Does giving money to charities for poor kids in other countries actually work?

Question

I would like to donate to charity but I want to know that my money is actually going to the kids. Are there any nonprofit organizations or other organizations that you have had a good experience with?

Answer 1

www.risingfountains.org

You can also check out a site called Global Giving. They tell you about certain projects and you can pick and choose the ones you want to donate to.

www.globalgiving.org

Answer 2

Donating to the Red Cross or to a church-based organization is probably the best way to know that your donations are actually going where they claim to be going.

Answer 3

For specifically helping children in the 3rd world, World Vision (worldvision.org) is the standard bearer. They popularized the child sponsorship model and are present in many places no other organization can or will go (Myanmar for example).

Answer 4

You are right to question this.  SOme charities spend 85% on salaries and office expenses.  TO bypass this, my friends went to Cambodia themselves for 2 weeks to feed kids at an orphanage.  It cost them the airfare plus the food.  They felt great when they got back but they were also sad that they couldn't do more.  Can you get to see the kids in person so you know exactly what they need?  Can you get some friends and neighbors to sponsor your trip?