{"id":2407,"date":"2026-06-13T20:25:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T01:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hepacom.org\/como-elegir-fundacion-confiable-para-donar\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T11:47:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T16:47:54","slug":"como-elegir-fundacion-confiable-para-donar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hepacom.org\/en\/como-elegir-fundacion-confiable-para-donar\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose a reliable foundation to donate to in Colombia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00ab"What if I donate and my money never reaches the family?" This is the question that stops most people who want to help but don't. You're right to be careful with your donation: giving blindly hurts and discourages. The good news is that recognizing a reliable foundation for donations<\/strong> It's not a matter of faith, but of reviewing a short list of verifiable signs before putting a single penny into your pocket.<\/p>\n

At Hepacom, we hear that question almost every day, and we think it's a healthy one. A foundation that deserves your money isn't offended when you ask for proof: it shows it to you. That's why we've put together this checklist so you can make your decision with a clear head and peace of mind.<\/p>\n

\"Trusted
A trustworthy foundation to donate to displays its works with photos and dates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What makes a foundation trustworthy to donate to?<\/h2>\n

A trustworthy foundation to donate to is a legally established non-profit organization that can demonstrate three things: who it is, how it spends its money, and what it has built. If it shows you all three with documents and photos, you're in good shape. If it avoids any of them, be wary.<\/p>\n

The rest of this article is practical: a verification you can do in fifteen minutes from your cell phone, before transferring.<\/p>\n

Verify that it is a non-profit organization with a tax identification number and registration.<\/h2>\n

First, and this is non-negotiable: it must exist on paper. A real entity has a tax identification number and is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. That distinguishes it from a personal account soliciting donations through social media.<\/p>\n

Ask for their tax identification number (NIT) and registration number. Hepacom, for example, is the... Facts for the Community Foundation<\/strong>, NIT 900.841.914-1, ESAL S0001780, headquartered in Itag\u00fc\u00ed (Antioquia) with national reach. If you want to better understand this legal structure, see What is a non-profit organization?<\/a> And why does it matter if yours is?.<\/p>\n

Check what he publishes about his investments<\/h2>\n

A reputable foundation doesn't hide its accounts. It publishes how the money is spent: materials, labor, logistics for each project. You don't need to be an accountant to review it; you just need the information to exist and be publicly available.<\/p>\n

If an organization asks you for money but doesn't show where it goes, there's a problem. You can see how we do it on our website. transparency<\/a>, where we open the details of the works.<\/p>\n

I requested works with evidence: photos and dates.<\/h2>\n

Pretty words don't build roofs. Evidence does. A foundation that truly works has photos of the homes it has improved, with dates and locations. Before and after. Real families in their homes.<\/p>\n

Be wary of anyone who only shows renderings, motivational quotes, or stock photos. The finished work is the best calling card there is, and it should be easy to find.<\/p>\n

Confirm the donation certificate and provide real contact information.<\/h2>\n

When you donate to a non-profit organization, you're entitled to a donation certificate. This document isn't just bureaucracy; it's proof that your contribution was recorded in the foundation's accounting. Furthermore, in Colombia, donations to entities under the Special Tax Regime can qualify you for a tax credit under Article 257 of the Tax Code (25%). This isn't tax advice, but it's another reason to request the certificate.<\/p>\n

Also, make sure there's a human contact: a WhatsApp number that responds, a physical location, a person who's available to answer questions. Ours is +57 300 143 7951. You can write before donating and ask anything you want; that's how it should always be.<\/p>\n

Start small and see for yourself<\/h2>\n

My most honest advice: don't donate a large amount right away. Make a small donation, ask for your receipt, see how they treat you and how they report your contributions. If everything looks good, increase the amount with confidence. A trustworthy foundation will appreciate this cautious approach, because they understand that trust is earned through action.<\/p>\n

You can cross-reference the data yourself: the NIT and the registration of any ESAL can be consulted in the DIAN<\/a>. Fifteen minutes of review is worth more than any promise.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Checklist to verify a trustworthy foundation to donate to<\/h2>\n

So you don't have to remember everything, here's a quick checklist: what to ask for, what you should receive, and what red flags tell you it's best not to donate. It's a list you can review on your phone before making a transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
What to check<\/th>\nWhat you should receive<\/th>\nRed flag<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Legal existence<\/td>\nTax ID and registration in the Chamber of Commerce as a non-profit entity<\/td>\nJust a personal account or a phone number<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Use of money<\/td>\nPublic information on how investments are made<\/td>\n\u00ab"Trust" without any details of expenses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Royal Works<\/td>\nPhotos with date and location, before and after<\/td>\nOnly renders, phrases or stock images<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Support for your contribution<\/td>\nDonation certificate in your name<\/td>\nThey refuse to provide a receipt.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Human contact<\/td>\nWhatsApp, headquarters or person who responds<\/td>\nImpossible to talk to a real person<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

If a row remains in the right-hand column, stop the donation until it is clarified.<\/em><\/p>\n

Common mistakes when choosing where to donate<\/h3>\n