Many people are deeply moved by the dramatic developments in Ukraine and would like to support the local population with a donation. Numerous large aid organizations call for donations, but smaller organizations and associations also collect money or donations in kind. To ensure that the money gets to where it is needed, consumers should find out in advance regarding the seriousness of the organization. The tips from the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center explain what to look out for when donating. • Check the seriousness of the organization A serious organization discloses in its annual report how the money from donations or membership fees is spent. It should be clear there how much goes into administration and . The largest portion should be used for a good cause. If an association or an organization is recognized as non-profit, this is an indication of credibility. Having your own website, on the other hand, is no guarantee of the trustworthiness of an organization. Professionally designed websites can make a credible impression on the surface, but only a look at the imprint reveals who is behind the homepage. Among other things, a specific contact person, an address and an e-mail address should be given there. If you have any doubts, ask for more information, such as a charter or annual report, and see what other sources on the web say regarding the organization and its activities. • Independent donation seal The German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI) awards a donation seal to organizations worthy of support on the basis of an annual check. Around 230 predominantly social organizations are currently allowed to adorn themselves with it. However: Only aid organizations that have been active for at least two years and have a total income of more than 25,000 euros per year are checked. In addition, they must register themselves with the DZI for an examination and pay the costs for this. Smaller organizations often cannot afford this. If a club is missing from the DZI list, this does not necessarily mean that it is dubious. If an appeal for donations bears the DZI star wreath, on the other hand, it is guaranteed that the organization advertises clearly and factually, operates thriftily and verifiably shows how the donated money is used. • Don’t make any ill-considered decisions. Direct contact on the street or at the front door can lead to a quick and thoughtless donation. If you don’t know an organization and are unsure how reputable it is, you should not only get information material but also a transfer form from the collecting organization. That way you can think regarding the decision in peace. This also applies to the numerous appeals for donations spread via social media. There are a number of organisations, clubs, but also shops or private individuals who pretend to be committed to a good cause. The respective bank details for a transfer are usually immediately apparent. Here, too, the following applies: Don’t make a hasty donation, but rather inform yourself well.
by: Consumer Advice Center NRW, Advice Center Bergisch Gladbach
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