Guide
Giving to a small charity: what to look for
A small charity is close to the people it helps, but has no big quality mark or advertising budget. So how do you know your gift ends up in the right place? With these six points you can check it yourself, in a few minutes. For each point we show how we do it.
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Six checks
How do you check a small charity?
Is it in the business register?
A genuine foundation is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Look up the KvK number on the website and check it on kvk.nl.
Our answer: KvK 90967399 and RSIN 865512188, founded on 28 July 2023 in Velsen.
Are the annual reports public?
A reliable charity shows what came in and what was done with it, in an annual report and annual accounts.
Our answer: The annual reports and annual accounts for 2023, 2024 and 2025 can be downloaded on the transparency page.
Who is on the board?
Check who runs the charity and whether the board members are paid. At a small charity an unpaid board is common.
Our answer: The board works without pay. Names and roles are on the accountability page.
Can you see the projects?
Look for concrete projects with a place, a date, an amount and photos. Vague goals such as "aid for Africa" say little.
Our answer: Every project has its own page with background, implementation and result, such as the water well in Muchanga.
Where do the costs go?
Ask yourself what share of your gift goes to travel and organisation. A good charity explains this, preferably in advance.
Our answer: Travel and accommodation costs are paid from a separate expenses fund. Project donations go to the projects themselves.
Who carries out the work on the ground?
Ask who the charity works with in the country itself. A permanent local partner knows the people and knows what is really needed.
Our answer: Since 2022 we have worked with The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council in Kampala. Read more about our partner.
In doubt?
What are the warning signs?
- You are pressured to give straight away.
- There is no KvK number to be found.
- You have to give cash or transfer money to a private account.
- There are no annual reports or project reports.
- Nobody can tell you exactly what happens to your money.
Do you see one of these points? Then ask questions first. A charity that means well will be glad to explain.
Questions about giving safely
The questions we are asked most often.
Is a small charity less reliable than a large one?
Not automatically. A small charity often has low costs and a short line to the people on the ground. You do need to check a little more yourself, because there is usually no quality mark. The six points on this page help with that.
What is the CBF quality mark?
The CBF quality mark is awarded by the Centraal Bureau Fondsenwerving, the Dutch fundraising regulator, and is mainly intended for larger charities. For smaller charities there is the CBF-Erkenning. We do not have either yet.
How can I see where my gift goes?
With us, every project has its own page, and every expense is in the annual reports. We raise money per project, so you know in advance what you are giving to. The next project starts in the autumn of 2027.
See for yourself
Read our annual reports, look at the projects or send us your question.