Prof. Helmig emphasizs the DZI donation seal as a particularly reliable quality feature of aid organizations. The seal is awarded by the German Central Institute for Social Issues and guarantees that no more than 30 percent of the money donated is used for administration and advertising. However, this does not mean that smaller organizations without the seal are automatically dubious. Here too, you should pay attention to the proportion of administrative and marketing costs and take a look at the annual report. It also helps not to be put under time pressure when making a donation decision or to give in to excessive emotionalization. That way, similar to shopping in the supermarket, impulse decisions can be avoided. As every donation causes administrative costs, Prof. Helmig recommends making larger donations to the same organization instead of many smaller donations to different institutions. He advises against donations for a specific cause: larger organizations that help in different places know best how the money can be put to good use. Material donations should only be made if an organization explicitly asks for them.
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