India COVID-19 crisis: Where to donate
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India COVID-19 crisis: Where to donate


India’s unfolding deadly second COVID–19 wave has left the country devastated. Harrowing scenes from overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums have left the world shocked. 

When emergencies strike it’s natural to ask the question ‘how can I help?’ and ‘where will my donation do the most good?’ While it’s gratifying to see the outpouring of generosity and the desire to help, it’s difficult in a rapidly evolving situation where we don’t have the luxury of time to provide a conclusive answer to the question of ‘where to donate’. So, we are offering some thoughts on actions you may choose to take. 

 

Continue supporting ‘silent emergencies’

It’s helpful to remember that, unfortunately, emergencies that never make the news are unfolding  everyday. We call these ‘silent emergencies’. 

In 2019 alone, roughly 14,000 children under the age of five died every day with most deaths due to conditions that could be prevented or treated with access to simple, affordable interventions. Today roughly 1 in 10 people worldwide live in extreme poverty, even though multiple charities have cost-effective, proven solutions in place that could save and transform their lives. That’s why we recommend unrestricted donations to our recommended charities –  for them to allocate where the need is greatest – even if their work is not making the headlines right now. 

 

Consider additional donations to the India COVID–19 emergency response through our recommended non-profits

Many people who already support The Life You Can Save’s recommended charities want to make additional donations to help people affected by the crisis in India. We encourage you to donate to some of our recommended charities that are responding to the COVID–19 crisis in India. We will update this list as more information becomes available: 

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA):  While face masks can slow the spread of the disease and save lives, getting people to consistently and properly wear masks has been a major public health challenge. However, a new model called N-O-R-M has shown to normalize mask-wearing and points to a scalable solution. IPA is requesting funds to help support government and non-government organizations in the urgent adaptation and implementation of the approach in India and neighbouring countries.

Read more and donate:

To donate to IPA by check or wire transfer, please click here

 

Oxfam America: Oxfam America has launched an emergency appeal to support their relief efforts in India. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S.

 

Oxfam Australia: Oxfam Australia has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. Funds will support Oxfam’s work in India and other countries where their expertise and resources are needed. Donations are tax-deductible in Australia. 

 

Oxfam India: Oxfam India has launched an emergency appeal to support their response to the crisis. According to Oxfam India, contributions by Indian residents are eligible up to 50% Tax benefit under section 80G.

 

Equalize Health (D-Rev) Equalize Health is seeking US$75,000:

“Equalize Health’s team is greatly impacted by this surge [in COVID cases]. Every member of our India team has an immediate family member with COVID-19 or has tested positive themselves. In spite of this immense challenge, our health innovation development and tele-mentoring work is ongoing,  although we are naturally experiencing a slowdown in all interactions with hospitals and research with potential users. We are launching an urgent response to both support our team and the quickly changing needs of doctors, nurses, and specialists in India.”

For more details and to donate to Equalize Health, please contact Angela Kalayjian (US, international) or Rickard Vikstrom (Australia). 

 

Research local Indian charities

We know that many people are also choosing to donate to local charities working in India. We believe that local grass-roots organizations are critical to the response, however, we’re unfortunately not in a position to recommend or endorse a specific local organization – we encourage you to do your own research and donate to charities you feel comfortable supporting.

Examples of popular local giving options include:

GiveIndia: A crowdfunding nonprofit platform, currently running fundraising campaigns for oxygen supply, food shortages, and women’s reproductive health amid the pandemic. 

The Life You Can Save has not determined these are as effective as our recommended non-profits but they generally have good reports.


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About the author:

TLYCS Admin

The views expressed in blog posts are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Peter Singer or The Life You Can Save.