Questions to Ask Before Donating to a Charity

The holidays can make us feel stressed, blessed, out of breath and a lot of things in between. For some, one of those prominent feelings this time of year is charitable. Giving to a cause you care about is more meaningful when you know your donation is being used wisely. Before you click “donate,” it’s worth pausing to do a little digging. Here are a few key questions to ask so your contribution truly aligns with your values.

 

  1. What’s the charity’s mission?
    Start here. A clear mission statement tells you what the organization is all about and where it’s headed. Reading it helps you decide if their goals actually line up with the causes you want to support.

 

  1. How is the money being used?
    Your donation should fuel impact, not just overhead. Look for transparency: a breakdown of what percentage goes to programs versus administrative costs or fundraising. If a charity is open about its numbers, that’s usually a good sign they’re handling funds responsibly.

 

  1. What has the charity accomplished?
    Past results can say a lot about future impact. Has the organization met its goals? Do they share specific wins or measurable progress? This gives you a sense of whether they’re actually making the difference they promise.

 

  1. Are they accountable?
    Independent reviews, accreditations, or third-party evaluations can help confirm whether a charity is truly walking the talk. These checks show the organization is willing to be transparent and held to a standard.

 

  1. How do they handle admin costs?
    Every charity has bills to pay—it’s not a red flag. The important thing is balance. If too much is eaten up by overhead, it may mean less impact on the ground. Well-run organizations know how to keep operating costs in check while still supporting their staff and systems.

 

Remember, donations don’t just come in the form of checks and e-payments. The time you volunteer is also an investment. Taking a minute to do a little research before you sign up as a volunteer is never a bad idea.

 

Asking, and answering, these questions helps you give with confidence. Not only will your donation better support the causes you care about, but you’ll also feel good knowing your money and/or involvement is making a real difference. If you want to dig deeper, check out charity watchdog sites or your local community foundation—they’re great resources for learning more before giving.

 

Until next week,

Chandler