The harrowing images coming out of Haiti and now Afghanistan may have you wondering how you can help those affected. In Afghanistan, people have been seen clinging to airplanes as they try to escape a now Taliban-controlled Kabul. In Haiti, more than 1,200 people are dead after a 7.2-magnitued earthquake struck Saturday.

During times of crisis, social media feeds are often filled with links to fundraisers and crowdfunding campaigns looking for donations. But it’s important to be confident that the money you give actually helps those affected.

What To Do Before You Donate

The Federal Trade Commission recommends you research the causes you care about. Once you identify a charity, search for any good or bad reviews. There are also multiple organizations that can help you research charities including CharityWatch, Charity Navigator and Give.org.

Check out the charity’s website to see if they have details about the programs you want to support and how donations are being used. Find out if the charity is registered with federal, state or local authorities. Nearly all non-church charities with more than $50,000 per year in income must file financial information with the IRS.

In New York, organizations are regulated by the Charities Bureau under the Office of the Attorney General.

You can find out if your organization will be tax deductible through the IRS’s tax exempt organization search.

Giving directly to a charity as opposed to a third-party website or middle man is more efficient, less risky and ensures your donation will not have any fees taken off the top.

Crowdfunding is popular, but also an easy target for scams. If you know the person who created the crowdfunding campaign or online fundraiser, you are more likely to know where the funds are going. It’s recommended you only donate to individuals with one degree of separation.