Tips On Assessing NGOs

HelpAge India

Tips on Assessing NGOs Most NGOs are funded by donations from the general population while some receive funding from volunteers. They can be charities, or act as the medium for political, religious, or other endeavors. Many of the charities are registered for tax-exemption. Donating to an NGO would fulfill one’s social responsibility. Before donating to any random NGO, however, one must do adequate research. Given below are a few things to check before committing to a charity.

Researching NGOs 

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First and foremost, one must identify where his/her preference lies in terms of the type of charity, such as environment protection, animal welfare, aiding sick children, etc., and where the NGO would operate, whether in one’s own neighborhood, province, country or in other countries as well.

After identifying one’s preferences, he/she must search for charities that would meet the decided criteria.

It is important for one to check the mission of any specific charity by observing its description given on its website, or on other websites and select the NGO that best fits his/her values.

One should exclude charities that don’t match his/her values.

Assessing NGOs 

One must ensure that the NGO he/she is evaluating is legitimate in that it is recognized by the IRS to provide tax exemptions for any donation under 80g section of the Income Tax Act of 1961. This can be verified by requesting for the letter of determination of the organization.

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For faith based organizations, one must ask to view the organization’s listing in the official directory for its denomination.

One should compare the finances of different charities that are involved with similar fronts, as the type of work an organization does can influence its operation costs drastically.

An established NGO would have a clear and defined mission and goals that are easily achievable. Thus, obtaining these facts related to any organization is necessary.

It is highly recommended to avoid charities that don’t conduct their operations professionally. These charities would implement pressure tactics, hesitate to share information, and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Reputed Charities will be patient and willing to share information regarding themselves.

NGOs with any accomplishments to boast of should be given a higher priority compared to other organizations.

Miscellaneous Tips   

One is advised to deal with the chosen NGOs directly instead of donating through telemarketers, who may take some part of your donation.

One shouldn’t forget about his/her contribution after making it. He/she must further support the organization by following up with them, check their progress since he/she made the donation, whether the NGO met its promises, etc.

If one is instinctively doubtful about a particular NGO, he/she mustn’t contribute to it and is advised to choose another organization with similar values and aims.

Final Thoughts It is imperative that the NGO one donates to is verifiably registered by the IRS and thus, provides tax exemptions on any donation under sec 35 ac of the Income Tax Act of 1961. The NGO must be transparent in its approach and interacted with directly. In conclusion, the abovementioned tips are important

https://www.helpageindia.org Toll Free No Elder Help Line 1800-180-1253

HelpAge India C-14, Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi - 110016