How to Vet a Charity – Questions to Ask Before Donating
Making a donation is a big deal. But with so many charities out there, how can you be sure your money will be used well? Learning how to vet a charity helps you make informed, confident decisions—so your support has real impact.
Here’s what to look for and the questions to ask before donating.
Why Vetting a Charity Matters
Not all charities are the same. Some are transparent and efficient, others unclear, unfocused or unaccountable. Vetting a charity means:
- Your donation is used as promised
- The organisation is financially responsible
- The cause aligns with your values
- You avoid scams or misleading appeals
Questions to Ask Before Donating to a Charity
1. What is the charity’s mission, and how do they achieve it?
Look for a clear, specific mission statement—not vague promises. Ask:
- What is the charity’s main focus?
- What specific problems are they trying to solve?
- Who benefits from their work and how?
2. How is the money used?
Transparency is key. Ask:
- What percentage of donations goes directly to the cause?
- How much is spent on admin, fundraising or salaries?
- Do they publish annual reports or financial statements?
At Humanity Direct, 100% of your donation funds medical care for a child in need—no admin or overheads.
3. Is the charity registered and regulated?
In the UK, reputable charities are registered with the Charity Commission. Ask:
- Is the charity registered in your country?
- What is their charity number or registration ID?
- Are they compliant with fundraising regulations?
You can check a UK charity’s registration on the Charity Commission website.
4. Can the charity show impact?
Look for evidence of real results. Ask:
- What specific outcomes have they achieved?
- Do they share success stories, case studies or data?
- How do they measure and report impact?
5. Is their work ethical, inclusive and locally informed?
Ethical giving means avoiding harm or dependency. Ask:
- Do they work with local communities and experts?* Are they respectful of culture, dignity and autonomy?
- Do they publish their values or ethical policies?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No clear information or vague promises
- Pressure tactics or emotional manipulation
- No financial transparency
- Unverified claims or stories
- Not registered with an official regulatory body
If something feels off, take time to research or consider giving elsewhere.
Use Trusted Tools to Research Charities
Here are some useful platforms to check a charity’s credentials:
Why Support Humanity Direct?
We believe in full transparency, zero admin fees and direct giving. When you donate through Humanity Direct:
- You choose a real child in need of surgery
- 100% of your donation goes to their medical care
- You receive updates on the outcome of your gift
You can browse children in need of surgery here and see exactly where your donation will go.
Learning how to vet a charity gives you confidence and clarity. By asking the right questions, you ensure your support goes to organisations that are honest, impactful and aligned with your values.
Focus keyword: how to vet a charity
Meta description suggestion:
“Want to make sure your donation makes a difference? Learn how to vet a charity with key questions to ask before donating—so your money goes where it’s needed most.”