Five Questions to Ask Before You Donate to an NGO
“You’ve just come across a heartwarming video on social media. A little girl gets her first pair of school shoes, thanks to an NGO. The Donate button is tempting. But before you click, ask yourself— how do I know this money will actually reach her?”
At HelpYourNGO, we believe that giving should be driven by both heart and head. Your hard-earned money deserves to make a real, measurable difference—not just in headlines, but in homes and hopes.
So, before you make your next donation, ask yourself these five essential questions:
1. What does the NGO actually do—and how clearly do they explain it?
Can you understand their mission in one sentence? That’s a good start.
Now dig deeper. Does the NGO work in education, health, livelihoods? Are they focused on short-term relief or long-term change? Do they say how they do what they claim?
✅ Tip: Look for specific project descriptions, target groups, and geographies. Vague words like “empowering communities” are great—but without details, they’re just fluff.
2. Are they financially transparent?
Would you invest in a company that doesn’t show you its books? Probably not.
It’s the same with donations. Ask for or look up their audited financials, fund utilization reports, and admin cost ratios. If an NGO is listed on HelpYourNGO.com, we’ve already done that homework for you.
✅ Red flag: If an NGO hesitates to share how much goes towards admin versus programs, hit pause.
3. Who runs the show—and can you trust them?
Leadership matters. Do the trustees and management have a credible track record? Are they professionals in their domain—or are there family-run vibes with no checks and balances?
✅ Bonus: Look up the governing board. A healthy mix of independent advisors shows strong governance.
4. What’s the proof of their work?
Impact stories are great. But numbers matter too.
Do they publish outcome data, case studies, or third-party evaluations? Is the change they’re claiming—improved reading levels, reduced dropout rates, better livelihoods—measured or just mentioned?
✅ Better yet: Look for NGOs that are open about what didn’t work. Honesty is a hallmark of mature organizations.
5. Will my donation be used where it’s needed most—or just where it’s visible?
We get it—everyone wants the photo with the giant donation cheque. But genuine change often happens in invisible ways: like paying a field staff’s salary or maintaining classroom materials.
If an NGO prioritizes visibility over viability, you might want to think twice.
✅ Smart giving: Ask if your donation will go into a specific project, or into a general fund that allows them flexibility to respond where the need is greatest.
Still unsure? Let HelpYourNGO help you.
We exist for thoughtful donors like you.
At HelpYourNGO, we verify NGO credentials, decode financials, and break down complex reports—so that you can give with confidence. Whether you’re supporting a cause for the first time or planning a recurring donation, we help match your intentions with credible organizations.
Want to explore NGOs that are doing real, measurable work? Browse verified NGOs here.
Because your kindness deserves clarity.
Regards
Niharika Singh
Manager, HYNGO
