At the International Widows and Orphans Fund (IWOF), we often meet kind-hearted individuals who want to help communities in Africa but feel overwhelmed by the number of organizations asking for support. Donating should be an act of hope and empowerment, not confusion or doubt. Whether you’re considering a monthly contribution or a one-time gift, asking the right questions ensures your generosity makes the greatest impact.

Here are the Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Donating to Africa, with clear answers, examples, and how we at IWOF meet and exceed those standards.

1. What percentage of my donation actually goes to the cause?

This is one of the most important questions. Many charities deduct administrative or fundraising fees, which can significantly reduce the amount that reaches people in need.

According to Charity Intelligence Canada:

• The average Canadian charity spends about 26% of donations on administration and fundraising.
• Some large international charities spend as much as 40%-50% on overhead.

At IWOF, we give 100% of your donation directly to the cause.
As a registered Canadian charity run by volunteers, we have zero admin fees. All operational costs are privately funded by a separate donor base, not from your donation.

2. What is the charity’s mission and specific cause?

Donating with purpose means understanding exactly what you’re supporting. Are you funding clean water, education, orphan care, health, or emergency relief?

At IWOF, our focus is supporting widows and orphans in Africa, especially in Uganda and Kenya. This includes:

• Education sponsorship
• Medical aid
• Food programs
• Safe housing

We are transparent about where the money goes and regularly report updates from the field.

3. How long has the organization been operating?

The longevity of a charity speaks volumes about its stability and trustworthiness.

IWOF has been actively serving African communities since 2009. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with local leaders, developed efficient systems, and refined our giving model to ensure long-term impact.

4. Is the charity officially registered and audited?

Always check if the organization is a registered charity in your country. This ensures compliance with financial reporting laws and gives you access to tax receipts for your donation.

IWOF is a registered Canadian charity (CRA #849498071RR0001) and undergoes regular financial audits. You can verify our status anytime on the CRA website.

5. Are donations tax-deductible?

If you’re donating from Canada, you should receive a charitable tax receipt for your contributions.

At IWOF, we issue tax receipts for all donations above $20 CAD, and you can claim them on your tax return.

6. How transparent is the charity about its finances?

Transparency builds trust. Many charities post annual reports and breakdowns of how funds are used. This includes admin costs, program expenses, and reserves.

At IWOF:

• We publish financial summaries annually
• We post photos, stories, and video updates from projects in Africa
• Our donors can request full breakdowns at any time

7. What is the impact of my donation?

A powerful charity isn’t just busy — it’s effective. Ask for stories, data, or examples of how the organization measures success.

IWOF’s Impact:

• Sponsored 150+ orphans through school since 2009
• Built safe housing for 40+ widows
• Partnered with local clinics to deliver life-saving care

We show our work, so you can see your impact in real lives changed.

8. How does the organization choose its local partners?

Local partnerships are crucial to sustainable giving. Reputable charities work directly with community-based leaders, not through multiple international intermediaries.

IWOF works with on-the-ground volunteers and local NGOs that know their communities intimately. This eliminates waste and ensures culturally appropriate, effective solutions.

9. Are there hidden fees, credit card charges, or monthly withdrawal issues?

When you donate, ask:

• Is there a platform fee?
• Are there transaction charges?
• Will I be charged monthly without clear consent?
  

At IWOF:

• We do not charge processing or platform fees
• We use secure Canadian platforms like CanadaHelps (which may charge small third-party processing fees, disclosed at checkout)

You always control your donation preferences

10. Why choose IWOF among so many charities?

Here’s a quick comparison of typical administrative fees in major charities (source: Charity Intelligence Canada and public reports):

Many organizations do incredible work — but few can promise 100% of your donation goes where you intend.

Why IWOF Gives 100% Back — Always

At IWOF, we believe donors deserve transparency, dignity, and real impact. Our no-admin-fee model is made possible by:

• A volunteer-run team in Canada
• Separate donor streams that cover our minimal operating expenses
• Direct partnerships in Africa to avoid layers of bureaucracy

Your donation doesn’t fund offices, salaries, or marketing. It feeds a widow, educates an orphan, or heals a child. That’s it.

We’re proud to be a charity you can trust — not just with your money, but with your hope for a better world.