What percentage of your charity / donations actually get to the needy?

Question

Major organisations must spend great amounts on the upkeep and administration... so I'd just like to know if it's not better to just be charitable to local smaller organisations?

Answer 1

I remember seeing a thing on TV. The thing on TV that asks for donations for starving kids in Africa. those kids get about 20 percentage of what comes in. Everything goes for media, admin., etc. When i donate I do it locally and I don't usually donate money. I will go out and buy food to take to the food bank and things like that. Local charities usually have papers that they can give you that will tell you how their money is spent (what percentage goes for what). If I can't see how that money is being used, I don't give it. there is too much local need for me to send money to places  that may waste most of it.

Answer 2

I now donate directly to the poor people.  I went to the poorest part of Phoenix and knocked on doors.  At first the people didn't answer because they didn't know who i was.  Now they open the door.  I give clothes, but one family asked for a space-heater in winter. They had no heat.  Another couple had no mattress to sleep on.  I went right to the store and got one for $69 and they were thrilled./