5 Reasons Giving to a Local NGO Makes a Bigger Impact
There are an estimated 10 million legitimate nonprofit organizations worldwide. Each has a mission statement and operating methods, but they all share one goal: to make the world a better place. As a donor, you consider many things when deciding which organizations to fund, including aligning causes with your values, passions, and interests. Ensuring donations have a significant impact should also be important, and funding local NGOs is one way to maximize your impact.
Local NGOs (non-governmental organizations) play a crucial role in addressing the various social, environmental, and economic issues that affect their communities. They are positioned to provide critical services and support to individuals and communities that may not have access to them otherwise. Experts agree that NGOs are crucial to addressing the world’s pressing needs.
While some individuals and foundations prefer to give to larger international organizations, supporting a local NGO can be more beneficial in several ways.
Continue reading to learn more about five reasons to give to local NGOs.
1. Directly Impacts the Local Community
Local NGOs are part of the social fabric of their community. As a result, they are rooted in the lives of the people they serve and can tailor their programs and services to meet their challenges. In addition, they are often first responders because they’re best situated to get help to those who need it.
Because they work directly with the people they serve, your donation will directly impact the lives of those in need. In addition, supporting local NGOs helps build stronger and more resilient communities.
2. Provides Better Accountability and Transparency
Local NGOs are typically smaller, and their operations are more accessible to the public, making tracking how they use your donations easier. As a result, their operations and financials can be more easily understood than larger international organizations. The level of transparency gives donors peace of mind, knowing that their donations are making a difference.
3.Does More with Less
There are many well intentioned discussions and efforts on how to quantify the ROI of your giving. However, there is broad agreement that giving to international organizations directly is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a difference.
Local NGOs often have less overhead and no international structure to support. Operating on a smaller scale makes it possible to mobilize faster to address local issues more cost-effectively. As a result, your donations can have a more significant impact.
4. Increases Flexibility and Agility
Local NGOs are more likely to adapt their programs and services to meet the evolving needs of their community. In times of crisis, local NGOs can respond quickly and effectively to provide essential services, like food and shelter, to those in need. They are also more likely to engage with local government and other community organizations to coordinate efforts to make a more significant impact.
Local NGOs can operate more efficiently and effectively because they have lower overhead costs, which means that your donation is maximized and significantly impacts the lives of those who need it most.
5. Brings More Joy
We’ve heard from donor after donor that giving directly to international causes helps connect you with people around the world. The more relationships you form with individuals involved in making a difference the more joy you’ll have with your giving.
While some donors appreciate letting experts guide their philanthropy or choose to work through intermediary organizations, every donor wants to know their giving makes an impact with the people they care about. We find that there is no better way to hear the joyful stories of your impact than to give direct.
Making the Most of Your GIVING
Giving to a local NGO is an excellent way to make a positive impact. By supporting a local NGO, you can help support cost-effective solutions to critical issues, encourage civic engagement, and support grassroots change.
TrustBridge Global can guide grantmakers when making donations to local NGOs. Global grantmakers can utilize the invaluable resources and expertise TrustBridge Global provides to overcome barriers affecting local and international grantmaking. Working with the TrustBridge Global Network ensures that your funds are distributed where they can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you’re experienced in global grantmaking or just beginning the journey, working with TrustBridge Global to process your international grants can be a significant benefit. Our extensive knowledge reduces risk exposure and administrative workload to simplify your global grantmaking. In addition, working with the TrustBridge Global Network ensures that your funds are distributed where your passion leads you and where they can make a meaningful difference.
Photo credit: Somebody Cares Ministries.