What a verification badge can and cannot tell you

A verified badge makes it easier to trust a profile, but it is a starting point, not a certificate of quality.

What verification usually means

It generally means a platform has checked certain details, for example that the organisation exists and that the contact information is real. The exact checks differ between platforms, so look for an explanation.

What it does not tell you

It does not tell you how well an organisation is run, whether its programmes work or whether it suits your needs. Those need your own judgement.

Questions to ask

• What was checked, and when?
• Is the information still current?
• Are there independent mentions of the work?
• Do the funders and partners confirm the relationship?

Use it as one signal

Treat verification as one positive signal alongside registration documents, reports, references and a conversation with the people involved.

Where to go next

Search and compare organisations on the NGO Directory Africa, which lists 13,580 organisations across 54 countries.