Giving right away is important for immediate needs, says Ruth Messinger, a social justice consultant who formerly headed the American Jewish World Service. Bu… See more

Perhaps most obvious, you should get a receipt for your donation for tax purposes; if you don't receive one, something's amiss. Also beware of potential scams: asking you to send mo… See more

For humanitarian disasters like this, giving flexibly is the best way, says Morgan of Save the Children. Not having funds tied to any specific activity area allows the organizatio… See more

All three experts emphasize: Give cash! Says Messinger: "Especially after an earthquake there is no reliable way to get any [specific items] to people. You're doing the vetting t… See more

"There was a humanitarian crisis for many of these communities pre-earthquake, and this crisis has put them into a deeper crisis," says Morgan. That means that recovery is … See more