But how about those cheated for being compassionate, soft in the heart and wanting to help. Therefore, part with your money only after doing due diligence. In the world of cyberspace, more suckers will be born each minute!
Try this out! In the unfortunate event of a disaster, google the catastrophe together with the word ‘donation’ and see what happens. You may be able to sieve out the bogus fundraisers.
Here are some guidelines before donating:
1. Know the organization.
Who is on the Board? It is not enough knowing someone inside or a cursory check on the organisation’s website. Check whether it is incorporated. The easiest may be to find out who is the beneficiary of the cheque. Is the donee a personal name or an entity? Do not issue a cheque or Paypal or credit card a donation to a personal name.
2. Work the network.
There is a need to verify the legitimacy of the organisation using landlines. It is ok to ask for referees and testimonials. Go through their track records. Check the name of the places and the faces.
3. Know its values.
What are its vision and mission? You should agree to it. If you do not agree with their social agenda or political activism, find another one. Are they fighting for human rights or serving to alleviate human suffering? Are they politically neutral?
4. Know its operational expectations and their KPIs.
Example: 10% of the donation will go to operations and administration. All money should be on the ground within a month. How do they allocate resources?
Star – 23rd June 2008
5. Know the reporting system.
What kind of updates and in what regularity will you be getting it? Too much reporting will raise administrative costs. The key is sufficient information promptly.
6. Who are their ‘ground zero’ local partners?
Do they have a good relationship with the government of the day and local officials? I work with a friend whose network can get seats and cargo space in a C-130 military plane to get to the disaster zone. Another partner knows a Cabinet Minister in the country.
For example, the Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar and the lands near the Bay of Bengal in 2008. The Western world tried to help but was not allowed due to political differences. MERCY Malaysia was on ground zero in a jiffy. WorldVision was already inside and just expanded on their work.
7. Do they outsource their fund-raising?
One may lose up to 80% of their donations at the onset to pay for these companies’ expenses.
8. Above all else, be generous.
When we are ready to give, be cheerful and liberal as the funds can make a big difference in some families to get back their lives and livelihood.
