This post by the Co-founder of GoPhilanthopic Foundation, Lydia Dean, calls on donors to practice "Informed Philanthropy," particularly in the case of funding orphanages. In the post, Dean explains how GoPhilanthopic (GoPhil) was previously involved in funding such institutions, "knowing that the landscape involved such a wide range of largely unmonitored institutions, we felt our job wasn’t to evaluate the need for their existence (which until now has seemed a moot point), but rather to focus our energies on identifying and vetting the very best ones to assist."
However, they soon realized that they needed to rethink their support for child care institutions altogether. "Alongside a vast network of other NGOs, researchers and child protection specialists, we are now focusing on gaining a much better understanding of why children end up in these homes and orphanages and if they are the best way forward for them," says Dean. The post goes on to describe the major reasons for institutionalization of children, which are primarily related to poverty, and the risks of "uninformed giving."
The post outlines GoPhilanthropic's stand on these issues, stating "we believe the recent models developing around the 'Families First' concept make a compelling, not to mention evidence-based argument, that we should be focusing our investments on creating healthier, stronger family units." Dean also explains GoPhil's approach to supporting vulnerable children which includes focusing on family first campaigns, helping orphanages to transform and deinstitutionalize, and advocating for informed giving and ethical travel and volunteering.