What are the most common mistakes people make when evaluating charities?

2 Mistake #2: Ignoring the evidence

Another common mistake people make when evaluating charities is ignoring the evidence of their effectiveness. Many people rely on emotional appeals, personal stories, or anecdotal evidence to decide which charity to support. While these factors can be compelling, they don't tell you much about the actual outcomes and impact of a charity's work. For example, a charity might claim to save lives by providing clean water, but how do they measure and verify that? How do they compare to other interventions that might have a higher or lower cost-effectiveness? How do they deal with potential side effects or unintended consequences of their actions? To answer these questions, you need to look at the evidence, such as randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or independent evaluations.

3 Mistake #3: Following the crowd

A third common mistake people make when evaluating charities is following the crowd. Many people choose to support charities that are popular, well-known, or endorsed by celebrities or influencers. While these factors can indicate some level of legitimacy or reputation, they don't necessarily reflect the quality or impact of a charity's work. For example, a charity might have a large following because it has a catchy name, a charismatic leader, or a flashy marketing campaign. But that doesn't mean it has a clear mission, a strong track record, or a proven strategy. Conversely, a charity might have a small following because it works on a neglected, complex, or controversial issue. But that doesn't mean it has a weak mission, a poor track record, or a flawed strategy. To avoid following the crowd, you need to do your own research and analysis, and not rely on popularity or endorsements.

4 Mistake #4: Failing to diversify

A fourth common mistake people make when evaluating charities is failing to diversify their portfolio. Many people tend to support one or a few charities that they are familiar with, loyal to, or passionate about. While this can be a good way to build a relationship with a charity and learn more about its work, it can also limit your exposure to other opportunities and perspectives. For example, you might miss out on supporting charities that work on different causes, regions, or approaches that might have a higher impact or a greater need. You might also miss out on learning from other charities that have different insights, experiences, or innovations that might improve your understanding or effectiveness. To avoid failing to diversify, you need to explore and compare different options, and not stick to one or a few favorites.

5 Mistake #5: Neglecting the feedback

A fifth common mistake people make when evaluating charities is neglecting the feedback from the beneficiaries, partners, and donors of the charity. Many people assume that they know what's best for the people or issues they want to help, or that the charity knows what's best for them. While this can be true in some cases, it can also be false, biased, or outdated in others. For example, a charity might have a good intention, but a bad implementation, or a good implementation, but a bad adaptation. A charity might also have a good impact, but a bad communication, or a good communication, but a bad accountability. To avoid neglecting the feedback, you need to listen and learn from the voices and views of the people who are directly or indirectly affected by the charity's work, and not assume or impose your own.