Where to Submit an Incentive Check
I have not received my incentive check yet, but I have already decided that I am going to donate any amount of money received. Why? Because I have been constantly working throughout the entire coronavirus pandemic, which means that I do not need to reimburse the lost income. I also don’t have to put the check into an emergency fund (I’m fine) or pay off my debts (I have no debt since 2016). From my point of view, the best thing I can do with this money is to use it to help others.
If you are also considering donating your incentive check or any kind of charitable contribution to help people affected by COVID-19, there are four reputable charities and organizations that you should consider. Each of the following organizations received 4 out of 4 stars on the Charity Navigator , which ranks charities based on accountability and influence.
CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization created by Congress to mobilize the resources of the philanthropic and private sectors to support the Centers for Control and Advocacy’s critical health work. This work is critical right now, so consider donating to the CDC Foundation.
Disaster Charity Center
The Disaster Charity Center gives you the opportunity to contribute to the COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund, which will be used to support coronavirus-related preparedness, containment, response and recovery activities. Charity Navigator has highlighted the Disaster Charity Center on its list of non-profit COVID-19 response organizations , so it is highly recommended.
Feeding America
Feeding America is the largest national hunger organization with a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and nutrition programs across the country. As more and more people and families now rely on food banks, donating to Feeding America can literally feed people.
(I donated to Feeding America at the end of March, if you’re interested.)
GiveDirectly
If you would like to give incentive money directly to a family in need, GiveDirectly will do the job:
We are responding to this crisis by doing what we have been doing for ten years: delivering money. Each family will receive $ 1,000, and we expect that the main constraint on how much we can reach will be how much we can raise.
GiveDirectly works with Propel to identify families and households in need, and you can donate money to the general COVID-19 fundraiser or request that your donation be directed to a family in the Bay Area , Las Vegas , New York, or Seattle .
You can also sign a GiveDirectly pledge to #PassTheCheck , which is exactly what it sounds like: a promise to pass your incentive check to a family that needs it most.
I just signed the bond – and as soon as my check arrives, I’ll hand it over.