Thousands of donation portals to choose from. Which one is for you? That is the dilemma, we understand you go through while wanting to donate. As much as this is normal, it puts your kindness on hold, leaving you wondering where you can direct it.

And we cannot ignore the elephant in the room - the possibility of getting ripped off when donating to charity. Giving should be an experience of fulfillment, and you can achieve that by simply asking the right questions.

What questions should you ask when donating to charity?

Here’s a list that can help you:

1. What Is the Mission of the Non-profit?

An organization without a mission is like a vehicle without an engine — futile. So, take the time to understand the mission and values of the non-profit you are considering supporting.

What problems do they address, and how much do you resonate with them? Derive answers to these questions to ensure you support an organization that aligns with your values. Impact ignites when both donors and the donee organization work with the same motive.

2.  Is It a Registered Organization?

Yes, donation scams exist, and it would be unfortunate to fall prey to one and not be able to make the impact you wanted to make. Legitimacy becomes crucial when you want your donations to reach the right people and enjoy a safe donation process.

All you need to do is verify whether an organization is registered according to the applicable laws prescribed in India. This information is usually available on the non-profit’s website or through a quick online search. Every donor should take this small step to warrant safety and efficiency.

3.  How Will My Donation Help?

Your donated money is used to provide resources or services to the communities you care about. One way to show you care and confirm impact is by asking where your donations are used. Will it go towards programme development, administrative costs, or fundraising efforts?

Transparency in how funds are used is essential for establishing trust between donors and organizations. This clarity makes it easier for you to direct your best efforts towards future donors while completely trusting the organization.

4.  What Is the Impact?

Don’t undermine the power of impact; do your research. Social media handles are one of the best ways to get an idea of the charity’s latest activities. What are the organization's achievements, and what is the measure of their impact?

Research data and examples of change to make a better and more informed decision. Understanding the tangible outcomes of their work will help you gauge the effectiveness of your donation.

5.  How Do They Involve the Communities They Serve?

Beneficiaries are the best at telling you what they need. Effective organizations focus on proper data regarding the pain points of the issues they target and modify their approach accordingly. They value the feedback and results their efforts are getting from the beneficiaries.

Hence, it is crucial to support an organization that is committed enough to provide the best to its beneficiaries. A sign of such non-profits is successful beneficiary stories. They are the ones who can best inform you about whether the charity's efforts align with their claims, and this is something you should consider before donating.

6.  Do They Have a Transparent Donation Policy?

If a charity is always ‘out of reach’, run the other way. NGOs are obligated to answer your questions about where your money is used and all the minute details about it.

The best charities find unique and creative ways to update their donors about the impact their donations make. Make sure to choose an organization that does justice to your passion to give by taking you along the journey with them.

7.  How Do They Engage Donors?

Many non-profits have a provision for donors to donate more than money. Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for opportunities? Or a skilled individual wishing to share their knowledge? Non-profits might have something for you.

You can connect with non-profits that invite donors to be an active part of their regular activities. This strengthens your relationship with the cause you are supporting and gives you an opportunity to get hands-on philanthropy experience with your non-profit.

8.  What Is the Donor’s Privacy Policy?

A donation is a monetary transaction and possibly a long-term one, which means sensitive information could be accessible to your preferred organization. To avoid any safety breaches, look at the privacy policies of the non-profit before making any online donations.

Reputable charities have strict guidelines to ensure the security and privacy of all your information. You can navigate them on their websites, but if you have further queries, you should not hesitate to approach the organization for any clarification.

9.  Do They Have a Visionary Approach?

The future of dreams demands consistency. If you are donating to a smaller charity, it is worth asking about their future. Understand how they intend to make a mark in the communities they work to elevate in the long run and how you can contribute to it.

A visionary approach also requires constant coping with changing times because your dedicated time needs an organization that is proactive and targets a community with the most efficient practices.

10. Are They Registered for an 80G Tax Exemption?

One significant perk of giving is that you get much more than happiness back. You get to claim up to 50% to 100% of what you donate pertaining to the policies determined by the government of India.

Most charitable institutions in India provide 80G donation certificates to their donors, which they can use to claim income tax dedications. Verify the NGO’s tax redemption policy beforehand so you don’t miss out on these benefits. For more information on Section 80G, click here.

Responsible donation starts much earlier than when you decide to make a transaction and lasts long after that. At the end of the day, working with a charity is all about addressing questions and finding solutions as you go. The more you ask, the easier it is for you to make efficient decisions.

The Giving for Good Foundation encourages donors to raise questions that improve the efficiency of our fundraising programmes and the impact we make. It enables us to offer an improved platform for donors seeking to contribute to the domains of children's education, sports, and women's empowerment. If you are someone looking to donate to these causes, now you know how!

Exclusively written for Giving for Good Foundation by Bhairavi Hiremath