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It’s important to research charities to fully understand how they might — or might not — spend your money. Charity Navigator, charitynavigator.org, is a good resource.

But high ratings might not always be enough. Despite earning three stars from Charity Navigator, the American Red Cross has faced strong criticism in recent years for its response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, stemming from a ProPublica and National Public Radio investigation that suggested that the group had badly mismanaged relief efforts. (The Red Cross has disputed the criticism.) The organization also recently apologized for temporarily suspending registrations for financial assistance for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Each group below has earned the top rating, four stars, from Charity Navigator, which grades charities based on transparency and financial health. All Hands Volunteers: All Hands works with local volunteers and groups to respond to natural disasters. With Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, it is focusing its efforts on the U.S. Virgin Islands.“Our help is needed in the islands, so that’s where we’ll be,” said Erik Dyson, the group’s chief executive. AmeriCares: The relief and development organization, which provides health services to those in need, said that it was working with officials in Puerto Rico to stock emergency shelters with medical supplies. It has also airlifted $1.8 million worth of medicine and supplies to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Catholic Relief Services: Donations to the faithbased group will help to provide shelter, water, tarps, tents, kitchen kits and other supplies to families affected by the storm, it said.

Convoy of Hope: Another faith-based initiative, Convoy of Hope provides food, water and emergency supplies to those in need throughout the world. Direct Relief: Direct Relief reported that it was working with local authorities to deliver a shipment of medicine and medical supplies to islands in the region. It also said it was working to provide insulin to 120 displaced dialysis patients. GlobalGiving: This crowdfunding website connects donors to nonprofits and companies around the world. Donations will be spent first on the immediate needs of victims and then on longerterm recovery efforts “run by local, vetted organizations,” according to the website. Heart to Heart

International: This group was already providing medicine, medical care and aid to victims of storms in Texas, the Florida Keys and Haiti, when it sent two teams to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. It also sent thousands of health and hygiene kits to St. Lucia and St. Martin last week. International Medical Corps: The group has been working with local authorities to provide emergency care after Hurricane Irma and said it had moved medical supplies into place ahead of Hurricane Maria. One America Appeal: All five living former presidents have united to raise money for One America Appeal, a fund administered by the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Donations will be distributed to a variety of funds aimed at helping storm victims in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas and Florida. — THE NEW YORK TIMES