What Should I Look for in a Missionary Charity?

We all want to know we are supporting a missionary charity that keeps its mission central and delivers on its message, especially when it comes to addressing poverty in Jesus’ name. Around the world, people living in extreme poverty often face hunger, unsafe housing and limited opportunity. International reports estimate that roughly one in ten people still live in these conditions. When you give through a missionary charity that is serving the poor, you help local workers come alongside families living in poverty—including those who have been affected by floods, storms and other natural disasters—with care that honors their dignity and points them toward lasting hope.[2]

Charity Navigator, one of the largest nonprofit tracking websites, offers these tips:[1]
  • If you can’t find their Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a 501(c)(3) organization, do not donate. You can search for an EIN at IRS.gov through its Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool.
  • Look for evidence on the organization’s website that their goals and mission are being met in tangible ways. This can be found in real-life stories and in year-end reports.
Once you have established that an organization is an approved tax-exempt nonprofit and that it is actively fulfilling its purpose, you can take the next step. Look more closely at how that missionary charity serves people living in poverty.

Many Christian women and men share the good news in word and deed through Bible studies, prayer and simple acts of kindness. These acts match local needs and respect local culture. Look for stories of people who were among the poorest of the poor and have seen their daily lives change through practical help, community support and the love of Jesus Christ.

When we choose to support a missionary, we see their heart for serving the poor and walking with people in difficult circumstances. This includes communities that have yet to hear much about Christ’s love. Supporting a GFA World–trained missionary, especially a woman, is a way to love the body of Christ. It is also a way to stand with those who are reaching out in humility, bringing hope and sharing the good news as God’s call leads them.[3]


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