Purpose of the Guide

The True Charity Giving Guide is designed to help donors move beyond surface-level metrics—like overhead ratios or people served—and instead evaluate whether charitable programs are producing meaningful, long-term outcomes.

Rooted in decades of on-the-ground poverty-alleviation work, this free guide challenges common assumptions about “efficient” charity. For example, programs with low overhead and high volume may appear effective, yet fail to produce lasting change, while smaller, relationship-driven programs often generate deeper, measurable transformation.

Three common charitable models compared:

• Short-term relief programs that distribute goods

• Staff-intensive mentoring and case management

• Upstream, developmental approaches that equip families for long-term stability

Through this comparison, the Giving Guide shows why outcomes matter more than outputs, and why donors should look for programs that reduce long-term dependency rather than perpetuate it.

Essential questions to ask before giving include:

• What does success look like for the people being served?

• Are programs relational and holistic?

• Do they help people eventually not need the program?

• Are outcomes measured in areas like housing, employment, and relationships?

• How well does the organization collaborate with churches and other nonprofits?

Ultimately, the True Charity Giving Guide helps donors align their generosity with programs that restore dignity, promote responsibility, and create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

This guide is for:

Donors, foundations, church leaders, board members, and anyone who wants their giving to create lasting change rather than short-term relief.