Just as a personal preference, both in the DR and in the US, I donate to organizations (or informal groups) who I see working closely with the people they claim to be helping. In other words, I want to see my money go to the front lines and not to administrators. I have volunteered to work in a few groups just to see how their resources are used. In fact, I'd much rather give time and sweat than write a check, although I know that sometimes money is the only way to help.