Robert Bluey writes:

BP, the company that caused the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history, has opted to funnel tens of millions of dollars through state governments rather than private charities doing the bulk of the work in the Gulf Coast region. By embracing government bureaucracy over private efficiency, the company is forcing charities struggling to respond to the enormous human needs—needs created by BP’s catastrophic spill—to rely on government to deliver the funding they must have to continue their crucial and irreplaceable work.
BP announced recently that it was sending $52 million to four state governments for behavioral health support and outreach programs. It has provided just $1.1 million to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, the largest social services provider in the region.
The charities have let BP know their needs. BP received an $11.5 million proposal from 27 non-profit organizations in June, but has not yet responded. Two-thirds of that money would provide direct assistance for food and housing, and the rest would support an increased demand for counseling. BP did not return a call or e-mail seeking comment on the proposal.