who really needs it
Estimated reading time: 10 minutesThe death toll in Vietnam from typhoon Yagi and the landslides and flash floods it triggered rose to 226 on Thursday as flood pressure eased in the capital Hanoi.
More than 100 people remain missing, while some 800 people have been injured.
The disaster has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with 130,268 houses reported as damaged and 57,857 homes submerged in water.
- updated at 0:00am September 13th, 2024
When disaster strikes, the desire to help is instinctive.
We rush to donate, hoping our contributions make a difference for those affected by the typhoon.
Yet, in times of crisis, the urgency to give often collides with the risk of falling victim to scams, inefficiency, or mismanagement. This angered me.
In Vietnam, public trust in celebrity-driven donation campaigns has significantly eroded following high-profile scandals involving figures like Mr. 24b, Mr. 14b, Mrs. 178b.
Before these scandals, public trust in celebrity-driven donation campaigns in Vietnam was considerably higher. Celebrities were often seen as reliable figures who could mobilize large sums for charitable causes, especially during disasters.
Their popularity and influence gave people confidence that their contributions would reach those in need. These campaigns were widely praised for uniting the community and providing much-needed aid quickly.
However, this trust in charitable campaigns began to unravel as concerns about mismanagement and a lack of transparency came to light.
In the chaos, how do we ensure our money reaches the right hands? And how can we trust the organizations claiming to offer relief? I want to unpack the challenges and solutions for identifying legitimate donation channels during catastrophes in Vietnam, balancing a deep respect for community-driven efforts with the need for financial accountability.
1. what are donations for?
Donations for the victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam are primarily directed towards immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts.
The funds aim to provide essential supplies like food, water, shelter, and clothing, as well as medical assistance through mobile clinics. Beyond the initial emergency response, these donations also support the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including commune health centers and district hospitals.
Other contributions are channeled towards rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods, particularly for families affected by floods and landslides. In-kind donations, such as medicine and essential goods, are also welcome to aid the communities hit hardest by the disaster.
Efforts are coordinated through trusted organizations, such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front, which works closely with local governments and international donors to ensure effective resource distribution. The recovery process, which may last up to a year, also involves volunteer groups providing logistical support and services in isolated and severely affected areas.
2. the importance of donating responsibly (in Vietnam)
Vietnam is a country where social media dominates daily life. Platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and even TikTok are not just used for entertainment—they’re often where grassroots fundraising campaigns begin. While social media can be a powerful tool for mobilizing donations quickly, it also presents risks.
During a disaster, it’s not uncommon to see personal bank account numbers circulating on social media, along with heartfelt pleas for help. While many of these campaigns are genuine, the lack of transparency and oversight can be troubling. It’s easy for scammers to set up fake accounts and disappear with the money, leaving victims and well-meaning donors empty-handed.
The landscape of giving in Vietnam requires careful navigation, especially since donations during disasters can often lack the accountability mechanisms present in more established charity operations. Understanding how to give responsibly is not just about avoiding scams—it’s about ensuring that every dollar you donate does the most good.
3. what makes a good charitable organization
There are two fundamental properties when considering an organization to donate to their campaign:
- transparency
- effectiveness
A good charitable organization, from a practical standpoint, makes it easy for everyday people to trust and contribute.
Transparency is key—trustworthy charities clearly show where donations are going, how they’re used, and the real impact they have on the ground. In other words, it’s to ensure that your money does not go into the wrong hands.
Reputable organizations will be transparent about how donations are used. They’ll provide financial reports, break down administrative costs, and explain how funds are allocated. Avoid organizations that do not offer this level of transparency or that hesitate to provide proof of their legal status.
Efficient organizations focus most of their resources on actual relief efforts, not just on office costs, so you know your contribution is being put to good use.
It also helps when the charity has a strong reputation and leadership that ensures ethical practices and accountability. When choosing where to donate, people should look for these signs, as well as rely on trusted platforms or reviews that verify the charity’s legitimacy. This makes it easier for anyone to feel confident in supporting those in need.
But transparency isn’t everything to account for when help is needed.
A truly effective charitable organization also doesn’t merely distribute aid but operates with a deep understanding of the communities it serves.
This understanding is the reason that to help the people in need, you shouldn’t just give your money to your neighbour , no matter how transparent and enthusiastic he seems, because he lacks this understanding and also expertise. He is then very likely to just buy instant noodles to give out to the richest district in Hanoi.
A flood-stricken village where roads are washed away and communications are scarce. A well-resourced organization will have established connections with local leaders and community members who can offer invaluable insights into the specific needs of the area.
Instead of sending generic supplies, they would first conduct a detailed assessment to understand the most urgent needs. They might discover that the community requires clean water, medical supplies, and rebuilding materials rather than just food. Using their extensive network, they arrange for these resources to be delivered directly to affected areas, even if that means navigating challenging terrains.
This approach ensures that aid is not only relevant but also truly beneficial, addressing the root of the problem rather than just providing temporary relief.
Finding and learning about these crucial aspects of a charitable organization might seem like one hell of a task, but it is essential to ensure that our limited resources and hard-earned money are genuinely making a difference.
By thoroughly investigating how an organization operates, from its connections and resource management to its understanding of local needs, we can be confident that our contributions are not only reaching those in need but are also used effectively to address their most pressing challenges. This diligence helps us maximize the impact of our support and ensures that every dollar is spent in the most meaningful and impactful way possible.
4. after donating
After donating, the journey doesn't end just yet.
It's essential to stay engaged by following up and requesting updates on how your contribution is being used. It’s not only
The case of a certain famous Vietnamese singer, Mrs. Narcissus, highlights the complexities and risks involved in large-scale donation campaigns, especially in the absence of robust accountability measures.
In 2020, when devastating floods hit central Vietnam, Mrs. Narcissus quickly became a national hero as she spearheaded an online fundraising campaign, raising an estimated 178 billion VND (approximately $7.6 million). Her efforts, primarily driven through social media, attracted millions of supporters. She personally distributed aid to affected areas, with heartwarming videos of her hands-on approach widely shared.
However, not long after the relief efforts began, allegations of mismanagement, insufficient transparency, and a lack of proper documentation started to surface. Critics accused her of failing to provide clear financial reports detailing how the funds were spent.
Further controversy arose when this haven’t-sung-in-a-long-time singer made a sudden purchase of luxury property shortly after her charity efforts, raising suspicions among some donors. While she defended her actions, arguing that her donations were carried out in good faith and that the property purchases were unrelated to the campaign, public trust was severely damaged.
The case sparked a national debate about the importance of transparency in celebrity-driven donation campaigns.
Apparently, the focal point of discussion was that donors didn’t have a clear avenue to track how their money was being used, and Mrs. Narcissus, despite her possibly good intentions, didn’t have the professional infrastructure to manage such large sums of money effectively.
After-donation checks—such as financial reporting, regular updates, and third-party audits—could have prevented much of the public skepticism that followed.
This case teaches a critical lesson:
Following up after donations is not just about seeing the immediate results of relief efforts; it's about maintaining trust, ensuring transparency, and protecting both donors and recipients from potential mismanagement.
Many reputable charities provide progress reports, newsletters, or social media updates that give you insight into the impact of your donation.
Keep an eye on how they communicate their efforts—are they providing concrete details, sharing real outcomes, and being transparent about challenges? This will help you assess their effectiveness.
Once the crisis has passed, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Were you satisfied with how the funds were handled? Did the organization communicate clearly and deliver meaningful results? This reflection will guide your future donations and help you make more informed decisions.
Each donation is a learning opportunity, shaping how you give next time and ensuring that your contribution continues to make a lasting impact.
5. where your donations should go to
when in doubt, turn to government organizations
If you don’t know who to trust or don’t have time or knowledge to learn about charitable organizations in Vietnam, this is a good place to start.
In Vietnam, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (Ủy ban Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam) plays a central role in coordinating disaster relief efforts at the national level. This organization, backed by the government, is a key player during times of catastrophe, often leading fundraising efforts and distributing resources to those in need.
The Fatherland Front's involvement ensures a layer of transparency that informal channels may lack. Their affiliation with the government means they are required to meet strict accountability standards, and their large-scale network across Vietnam enables them to reach even the most remote areas affected by disasters.
By donating through the Vietnam Fatherland Front, you’re contributing to a system with infrastructure in place to manage large donations responsibly and effectively.
The Fatherland Front has played a pivotal role in past crises, such as the devastating floods that hit Central Vietnam in 2020. With donations funneled through this organization, victims received food, shelter, and medical care swiftly, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated, government-backed approach in times of emergency.
You can transfer directly to these accounts:
reputable local charities
Beyond government-backed efforts, Vietnam has a host of reputable local charities that specialize in disaster relief.
While some organizations focus on specific issues like education or children’s welfare, they often shift gears during crises to provide emergency assistance. Supporting these charities not only helps disaster victims but also strengthens the long-term capacity of grassroots organizations in Vietnam.
Vietnam Red Cross Society:
As part of the global Red Cross network, the Vietnam Red Cross has the experience and infrastructure to respond quickly to disasters. Their work spans everything from providing food and clean water to medical supplies and temporary housing. During disasters, the Red Cross is one of the first organizations on the ground, making it a reliable choice for donations.
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation:
Known for their work with vulnerable children, Blue Dragon also plays a significant role in crisis response.
They’ve helped relocate families affected by floods and provided essential supplies to those who’ve lost their homes. Donating to Blue Dragon means supporting both their immediate relief efforts and their ongoing work with at-risk communities.
When donating to local charities, it's essential to verify their registration and legal status in Vietnam. Reputable organizations will openly share their tax identification numbers (MST) and provide financial reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In the aftermath of a catastrophe, every donation counts—but only if it reaches those in need.
In Vietnam, navigating the donation landscape requires vigilance, but by supporting government-endorsed organizations, reputable local charities, and trusted international groups, you can ensure your contribution makes a meaningful impact.
When donating, always prioritize transparency, accountability, and proven track records. Whether through established e-wallet platforms like Momo or trusted local community groups, your donation can help rebuild lives and provide hope in the face of disaster—if you give responsibly.