Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors is saddened by the devastating destruction brought upon the people of Myanmar by Cyclone Nagris. Although Myanmar’s government continues to impede international efforts to bring relief to its people, some relief organizations have been effective in delivering aid.

Particular care should be exercised by donors to ensure that their contributions will reach people in need. RPA’s recommendation is that donors consider making grants to organizations with (a) experience delivering disaster relief, (b) cultural competence to understand how care should be delivered, and (c) established operations in Myanmar.

Additionally, donors should be aware that Myanmar’s foreign exchange system frequently results in a percentage of aid money being lost. The United Nations reports that approximately US$1.5 million of its funds intended for aid were lost due to the country’s distorted foreign exchange system. However, according to Soe Tha, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, “We do have alternative ways for the international humanitarian community… to get the full dollar value of their assistance.” One recommendation is a direct bank transfer to vendors, to purchase humanitarian goods and services. ¹

RPA recommends that, in this complex situation, donors work with an experienced philanthropic advisor to ensure that their contributions support only programs and services that benefit the people of Myanmar.

Listed here are some organizations successful in delivering aid to the region. However, there is no way to know if the Myanmar government will continue to allow these organizations to deliver aid. We will continue to update this page as we learn more about the changing situation in Myanmar and the organizations that are effectively reaching its citizens.

U.N. World Food Programme
WFP has been flying helicopters to over 60 locations in the devastated Irrawaddy delta to deliver lifesaving materials.

International Rescue Committee
The IRC has a comprehensive response plan in place that includes medical assistance, health worker training, water treatment and delivery, latrine construction, distribution of shelter, household and hygiene supplies, health education and waste clean-up and management.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)
MSF has reached more than 460,000 people through its emergency aid program, delivered 939 tons of medical and relief supplies, and carried out more than 30,000 medical consultations.

Give2Asia
Give2Asia has set up a fund to support short and long term relief efforts with local partners in Southeast Asia.

Also, CARE, Myanmar Red Cross and Save the Children all have experience in the region.

For donors concerned with human rights violations in Myanmar, the U.S. Campaign for Burma is working to support grassroots advocacy efforts.

If you have additional questions, please email info@rockpa.org.