When donors give money to charities — whether by making direct donations, sponsoring a child in need or buying something from the organization’s gift catalogue — how do they know the money is being put to good use?
Claudia Berloni, director, development programs, programs and policy division with World Vision Canada, a Mississauga-based charity focused on helping children in need, says that her organization takes financial accountability to donors very seriously.
“We develop many reports, including our annual results report, so Canadians can see how their money is being put to use,” Berloni told Global News by email. “We also provide a financial accountability page where donors can learn more. We account for every dollar donated and focus on creating sustainable change for those we serve.”
In those reports, donors can see that of the funds given to World Vision over the past five years, 82.3 per cent went directly to programs helping children and families, 12 per cent went to fundraising and 5.7 per cent was allocated to administration.
Third-party verification is also in order, and World Vision’s external auditor, KPMG, conducts regular audits to verify the accuracy of the aid agency’s financial reporting. “Our results are also audited by external organizations such as Charity Intelligence. We currently have a five-star rating, with an A+ for results reporting and a place in the top 100 Canadian charities,” Berloni wrote.
Learn more about World Vision’s work in their annual results report or their financial accountability page, and find out how you can help support it at World Vision Canada.