Washington, DC - Like you, I have been watching the reports from Haiti with a heavy heart. The destruction is overwhelming, and each day brings new stories of devastation. I am humbled by the scope of the hard work being undertaken by crisis organizations on the ground as they work around the clock to save lives and bring immediate relief to those who need it most.

Over the past few days, I have received many phone calls and emails from donors and friends asking me how they can best support the relief efforts on the ground.

To be clear, The Global Fund for Children does not specialize in disaster relief. Our work focuses on long-term strategic investment at the local level. During times of crisis, we set up emergency funds to both support the immediate needs of our partners on the ground and to work with them to develop long-term responses to the needs of their communities. For example, after the tsunami struck in 2004, we engaged in recovery and renewal efforts with grantee partners for over four years.

My advice is this: For every $10 you wish to donate, give $7 or $8 to an organization that has expertise and knowledge in immediate response. I recommend Doctors Without Borders or Partners in Health, both excellent organizations with a long history of effective work in Haiti.

Then I ask you to consider donating the last $2 or $3 to The Global Fund for Children. Working with our local grantee organizations on the ground, we have unique access at the community level. We are committed to remaining active and involved in the recovery efforts in Haiti, and we hope you will remain with us for the long term.

Throughout the next few days, you will be hearing updates from our program officer Susanna Shapiro, who has been in touch with our grantee partners in Haiti. She has also spoken with our grantees in the Dominican Republic, and their ability to react quickly in providing supplies and support to their Haitian neighbors has been invaluable.

I thank you all for the overwhelming support and solidarity that you have shown. Let’s continue to keep Haiti on our minds and in our hearts in the weeks, months, and years to come.