International Donations: Basic Guidelines for Sri Lankan Charities

Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of charitable organizations that work to improve the lives of people in need. Many of these organizations rely on international donations to support their programs and services. In order to maximize international donations, Sri Lankan charities should follow certain guidelines to ensure that their fundraising efforts are effective and efficient. 

1. Register with the government: The first step in receiving international donations is to register the charity with the Sri Lankan government. This ensures that the organization is operating legally and in compliance with regulations.
2. Establish transparency and accountability: One of the most important guidelines for maximizing international donations is to establish transparency and accountability. This means providing clear and accurate information about the organization’s financial reports and audits. This helps build trust with potential donors and demonstrates that the organization is responsible and efficient with its funds. International donors often look for organizations that are financially transparent and accountable. Charities should keep accurate records of their income and expenses and make this information readily available to donors.
3. Governance: Charities should publish governance structure, including a board of directors or trustees who are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities.
4. Have a clear mission and goals: Charities should have a clear mission and goals that align with the needs of the community they serve. This will help attract donors who share the same values and priorities.
5. Have a clear plan for the use of donations: Donors want to know that their contributions are being used effectively. Charities should have a clear plan for how they will use the donations they receive and should provide regular updates on their progress to donors.
6. Utilize online fundraising platforms: Online fundraising platforms can be a great way for Sri Lankan charities to reach a global audience and raise funds from international donors. These platforms allow organizations to create fundraising campaigns, share stories and videos, and accept donations from anywhere in the world.
7. Make it easy to donate: Make it as easy as possible for potential donors to make a donation. This means providing multiple ways to donate, such as through a website, by mail, or through a mobile app. Charities should also provide clear and detailed instructions on how to make a donation.
8. Utilize social media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for reaching a global audience and raising awareness about the organization’s mission and programs. Charities can use social media to share updates and stories, engage with supporters, and encourage donations.
9. Partner with international organizations: Many international charities and non-profit organizations partner with local charities to support their programs. Sri Lankan charities can maximize international donations by partnering with reputable organizations that have experience working with charities in Sri Lanka.
10. Obtain a tax-exempt status: Charities in Sri Lanka can apply for a tax-exempt status, which allows them to receive tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations.
11. Impact measurement: Charities should have a plan to measure the impact of their programs and activities and should communicate this information to stakeholders.
12. Communicate effectively: Charities should have clear and effective communication channels in place to keep donors informed about their programs and services. This includes a website, social media accounts, and regular newsletters.
13. Show appreciation: Show appreciation for international donations by sending thank-you notes, receipts, and updates on how the donation is being used. This helps build trust and encourage continued support from donors.
14. Ethical guidelines: Charities should follow ethical guidelines and maintain a culture of ethical behavior within the organization.
15. Continual improvement: Charities should be committed to continual improvement and should regularly review and evaluate their programs and activities to ensure they are achieving their mission and goals.

By following these basic guidelines, Sri Lankan charities can promote transparency, accountability, and impact, which can help to build trust and credibility with donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve.