Giving for children in bulgaria: How?Basic data
When donating for children living in institutions you need to consider:
- Is my donation adequate to the specific needs of the children?
- Will my donation help children who are currently living in institutions move out and live successfully within the community?
- Will my donation make a long-term difference?
- Am I giving money for something which is already funded by the Bulgarian government, or other donors?
- Do I have sufficient information about the institution/organization to which I am donating? Can I be sure that my donation will make it to those for whom it is intended?
You do not always support children effectively when:
- Making one-off donations on Easter, Christmas or other holidays.
Nearly 80% of individual and business donations in Bulgaria are made on big Christian holidays. This seriously increases the risk of duplication and concentrates donations in a limited time period.
- Making in-kind donations without checking the actual need.
Many companies make in-kind donations based on their production but these do not necessarily coincide with the needs of children
- Reacting to a media publication without gathering additional information.
When reading a negative media publication about children at risk or in institutions, people instinctively try to help by identifying a place to donate which leads to duplicating donations.
You can effectively support children in institutions in Bulgaria by:
- Contributing to an effective project.
When contributing to an already existing project you will be able to double check your donation and monitor and influence the way in which it is used.
- Creating a designated fund.
Should you wish to start a new initiative, take time to consider and check the infrastructure needed. Effective donations are designed in partnership and after the donation has been made are monitored and evaluated.
- Partnering with a local non-governmental organization.
A number of Bulgarian public-benefit organizations support children in institutions. Check here (Alternatives) what do they do or consult the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum for a specific case.
- Making an informed gift directly to the institution
If you want to donate directly to a children home, make sure you have gathered all necessary information in advance about the status of the home; the needs of the children; the assistance, provided by other donors.