When life is upended by the unexpected, people may need assistance to get back on their feet. Millions of Americans experienced this firsthand as COVID-19 caused sweeping job losses. The single largest form of aid was direct cash assistance, primarily in the form of stimulus checks. This form of support, known as cash transfers, have been a tool of NGOs for years.

Putting money directly into the pockets of people in need, cash transfers are a vital form of aid. This has been especially true in developing countries, which have been particularly hard-hit by conflict, the climate crisis and COVID-19.  For example, when locusts plundered farms across Somalia, families needed a fast way to replace their lost source of food and income. With emergency support of just $60, families were able to regain stability and plan for their future.

Below are some of the ways that cash transfers are a smart part of humanitarian assistance.

  • Benefit #1 – Empowering people in need
  • Benefit #2 – Strengthen local markets
  • Benefit #3 – Lessens environmental impact

Read the full article about cash transfers at Charity Navigator.