The document provides tips for assessing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) before donating. It advises researching NGOs to identify preferences in charity type and location. Important factors to check include verifying the NGO's legitimacy and tax-exempt status, comparing finances and goals of similar organizations, and avoiding those that are not transparent or professional. Donors should interact directly with NGOs and follow up on donations.

1. HelpAge India
https://www.helpageindia.org HelpAge India
Toll Free No Elder Help Line C-14, Qutab Institutional Area
1800-180-1253 New Delhi - 110016
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
 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.

2. HelpAge India
https://www.helpageindia.org HelpAge India
Toll Free No Elder Help Line C-14, Qutab Institutional Area
1800-180-1253 New Delhi - 110016
 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 above-
mentioned tips are important