A Guide to Choosing a Christian Charity You Can Trust

As a Christian, your generosity is an act of worship and stewardship. You want to know that your gift will be used effectively to make an eternal impact. But with thousands of organizations to choose from, how do you choose wisely?



This guide is designed to help. We'll walk you through the key questions to ask to ensure your giving aligns with your faith, your values, and your desire to see lives changed for Christ.

Understanding the Landscape:

3 Types of Christian Charities

Not all Christian charities share the same primary focus. Understanding the main categories can help you identify where God is calling you to direct your support. Most ministries focus on one of these three areas

1. Relief & Development: 

These essential organizations focus on meeting critical physical needs, often in response to natural disasters, conflict, or systemic poverty. They are the hands and feet of Jesus, providing food, clean water, shelter, medical care, and sustainable development programs that bring healing and hope to suffering communities.

2. Advocacy & Justice:

These groups work to address the root causes of suffering and injustice in our world. They may fight to end human trafficking, defend religious freedom for persecuted believers, or advocate for policies that protect the poor and marginalized. They are a voice for the voiceless, seeking to bring God's justice to bear on broken systems.

3. Evangelism & Discipleship: 

These organizations are laser-focused on fulfilling the Great Commission as commanded in Matthew 28. Their primary goal is not just to meet physical needs but to address the ultimate spiritual need of every person: to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They work to share the good news, translate the Bible, plant churches, and make disciples, particularly among those who have never had a chance to hear.

5 Key Questions to Ask Before You Give

Before you partner with any organization, take the time to prayerfully evaluate it based on these five critical areas.

1. Is Their Mission Clear & Compelling?

A trustworthy charity has a mission statement that is focused, specific, and easy to understand. You should be able to see a clear, unbroken line between their stated mission and the programs they actually operate. Avoid organizations with vague or overly broad mission statements. Ask yourself: Can I explain what this charity does and why it matters in one or two sentences? If not, their focus may be unclear.

2. Are They Financially Transparent & Accountable?

This is a non-negotiable for wise stewardship. In today's world, there is no reason for a reputable charity to hide its financial information. The gold standard for Christian nonprofits in the United States is accreditation by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

The ECFA holds its members to Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, which are drawn from Scripture and provide a benchmark for compliance in financial oversight, governance, transparency, and fundraising. Before giving, visit a charity's website and look for the ECFA seal. This is your assurance that the organization is governed by an independent board, prepares complete and accurate financial statements, and is committed to the highest standards of integrity.

3. Do They Show Proof of Their Impact?

Good intentions and inspiring stories are important, but a great organization will also provide proof of its effectiveness. Move beyond heartwarming anecdotes and look for evidence of real, measurable, long-term impact.

Does the organization publish an annual impact report? Do they share specific results and outcomes, not just general statistics? For example, instead of saying "we helped a lot of people," a high-impact charity might say, "we provided 5,000 hours of trauma counseling," or "our work led to the establishment of 12 new churches in this region." Look for organizations that are committed to measuring what matters and are transparent about their results.

4. How Do They View Stewardship?

Effective organizations see themselves as stewards, not owners, of the resources entrusted to them. Their website and communications should reflect a deep sense of responsibility to use every dollar for its intended purpose. Look for a clear and accessible policy on how donations are used. Do they have a commitment to keeping administrative overhead low while ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for their programs to succeed? A trustworthy charity will speak openly about its stewardship philosophy.

5. Is Their Work Grounded in Biblical Truth?

For a Christian donor, this is the ultimate test. Does the organization operate in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture? A reputable faith-based organization will have a clear, public Statement of Faith that affirms its commitment to the core tenets of evangelical Christianity. Read their statement. Does it align with your own beliefs? The deepest and most fruitful partnerships are built on a shared foundation of Biblical truth.

Our Unique Calling: Reaching the Unreached with SEND International

When you feel called to support the Great Commission, it's important to look at how an organization cares for its people on the front lines. The single greatest reason missionaries leave the field isn't a lack of calling; it's a lack of support. Burnout is real, crises are inevitable, and families are fragile.

At Send International, we believe the difference between a missionary merely surviving and truly thriving is the strength of the support system holding them up. We don't just send missionaries; we surround them with a comprehensive network of care that allows them to focus on their ministry, stay healthy, and raise their families, all while bringing the Gospel to those who have never heard it.

Your investment in Send does more than support a ministry; it protects a family. This commitment to "missionary care" is what makes our work sustainable and effective in the world's most difficult places.

Take the Next Step in Your Giving Journey

Ready to evaluate a charity? We've created a simple, one-page tool to help you prayerfully consider any organization. Download our free checklist to guide your decision-making process.