Before You Give, Here’s What to Look For
At The Archibald Project, we believe storytelling is powerful—but wise action is even more powerful.
Many of us are deeply moved when we hear about vulnerable children or struggling families in other countries. Our first instinct is often to jump in and help—through giving, volunteering, or advocating. And while that heart posture is beautiful, we also believe that how we help matters just as much as why we help.
When it comes to international aid, especially in spaces involving children and families, impact can be complicated. Sometimes, even well-intentioned efforts can unintentionally cause harm or create dependency. That’s why we want to equip you to give, serve, and support in a way that’s both compassionate and responsible.
Here are five essential questions to ask before supporting an organization working abroad:
1. Are they working with the local community—or just in it?
Sustainable impact doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The best organizations don’t show up with all the answers—they listen. They partner with local leaders, grassroots organizations, and community advocates who already understand the culture, history, and needs of the people they serve.
When locals are involved in designing and leading solutions, those solutions are more effective, respectful, and lasting.
🛑 Red flag: If an organization never mentions local staff, partnerships, or community input, that’s worth investigating further.
2. Are they transparent about where donations go and what’s being achieved?
Trustworthy organizations are open about their operations. They should clearly share:
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How donations are allocated
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What programs are running
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What outcomes or progress has been made
Look for annual reports, budgets, or third-party evaluations. Transparency builds trust—and helps you feel confident that your generosity is being stewarded well.
💡 Tip: Check platforms like Charity Navigator or Guidestar for additional insights.
3. Are they focused on long-term empowerment—not just short-term aid?
Immediate needs like food, shelter, or medical care are important—but lasting impact goes beyond relief. Ask yourself:
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Are they helping reunify families, educate children, or equip caregivers?
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Are they creating opportunities for local ownership and leadership?
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Are they reducing the need for their own services over time?
When an organization’s goal is to work itself out of a job, that’s a good sign.
4. Do they have strong child protection policies?
This is non-negotiable. Children must be protected—not only from physical harm, but from emotional, social, and reputational harm as well.
An ethical organization should have clear, enforceable policies around:
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Child safety and safeguarding
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Photography and media use
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Volunteer access to children
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Background checks for all staff and visitors
If children are prominently featured in social media without context, consent, or safeguards, that’s a red flag. Children are not photo ops.
5. What do others say about them—especially those closest to the work?
Look beyond the organization’s own website or social media. See what others are saying:
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Are there testimonials from people in the communities they serve?
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What do former volunteers, employees, or donors say?
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Are there any press articles or watchdog alerts?
Local voices and third-party feedback offer a fuller picture of an organization’s impact—and integrity.
In Conclusion: Give With Heart—and With Wisdom
We know it can feel overwhelming. There’s so much need, and it’s hard to know who to trust. But taking a few extra minutes to ask hard questions doesn’t make your compassion any less—it makes it stronger.
When you give wisely, you become part of something bigger: a movement of people committed to justice, dignity, and sustainable change.
Let’s be people who don’t just feel deeply, but who also think critically—because vulnerable children and families deserve both our attention and our wisdom.
