Charity Selection Assessment Criteria

As part of True Impact Australia’s commitment to creating positive change in the world, it is essential that the charities we support align with our core values of Integrity, Community, and Transparency. In order to make the most meaningful contributions to social, economic, and environmental causes, we have established the following Charity Selection Assessment Criteria. This framework will guide the evaluation of potential charity partners, ensuring that they uphold strong corporate governance, demonstrate measurable impact, and reflect True Impact’s values in all aspects of their operations. By adhering to the criteria, we aim to support charities that deliver sustainable, effective, and ethical outcomes for the communities and causes they serve.

Alignment with True Impact Australia’s Core Values of Integrity, Transparency and Community.

Integrity: The charity must exhibit ethical practices in its operations, including transparent financial reporting, decision-making processes, and activities. They should operate with honesty, fairness, and a commitment to the highest standards of integrity in all interactions with donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.

Transparency: The charity must provide clear, accessible, and up-to-date information about its financials, governance, and project outcomes. This includes demonstrating open communication with stakeholders regarding goals, progress, and challenges.

Community: The charity must focus on fostering positive, sustainable changes within communities, prioritising social, animal or environmental well-being. Their initiatives should empower individuals and groups to improve their quality of life, creating lasting impacts that align with the needs of the community.

Focus on Social, Animal, or Environmental Causes

Social Impact: The charity may address significant social issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, gender equality, and human rights. The charity’s programs should lead to tangible benefits for the communities and individuals they serve.

Animal Impact: The charity may focus on animal welfare, whether that be through endangered species efforts, wildlife protection and rehabilitation, research and awareness. Their projects should contribute to the long-term welfare of our wildlife species, which may subsequently have direct impact to the environmental ecosystem.

Environmental Impact: The charity may focus on initiatives that support environmental sustainability, such as climate change mitigation, conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy projects. These efforts should protect and restore the environment for future generations.

Corporate Governance and Accountability

Board Structure: The charity will have, where feasible, a diverse, independent, and effective governing board that provides strategic oversight and ensures accountability in decision-making. Board members should bring relevant expertise and uphold the charity’s values in their leadership roles.

Financial Transparency: The charity has publically available, detailed, audited financial reports that clearly show how funds are allocated, particularly regarding the ratio of spending on programs versus administrative costs.

Compliance and Ethics: The charity must adhere to all relevant laws and regulations. In addition, it should maintain a strong ethical framework and policies to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure good governance practices.

Impact Measurement and Effectiveness

Measurable Outcomes: The charity must be able to demonstrate evidence of its impact, including specific metrics or outcomes that show how its programs create meaningful change. It should have monitoring and evaluation systems in place to track progress against stated objectives.

Sustainability: The charity’s programs should be sustainable in the long term, with clear strategies for continued impact, funding, and capacity-building. The charity should ensure that its projects leave a lasting legacy.

Effectiveness and Efficiency: The charity should use resources efficiently, directing the majority of funds to programmatic activities. It should have a track record of achieving positive results and outcomes with measurable effectiveness.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement

Beneficiary-Centred Approach: The charity must engage the communities it serves, ensuring that beneficiaries are actively involved in the design and implementation of programs. This approach should respect local needs, values, and cultural contexts.

Partnerships and Collaboration: The charity should seek partnerships with other organisations, governments, and the private sector to maximise its impact. These partnerships should align with the charity’s values and contribute to its mission.

Innovation and Adaptability

Innovative Approaches: The charity should demonstrate innovation in addressing social, economic, or environmental challenges. This includes the use of creative strategies, technology, or new methodologies to achieve its objectives.

Adaptability: The charity should show the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether through evolving needs, emerging challenges, or new opportunities. This flexibility will ensure the charity remains relevant and effective in a dynamic environment.

By applying these criteria, True Impact Australia aims to support charities that are not only effective in their missions but also align with our core values of integrity, community, and transparency. This approach will ensure that our contributions lead to lasting, positive change for both individuals and the wider community.