Non-governmental organizations are supported by donors like you, but how they spend that money is left up to them. As Rep. Yvette Clarke states in our “Haiti: Where Did The Money Go?” documentary, it is up to the donors to keep them accountable.

How do you do that? Well, we’re glad you asked…

Some NGO’s are responsive on social media, and you can call them out through online platforms like Twitter and Facebook. There is also legislation currently proposed in Congress to hold aid organizations to their protocols, which you can support.

What can I do?

Follow and Fan
Find the NGOs you support online and start a conversation with them. Develop a long-term relationship with an aid organization so that the next time there is a disaster, you already know how they spend their donations. Ask them how they involve local communities and groups in their plans, and ask to see the plan of action they put together for relief efforts. And remember: if you want to build a school, don’t give your money to a NGO that doesn’t specialize in building schools. This sets up unrealistic donor expectations, and aid organizations need to stick with their missions. You can help them keep a focus, not diffuse it.

Write Your Member of Congress
For the Americans in the crowd, we urge you to write your senators and representatives and ask them to hold oversight hearings on NGO accountability.

• You can find your member of congress at Write Your Rep
• Follow the bill H.R. 1016: Assessing Progress in Haiti Act

International Efforts
You can track changes to the minimum standards in humanitarian response by checking in on the Sphere Project.

Additional Recourses

Social Engagement:

Jumo

Watchdog Groups:

Charity Navigator
Charity Watch

General information and news:

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Non-governmental Organizations featured in the film

Red Cross
We Advance
Catholic Relief Services
Oxfam America
Global Dirt
Project Medishare

Reports:

Smart Development – Oxfam America